Do they curve the ACT test?

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.

Do ACT scores get curved?

It primarily functions to standardize ACT scores and ensure comparability across test dates. So, while the ACT does have a "curve" of sorts, it's more accurately described as an equating process rather than a traditional curve.

Do ACT scores get rounded up?

Your Composite score and each test score (English, mathematics, reading, science) range from 1 (low) to 36 (high). The Composite score is the average of your four test scores, rounded to the nearest whole number. Fractions less than one-half are rounded down; fractions one-half or more are rounded up.

Does the ACT have a bell curve?

Because the average ACT composite score is a little higher than the midpoint of the total ACT score range (20.8 instead of 18.5), the ACT bell curve is slightly shifted over to the right, but otherwise has the same shape as a regular bell curve.

Is 17 a good ACT score?

In general, many US colleges and universities accept applicants with 16 or 17 ACT scores. In fact, an ACT score of 16 or lower is accepted by 33 schools. On the other hand, an ACT score of 17 or lower is accepted by 58 schools.

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Is 27 a low ACT score?

With a score of 27, you are in the 87th percentile of all test takers. More likely than not, with a score of 27, you'll often be in or near the commonly accepted range at selective colleges. The exception may be the Ivy League where the score required may be higher than 30 on average.

Is 23 a low in ACT?

A score of 23 on the ACT is above the current national average and will make you a strong applicant at many universities, but it may fall below the average score for accepted students at more selective colleges.

Can you get a 35.5 on ACT?

Because the ACT composite is an average of all four sections that rounds up, a test-taker can get an average composite of a 35.5 and still receive a 36.

How rare is a 27 on the ACT?

27 ACT Score Standings

Out of the 1.91 million test-takers, 248925 scored the same or higher than you. You can apply to 1266 colleges and have a good shot at getting admitted.

Is 37 a good ACT score?

In general, a good ACT score is any score in or above the 75th percentile — at least a 24. Students should aim to hit or exceed the middle 50% of ACT scores at their chosen colleges.

Is a 12 good for ACT?

12 ACT Score Standings

Out of the 1.91 million test-takers, 1838217 scored the same or higher than you. You can apply to 2 colleges and have a good shot at getting admitted. You have a very low chance of getting into 1505 schools with this score.

What is the lowest ACT score?

In 2022, some 36 percent of high school graduates were projected to take the ACT. The minimum score on the ACT is 1 and maximum score is 36.

How much is ACT usually curved?

Contrary to popular belief, there is no ACT curve. This means that how well other test takers do on the ACT will not affect your ACT score.

Can my ACT score be wrong?

The College Board (SAT) and the ACT both use computerized scoring processes, which is why there is so much emphasis on filling in those ovals completely with a dark pencil. But, occasionally the machines make a mistake, or a student loses track on the answer sheet and fills in a row of answers in the wrong spots.

Is 20 a decent ACT score?

Students aiming for semi-competitive, moderately competitive colleges (those with acceptance rates between 50-70%), and competitive colleges (those with acceptance rates between 30-50%) should aim for scores between 20 and 27. Those scores are good, because they help you apply to competitive colleges.

Is 18 a low ACT score?

Earning an 18 on the ACT puts you at the 38th percentile, meaning that you scored higher than 38% of all test takers.

Is 19 a good ACT score?

The average ACT score is 19. Therefore, earning this score means you performed within the 50th percentile of test takers.

Is a 27 a good ACT score?

Considering those things, it's easy to say that a 27 ACT score is good. Looking at this from another angle, earning a score of 27 lands you in the 85th percentile, meaning that you've scored higher than 85% of all test takers. Give yourself a round of applause!

Has anyone gotten a 1 on the ACT?

The absolute minimum ACT score you can get is a 1, although this is very unlikely to happen. You might be more worried about getting a score high enough to get into college.

Is a 32 a good ACT score?

All that considered, yes, 32 is a good ACT score. To show you just how good, we have to look at the percentiles. A 32 ACT score puts you at the 97th percentile — that means you scored higher than 97% all test takers!

Is 29 a good English ACT score?

A 29 ACT score puts you in the 91st percentile — that means you scored higher than 91% of all test takers. That's a brilliant accomplishment and you should be proud!

Can I get into Harvard with a 27 ACT?

There's no absolute ACT requirement at Harvard, but they really want to see at least a 34 to have a chance at being considered.

Is a 28 bad on ACT?

With a score of 28, you are in the 91st percentile of all test takers. More likely than not, with a score of 28, you'll often be in or near the commonly accepted range at highly selective colleges. The exception may be the Ivy League where the score required may be higher than 30 on average.

Is 30 a good ACT score?

Scope of ACT Score of 30 and Above

Out of the multitudes of people who take the ACT exam, a score of 30+ positions the student in the leading 93rd percent nationwide. The results demonstrate that your performance on the test's English, Math, Reading, and Science section was noticeably beyond average.