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How is the ACT Scored?

By Quiz Admin Categories: ACT
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About Course

This content provides an in-depth explanation of how the ACT is scored, covering raw scores, scaled scores, percentiles, and the essay scoring process.
  • Raw scores represent the number of questions answered correctly, varying by section, with English allowing for a higher raw score than reading or science.
  • Scaled scores, which are of more interest, are out of 36 for each section, with median scores historically around 20 to 21.
  • The ACT is not scored on a standard bell curve, allowing for the possibility of a larger number of high or low scores depending on the test’s difficulty and student performance.
  • Percentiles are listed on score reports, indicating a student’s performance relative to peers, but both scaled scores and percentiles factor into college admissions decisions.
  • The essay is scored differently, on a scale of 2 to 12, with two graders assessing four domains, and high scores on the essay can significantly impact a student’s application.
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