The ACT isn't just about ticking off boxes on an answer sheet. It reflects how hard you want to go to college, what you’ve got, and your thinking skills. Increasing your ACT composite score can open doors to your dream college and scholarships. But where do you begin?
What is the ACT Composite Score?
The ACT Composite Score provides an overall measure of your performance on the ACT exam. It figures out and points out your skills and knowledge in the four core subjects: English, Math, Reading, and Science.
Here's how the composite score is calculated:
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1. Individual Test Scores
First, you'll receive a score between 1 and 36 for each test.
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2. Compute the Average
You add the scores from each of the four areas to get the composite score. Divide the sum by four.
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3. Round it Up
The average is then rounded to the nearest whole number.
For instance, if your average score across the four tests is 27.25, your composite score will be rounded to 27. Your average of 27.5 or above would be rounded to 28.
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4. Take note: Optional Writing Section
It's worth noting that the ACT Essay is optional. It does not factor into the composite score. Instead, if you take the Writing test, you'll receive a separate score for it.
The highest possible composite score one can achieve on the ACT is 36. You need a 36 on each of the four individual tests.
The lowest you can possibly get is 1. While achieving a perfect score is by luck, you still need to aim for the highest that you can. Doing so can increase your chances of admitting to your dream university.
Increasing Your Composite Score
To achieve your ideal ACT score more is needed to merely study; it's about looking smart. A personalized study plan can maximize efficiency and ensure your preparation time is well-spent.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating a customized study plan tailored just for you:
Step 1: Point Out Your Strengths and Weaknesses
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• Take a Practice Test
Begin with a full-length official ACT practice test. This will help you understand the format and the questions you'll encounter.
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• Analyze Your Results
Next, check which sections had the most incorrect answers. Was it the Math section? Or perhaps the Science section?
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• Reflect on the Experience
Beyond the raw scores, think about the hardest parts. Did you run out of time in a specific section? Did certain question types consistently trip you up?
Step 2: Setting a Realistic Target Score
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• Research College Requirements
If you have specific colleges in mind, research the average ACT scores of those who passed their admissions. If you know someone, the better. This will give you a goal to aim for.
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• Consider Your Previous Scores
If you've taken the ACT or other standardized tests before, use those scores as a basis. This is so you know where to start.
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• Set an Incremental Goal
Consider setting an intermediate goal if your practice test score was a 24 and your dream college's average is a 30. Maybe start with 27 before aiming for 30 or higher.
Step 3: Breaking Down Study Time Based on Weaknesses
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• Allocate More Time to Weak Areas
If the Math section was challenging, devote more study hours to practicing math problems.
This doesn’t mean you should neglect your strong areas. But we think that you should not spend as much time on them.
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• Use Specialized Resources
If you need help with a particular section, seek resources and tools specifically designed for that subject. For example, if Reading is your weak spot, books and online tools are tailored to improve ACT reading comprehension skills.
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• Adjust as You Go
After a few weeks, take another practice test. Analyze the results to see if you've improved in your weak areas.
Adjust your study plan accordingly. If you've strengthened your weak points, it might be time to give equal attention to all areas. Also, focus on another soft spot that has emerged.
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• Create a Study Schedule
Set aside specific times each day or several days a week for focused study.
For instance, you might reserve Mondays and Wednesdays for Math. Then, Tuesdays and Thursdays for English and Reading, and Fridays for Science.
Alternatively, you could dedicate the first half of your study sessions to weak areas. The second half is to general practice.
The battlefield isn't just the content but how you approach it. Time can be friend or foe—learn to manage it effectively. If you're stuck, use Testing Timers. Confidence is your silent weapon, so using Testing Timers can help you by practicing mindfulness and visualization techniques.
The ACT score isn't the finish line; it's a milestone on your academic journey. Embrace a growth mindset. Once you’ve achieved increasing your composite score, you'll realize that "Unlocking ACT Excellence" isn't just a title; it's your personal story.
