1. What is the ACT Composite Score?

The ACT Composite Score is the average of your four section scores (Reading, Science, Math, and English) rounded to the nearest whole number. It's the primary score colleges use for admissions decisions.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the ACT composite score formula:

Where:

• \( CS \) — Composite Score (1-36)
• \( RS \) — Reading Score (1-36)
• \( SS \) — Science Score (1-36)
• \( MS \) — Math Score (1-36)
• \( ES \) — English Score (1-36)

Explanation: The composite score is calculated by adding all four section scores and dividing by four, then rounding to the nearest whole number.

3. Importance of Composite Score

Details: The composite score is the most important ACT score for college admissions, scholarships, and academic placement. Most colleges report the average composite scores of their incoming classes.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your section scores (1-36) for Reading, Science, Math, and English. The calculator will compute your composite score. All values must be between 1 and 36.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How is the composite score rounded?
A: The average is rounded to the nearest whole number. If the decimal is exactly 0.5, it rounds up.

Q2: What is a good composite score?
A: The national average is about 21. Competitive colleges typically look for scores of 28+.

Q3: Can I calculate without all four scores?
A: No, you need all four section scores to calculate an official composite score.

Q4: How does the writing score affect this?
A: The writing score (2-12) is reported separately and doesn't affect the composite score.

Q5: What's the highest possible composite score?
A: The maximum composite score is 36, which requires perfect 36s in all four sections.