ACT scores are accepted by many colleges and universities in the United States. Each section is scored separately to determine the overall score. The score will be on a 0-36 scale and will be available 2-3 weeks after the exam. The same will be available on the website, where you can easily download and print it. You can even send the results to universities right away if you want.

ACT Report Delivery Time

There are three kinds of ACT Reports: Candidate’s Report, High School Report and College Report. You can get detailed knowledge about the same from the table below.

Types of Report Where Delivered Delivery Time Content 
Candidate’s Report Your online ACT web account Around 2-8 weeks after the test date ACT scores, college & work planning information
High School Report Your high school through online reporting Around 2-8 weeks after the test date ACT scores, college & work planning information
College Report Each valid college code you paid for & listed when you registered & tested Differs based on college & delivery time The Student & High School Report, plus the grades you reported in up to 30 high school courses; may also involve predictions about your performance in specific programs & courses

Important Dates Of ACT Scores 2022-23

If you wish to know about the dates when the tests are conducted. The scores will be available for the colleges and yourself; you can check the table below.

Test Dates Dates When Students Get Scores Dates When Colleges Get Scores
September 10, 2022 September 20 – October 4 September 24 – November 4
October 22, 2022 November 1 – November 15 November 5 – December 16
December 10, 2022 December 20 – January 3, 2023 December 24  -February 3, 2023
February 11, 2023 February 21 – March 7 February 25 – April 7
April 15, 2023 April 25 – May 9 April 29 – June 9
June 10, 2023 June 20 – July 4 June 24 – August 4
July 15, 2023 July 25 – August 8 July 29 – September 8

ACT Score

The ACT’s four sections (English, Reading, Science, and Math) are scored on a scale of 1-36. The composite score is the sum of these individual scores. If you take the optional Writing section, you will be graded on a scale of 2 to 12. It will have no effect on the overall score. The result will be available two weeks after the test. You can view your score in your ACT account.

The average test score for each section is given below.

Section  Score 
English 20.3
Maths 20.9
Science 20.8
Reading 21.3
Composite 21.0

ACT Exam Sections And Scoring

The ACT score is assigned on a scale of 1 to 36. The composite score is used to assess a student’s ability. It is the mean of all sections. Those who attempt the Writing section will receive a separate score. The Writing section score ranges from 2 to 12 and has no bearing on the overall score.

The average section-wise score is detailed in the table below.

Section  Average Score
English 20.3
Maths 20.9
Science 20.8
Reading 21.3
Composite 21.0

Highlights Of ACT Score 2022

The highlights of the ACT 2022 are explained below if you are interested.

  • The ACT scorecard will be available online through the ACT account you created when you registered.
  • The overall ACT score will be available only after the Writing section score is added.
  • The composite score is the sum of the four sections’ scores. The Writing section score has no bearing on the overall score.
  • The student report will be available on the ACT account two to eight weeks after the test.
  • The English, Reading, Science, and Math sections will be graded on a scale of 1-36, while the composite score will be on a scale of 2-12.

How To See The ACT Score?

The ACT scores will be released online. You can check the same by logging into the ACT account you created during registration. They are not sent through any other medium like email, message etc. However, you can contact the customer service executive over the phone if you want to know anything about test scores. You must constantly check whether the result is released by logging into your account regularly.

How Is The ACT Scored?

The Writing section of the ACT is scored differently than the other four sections. The scoring procedure is described below.

  • For multiple-choice questions, one point is awarded for each correct answer, and no points are deducted for incorrect answers.
  • The maximum raw ACT score for 60 questions is 60. Similarly, a raw ACT score of 40 can be obtained for 40 questions.
  • The raw scores will be converted to a 1-36 scale.
  • This is done so that the difficulty levels of the questions vary.
  • The composite score is the average of the four sections’ scores.
  • Two examiners will grade the Writing section on a scale of 1-6 on the domains of development and support, language use and conventions, ideas and analysis, and organization. The Writing section will be graded on a scale of 2 to 12.
  • The Writing score has no bearing on the overall score.

When Are ACT Scores Released?

The results of the multiple-choice section will be available two business days after the computer-based test is completed. The Writing score will be available 2-3 weeks after the multiple-choice scores. The special testing score will be available two to ten weeks after the test.

