The highest possible score on the ACT is 36 (on a scale of 1-36).
Whether you are currently just researching about the ACT exam or are already deep into the preparation, having complete knowledge about the marking scheme can go a long way into improving your chances. This comprehensive guide of EduQuest that we have prepared makes sure that you get all the information about the marking pattern so that you not only work harder but also smarter.
Why does the ACT score matter?
If you are planning to appear for the ACT exam soon, then you must know the highest possible score that you can get in this examination. Having complete knowledge about the ACT scores and the marking scheme gives you an idea about the areas you need to work on and the goals to set. A good ACT score gives leverage to your college application and improves your chances of getting into your dream college. The above-average score makes you stand out among all the other applicants. So make sure you put forward your best efforts for the highest possible score.
How is the ACT score calculated?
The ACT score is a composite score that is calculated from four subjects, namely:
| Subjects | Score distribution | |||||||||
| English | 1-36 (5 Passages)
| |||||||||
| Mathematics | 1-36
| |||||||||
| Reading | 1-36 (4 Passages)
| |||||||||
| Science | 1-36 (no breakdown for science) 7 Passages |
The ACT score, as mentioned earlier is not a stand-alone score. When we talk about the perfect score, it means the average of all the mentioned subjects. All four subjects are marked on a scale of 1-36 as shown in the table above. So the perfect ACT score does not mean getting 36 in all the subjects. Thus, for example, if you score 34 in one subject and 36 in all the other subjects, your ACT score will still be a perfect 36.
(34+36+36+36=35.5).
And because the ACT score is a whole number, this score would round up to 36.
The ACT exam includes the optional subject which consists of essay writing. The essay is marked on a scale of 2-12. The essay score is not included in the ACT score which means you can get a perfect ACT score irrespective of how you perform in the essay section.
How are subject scores calculated in the ACT exam?
All four subjects are marked on a scale of 1-36 on the basis of raw scores. The raw scores depend upon the number of questions that you correctly answer. You score one mark for each correct answer and lose no marks for the omitted or wrong answers. Thus if you answer 40 questions correctly in science, you will get a raw score of 40.
| Scale Score | Test 1 English | Test 2 Mathematics | Test 3 Reading | Test 4 Science | Scale Score |
| 36 | 74-75 | 59-60 | 40 | 40 | 36 |
| 35 | 71-73 | 57-58 | 38-39 | – | 35 |
| 34 | 70 | 55-56 | 37 | 39 | 34 |
| 33 | 69 | 54 | 36 | 38 | 33 |
| 32 | 68 | 53 | 34-35 | – | 32 |
The above table shows the pattern of raw scores and how they translate into the scaled scores which will be further averaged for the ACT score. Thus, as you can see in the above chart, you can get a perfect score of 36 even if you miss one question each from both the English and the maths section.
Changes from September 2020
How to Prepare for the best for Act Exam?
Now that you have the knowledge about the ACT marking scheme, get to the preparation! Even if your dream college does not require you to take this test, good ACT Coaching will help you get the merit scholarships.
Time management plays a crucial role in the ACT exam. As you can see from the table below, you get one minute for each math question and less than a minute for the English, reading, and science questions. The test is not just to see the question-solving ability but your ability to solve the questions under pressure and constraints of time. Make sure to consider time management while strategizing for preparations.
| Subjects | Total Time | No. of Questions |
| English | 45 minutes | 75 |
| Math | 60 minutes | 60 |
| Reading | 35 minutes | 40 |
| Science | 35 minutes | 40 |
| Writing Test (Optional) | 40 minutes | 1 essay |
Refer to the table given below to understand the ACT Syllabus so that you can prepare well for the exam:
| Section Name | Syllabus |
| English | Usage and Mechanics: Punctuation, Sentence Structure, Grammar Usage Rhetorical Skills: Style, Strategy, Organization |
| Science | Research Summaries, Data Representation, and Conflicting Viewpoints |
| Mathematics | Trigonometry, Coordinate Geometry, Plane Geometry, Pre-Algebra, Intermediate Algebra, Elementary Algebra |
| Reading | Reading Passages that focus on different subjects such as Social Science, Natural Science, Humanities, and Literary Function. |
Make sure to cover the areas thoroughly that you find yourself slightly lacking in. There are various subsections in all the four subjects and covering each and every topic is important. If you leave your weak sections for the last moment, they will prove to be a headache in the end. Considering the exam is also time-bounded, you must be on your toes for all the sections.
The practice tests help you with time management and identifying your weak spots. If you are practicing regularly, you know the areas you need to direct your focus on. Thus make sure to take as many practice tests as possible at regular intervals of your preparation.
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