Are ACT tests getting harder?

(Lucky you.) Most of the changes are seen in the Science and Reading sections, where the questions are getting more complex and time-consuming. The ACT is not advertising any changes, so it's up to you to keep a discerning eye when you take practice tests from various years and adjust your test prep accordingly.

Does the ACT get progressively harder?

Questions typically increase in difficulty as the section progresses, so, if possible, work through the earlier questions as quickly as possible to leave more time for more complex questions later in the section.

What is the average ACT score for 2023?

Scores on the ACT college admissions test fell to a 30-year low in 2023. The average composite score on the exam fell 0.3 points to 19.5 compared with 19.8 last year, according to the nonprofit group that administers the exam. The top score is 36.

Are ACT practice tests harder than the real thing?

They are both supposed to be equally as difficult. A good studying strategy would be to take ACT practice tests with harder questions to improve your skills for the real thing. But both versions of the test are supposed to be equally difficult.

Are ACT scores lower this year?

ACT scores dropped from 19.8 for the class of 2022 to 19.5 for the class of 2023. According to Collegeboard.org, SAT scores dropped from 1050 in 2022 to 1028 in 2023. When it comes to the ACT, this is the lowest score in 30 years, and Florida is one of the states with the lowest overall scores. TAMPA, Fla.

The 12 Most Repetitive ACT® Math Question Types (you can easily get right every time!) in 6 minutes!

How common is 36 on ACT?

Unsurprisingly, a full 36 is the rarest score of all—just 0.25% of all test takers earned a perfect ACT score. Roughly three times more students earned the next-highest score of 35; however, this is still a very rare score that just 0.775% of test takers earned.

Why are ACT scores falling?

Zoom out: Test scores across all ages have seen record lows since the pandemic. Meanwhile, college enrollment has declined for three years in a row. More colleges and universities have eliminated requirements for standardized tests or made them optional as a response to dwindling enrollment.

Has the ACT gotten harder or easier?

Relatively speaking, the ACT has gotten “harder” over the years. As students start to do better on ACT, the test-makers gradually adjust the difficulty level of the test. And students have gotten better. In 1970, the average composite score nationwide was 18.6.

Is it harder to get a perfect ACT or SAT?

The SAT is better if you're near a top score, because it's easier to “ace”--to get a 99th percentile or perfect score on--than the ACT. There are many reasons for this, but if you think you're going to be scoring high, your chances of scoring in the highest percentiles are better on the SAT.

Has ACT Math gotten harder?

The ACT Has Become More Difficult Over the Years

If you compare the general difficulty levels of the ACT exams over the last few years with the ACT exams during the 1970s, you will probably note that today's version of the test involves much more difficult questions.

Is 17 a bad ACT score?

Below Average Score Range: 1-16. Average Score Range: 17-24. Above Average Score Range: 25-36.

Will colleges accept a 17 ACT score?

17 ACT Score Standings

Out of the 1.91 million test-takers, 1359515 scored the same or higher than you. You can apply to 64 colleges and have a good shot at getting admitted. You have a very low chance of getting into 1443 schools with this score.

Is 17 a good ACT score for a sophomore?

Again, research has found that the average ACT score for sophomores is 18 points. Anything above that would be considered great for a 10th grader. In percentile terms, if you are able to score a 24, then you'd already rank higher than over 75 percent of other sophomore scores.

What months are the ACT easiest to take?

The ideal window for low-stress ACT testing opens in the spring of sophomore year and closes the summer after junior year.

Why is the ACT so much harder?

1 Strict Time Constraints. The structure of the ACT makes it difficult for some test-takers. Consider the English section. You'll get just 45 minutes to answer 75 questions, meaning you'll need to answer a question every 36 seconds to complete the section in time.

Is the ACT score curved?

It's important to note that the ACT® exam itself is not curved relative to test takers. However, it is curved through a process known as equating. This is when the ACT® organization scales test scores from a range of past test dates so that they're all comparable in the ability that is being tested.

Is a 36 ACT or 1600 SAT more impressive?

A 1600 SAT score is equivalent to earning a 36 on the ACT. While the tests are entirely comparable — there are differences in time management and content, among other things — but this is a score equivalent.

Do kids do better on ACT or SAT?

Most colleges do not prefer one test over the other. Neither the SAT nor the ACT is harder than the other. Different students tend to do better on one test over the other.

Which act test is the easiest?

While there is no section that is inherently easier or harder than the others, some students may find that they are naturally better at certain types of questions or have had more practice with certain skills.

Does ACT score or GPA matter more?

Contrary to the claims of many college admissions officers, one score does seem to matter more than the other. While your GPA plays an important role, most schools will place greater importance on your ACT score.

Is it easy to get a 21 on the ACT?

Looking at this from another angle, a score of 21 puts you at the 50th percentile, meaning you scored higher than 50% of test takers — which is certainly something to be proud of. It also means that 50% of test takers scored higher, too, putting you in a bit of a limbo where you're almost competitive, but not quite.

Is 1 month enough to study for ACT?

Although one month of ACT prep isn't enough for everyone, it can suffice if your goal is to improve your score by no more than 4-6 total points. Students who want to improve their scores by 6-9 points will be better off aiming for a smaller score improvement and then retaking the ACT at a later date.

What was the average ACT score in 1991?

While the national average ACT score has fallen, the explanation for the score drop is far more nuanced than ACT's press release encourages the media to report. Yes, for the class of 1991 the average ACT composite score was 22.1 (out of 36) and for the class of 2022 it was 19.8.

What is considered a low ACT score?

Scores below a 15 on the ACT are considered low at just about any four-year college. You can overcome low scores with a great GPA or an outstanding college application. But even if you're accepted, the school may ask you to take some remedial courses before enrolling.

What is the lowest score colleges will accept on ACT?

Colleges generally consider a minimum ACT score of 12 for admission. Scores below this threshold may pose challenges in the admission process, impacting your chances of acceptance.