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Calculate your ACT composite score by averaging your English, Math, Reading, and Science section scores. Find your national percentile ranking and see what composite score is required for your target colleges and scholarship programs.
The ACT is scored 1-36 with a composite score that is the average of four sections: English (1-36), Math (1-36), Reading (1-36), and Science (1-36). The national average ACT composite score is approximately 19.5. Understanding ACT scores helps you set realistic prep goals and compare yourself to admitted students at your target schools.
The ACT tests four subject areas: English (grammar, punctuation, sentence structure — 75 questions, 45 min), Mathematics (pre-algebra through trigonometry — 60 questions, 60 min), Reading (reading comprehension — 40 questions, 35 min), and Science (data interpretation and reasoning — 40 questions, 35 min). Each section is scored 1-36.
| College Tier | ACT Range | Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| Ivy League / Top 10 | 33-36 | 99th+ percentile |
| Top 25 Universities | 30-34 | 95-99th percentile |
| Top 50 Universities | 27-32 | 88-97th percentile |
| Competitive Schools | 24-28 | 74-89th percentile |
| Average 4-Year College | 20-24 | 50-74th percentile |
| Open Admissions | Below 20 | Test optional/not required |
Colleges accept both equally. ACT to SAT equivalents: ACT 36 = SAT 1590, ACT 34 = SAT 1520, ACT 32 = SAT 1450, ACT 30 = SAT 1370, ACT 28 = SAT 1310, ACT 26 = SAT 1240, ACT 24 = SAT 1160, ACT 22 = SAT 1090, ACT 20 = SAT 1010. Use the College Board SAT-ACT concordance table for precise conversions when applying to schools with different test policies.
Many colleges now superscore the ACT — taking your highest section score from each test attempt and combining them into a new composite. If you scored English 32, Math 28, Reading 30, Science 29 on your first attempt and English 30, Math 31, Reading 32, Science 30 on your second: Superscored composite = (32+31+32+30)/4 = 31.25 = 31. Superscoring rewards multiple test attempts.