The ACT is often a factor for college acceptance.
The ACT, American College Test, is a national standardized test that predicts an individual’s likelihood to succeed in college. After taking the test, students anxiously wait to find out their scores. Some students receive their score reports, look over an array of sub-scores and charts, and find themselves confused about how the final score was determined.
Individual Test Scores
The ACT is made up of four tests in Reading, Mathematics, Science and English. Each test is scored individually. ACT says that it only counts questions that are correct. There is no penalty for incorrect answers or guessing. The number of correct answers on each test is put to a scale ranging between one and 36, with one being the lowest.
Sub Scores
Each individual test is sub-scored to show you specifically what areas need improvement. In English you receive sub scores in Usage, Mechanics and Rhetorical Skills. In Math, sub scores are Coordinate Geometry, Plane Geometry, Trigonometry. The reading section scores Social Studies/ Sciences reading skills and Arts/ Literature reading skills. The Science section is not sub scored. It only shows an overall score that tests knowledge of science. Although the number of questions on each test varies, ACT puts the score of the number of questions answered correctly on a scale between one--meaning a low score, and eighteen--meaning a high score. This is for placement purposes, and the total of these sub scores will not total to be the scores on the individual tests.
Composite Scores
The total ACT score is called a composite score and the highest composite score possible is a 36. The average of your four test scores is called your composite score, says ACT. Decimals are rounded to the nearest whole number.
Receiving a Score
Scores are available for viewing online about two weeks after a test is taken, but ACT cautions that viewing the score online will not speed the mailing of score reports to individuals or colleges. Early online viewing will only decrease anxiety for the test-taker. All score reports are mailed by eight weeks after the test date, according to ACT. There are several factors that can delay reporting, such as missing information, irregularity at a testing center or if you registered after the late-registration deadline.
Use of Scores
Some high schools use ACT scores in lieu of a state accountability test, but the test is traditionally used by colleges. For some students, this test will determine admittance to preferred colleges. For others, scores may mean that they will be allowed to take advanced courses or are required to take remedial courses. The ACT may be taken as many times as a student wishes to improve a score.
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