IELTS Score TOEFL Score
GRE Scores SAT Results & Scores

How Do Colleges Use The ACT Scores?

The colleges will use the ACT scores for a few purposes. They are listed below.

  • Admissions: The ACT score is one of the many factors based on which colleges make admissions decisions.
  • Course Placement: The ACT score is considered by colleges and universities to place students in first-year courses.
  • Scholarships and Loans: Several scholarships are granted based on the ACT scores. You will find the same in the Overview section.

ACT 2022-23 Score Release Schedule

The ACT exam dates for 2022 are confirmed. The score release schedule for 2022-23 is given in the table below.

ACT Test Date Multiple Choice Score Release Complete Score Release
September 10, 2022 September 20, 2022 October 4, 2022
October 22, 2022 November 1, 2022 November 15, 2022
December 10, 2022 December 20, 2022 January 3, 2023
February 11, 2023 February 21, 2023 March 7, 2023
April 1, 2023 April 11, 2023 April 25, 2023
June 10, 2023 June 20, 2023 July 4, 2023
July 15, 2023 July 25, 2023 August 8, 2023

Can ACT Scores Be Cancelled?

If your scores are found to be invalid, the ACT has the authority to cancel them. There is also the option for students to cancel their scores, which ACT will do if they request it. If you do this after your scores have been sent to universities and colleges, ACT will notify them that your scores have been cancelled.

ACT vs SAT Scores

Like ACT, SAT is also a popular exam to get admission in the USA. You can take either of these exams for your Undergraduate study in the USA.

A comparison of the ACT and SAT scores are given in the table below:

ACT Score SAT Score
36 1600-1570
35 1560-1530
34 1520-1490
33 1480-1450
32 1440-1420
31 1410-1390
30 1380-1360
29 1350-1330
28 1320-1300
27 1290-1260
26 1250-1230
25 1220-1200
24 1190-1160
23 1150-1130
22 1120-1100
21 1090-1060
10 1050-1030
19 1020-990
18 980-960
17 950-920
16 910-880
15 870-830
14 820-780
13 770-730
12 720-690
11 680-650
10 640-620
9 610-590

Universities Accepting Top Scores For ACT

It is difficult to tell the difference between a good and a bad ACT score. It is determined by the university/college to which you are applying. The minimum acceptable score varies by university, and you should obtain the score required for admission. In 2020, the average ACT composite score was 20.6. To be admitted to a university, you must score significantly higher. The table below provides a list of the ACT score ranges accepted by some of the top universities.

University  ACT Composite Score Range
John Hopkins University 33-35
Duke University 33-35
Stanford University 32-35
Yale University 32-35
Harvard University 33-35
Massachusetts Institute of Technology 33-35
Princeton University 32-35
University of California, Berkeley 29-34

Frequently Asked Questions About ACT Exam Results & Scores

Q – How do I send my ACT results to universities?

Once the results are available, you can send your ACT scores directly to the university. You can select your universities at the time of registration.

Q – How reliable is an ACT scorecard?

The ACT scorecard is good for five years.

Q: What is the ACT score range?

The ACT composite score ranges from 1 to 36.

Q – Does the ACT Writing section affect the overall score?

No, the Writing section does not affect the ACT composite score.

Q: What is the ACT composite score?

The ACT composite score is the average of the four ACT sections.

Q: Can I change my test score after I’ve taken it?

No, you cannot change your test score. You can, however, choose not to send your score to universities/colleges. You can do the same within five days of receiving your test results.

Q – How do I find out my ACT score?

The ACT score will be available on the official website. You can access your ACT account and download your scorecard.

Q – When will the ACT results be made public?

Ans – The ACT result is available two weeks after the test.

Q: Can I change the date of the ACT?

Yes, by logging into your ACT account, you can reschedule your ACT date. You can make the necessary modifications there. However, you must do so before the late registration deadline.

Q: When do colleges get their ACT scores?

Ans – If you provide a list of colleges at the time of registration, colleges will receive your ACT score within 4-10 weeks.

Q: Can I retake the ACT after getting a perfect score the first time?

Ans – If you already have a good ACT score, there is no need to retake the exam. Furthermore, you may perform poorly on your second try.

Q: What is the cost of the ACT?

Ans – Without the written exam, the ACT costs USD 150. You must pay an additional USD 16.50 to take the Writing test.