ACT Score Calculator
Calculate your ACT composite score and see where you stand
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📊 Quick Answer
Your ACT composite score is 27, placing you in the 86th percentile. This means you scored higher than 86% of test takers. Your score is considered good.
Dr. Snezana Lawrence
Mathematical Historian
15+ years experience
PhD from Yale University. Published mathematical historian ensuring precision in all calculations.
Education
PhD in Mathematical History - Yale University
📑 Table of Contents
📐 How the ACT Score is Calculated
The ACT consists of four mandatory sections, each scored from 1-36:
English (75 questions, 45 min)
Tests grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and rhetorical skills.
Math (60 questions, 60 min)
Covers algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. Calculator allowed.
Reading (40 questions, 35 min)
Tests reading comprehension with passages from various subjects.
Science (40 questions, 35 min)
Tests interpretation of scientific data and reasoning skills.
Composite Score Formula
Composite = (English + Math + Reading + Science) / 4
Rounded to the nearest whole number
📊 ACT Score Ranges
| Score Range | Level | Percentile | College Competitiveness |
|---|---|---|---|
| 33-36 | Excellent | 98-100% | Highly Selective (Ivy League) |
| 28-32 | Very Good | 89-97% | Selective Schools |
| 24-27 | Good | 73-86% | Competitive Schools |
| 20-23 | Average | 48-67% | Moderately Selective |
| 1-19 | Below Average | 1-42% | Less Selective |
📈 ACT Percentiles
Percentiles show how your score compares to other test-takers. A 75th percentile score means you scored higher than 75% of students.
🎓 ACT Scores for Top Colleges
| College | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| MIT | 34 | 36 |
| Harvard | 33 | 36 |
| Stanford | 32 | 35 |
| Yale | 33 | 35 |
| Duke | 32 | 35 |
| Northwestern | 32 | 35 |
| UCLA | 27 | 34 |
| University of Michigan | 30 | 34 |
| NYU | 31 | 34 |
| Boston University | 30 | 33 |
💡 Tips to Improve Your ACT Score
Take Practice Tests
Familiarize yourself with the format and timing.
Focus on Weaknesses
Spend more time on sections where you score lowest.
Learn Time Management
Don't spend too long on any single question.
Answer Every Question
No penalty for wrong answers—always guess!
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How is the ACT composite score calculated?
The ACT composite score is the average of your four section scores (English, Math, Reading, and Science), rounded to the nearest whole number.
What is a good ACT score?
The national average is 21. Scores above 25 are considered good, above 30 excellent, and above 33 are in the top 2% of test takers.
Does the ACT Writing score affect my composite?
No, the ACT Writing score (2-12) is reported separately and does not affect your composite score.
How many times can I take the ACT?
You can take the ACT up to 12 times total. Many students take it 2-3 times to improve their scores. With superscore policies, some colleges take your best section scores from multiple test dates.
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Dr. Snezana Lawrence
Mathematical Historian | PhD from Yale
Dr. Lawrence is a published mathematical historian with a PhD from Yale University. She ensures mathematical precision and accuracy in all our calculations, conversions, and academic score calculators. Her expertise spans computational mathematics and educational assessment.
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