The ACT: Scoring, Official Prep and How Colleges Use It

Used for U.S. undergraduate admission, alongside or instead of the SAT.

Scoring, from the test maker

• Composite score range is 1–36.
• The composite is the average of your English, math and reading scores, rounded to the nearest whole number.
• 36 is the highest composite and the highest score for each section.
• The optional writing test is scored on a 2–12 scale.

Official preparation

• ACT: Official test preparation

Test fees, dates and rules change; confirm them with the test maker when you register.

Using your score

Each college page lists its federal SAT/ACT policy and middle 50% scores. Browse test-optional colleges by state.

Official sources

• ACT: Understanding your scores (checked Oct 23, 2026)