If your student is preparing for the ACT test, you’re probably asking the same questions many parents ask: What is a good ACT score? How do colleges use ACT test scores in admissions? Is professional ACT tutoring necessary?
Understanding how the ACT is scored—and what those scores mean—can help you support your child’s academic goals. In this guide, we’ll break down the ACT composite score, explore the ACT college readiness benchmark, and explain how tutoring with Mackler Associates can help your student perform at their best on test day.
What Is the ACT Test and How Is It Scored?
The ACT test is a standardized college entrance exam that measures a student’s readiness for college-level academics. It consists of four required multiple-choice sections:
- English
- Math
- Reading
- Science
Each section is scored on a scale from 1 to 36. These scores are then averaged to calculate a composite score, also ranging from 1 to 36. This final number is what most colleges focus on during admissions.
For example:
- English: 25
- Math: 27
- Reading: 26
- Science: 28
ACT composite score = (25 + 27 + 26 + 28) ÷ 4 = 26.5, which rounds to 27
There’s also an optional writing test (essay) scored separately on a scale of 2–12. While the writing section isn’t factored into the ACT composite score, some colleges still consider it as part of a holistic admissions review.
Understanding the ACT College Readiness Benchmark
The college readiness benchmark is a score that indicates whether a student is likely to succeed in first-year college courses. According to ACT, the benchmarks are:
- English: 18
- Math: 22
- Reading: 22
- Science: 23
Students who meet or exceed these scores are considered “college ready” in those subjects. ACT test scores that fall below the benchmark may signal the need for additional academic support, which is where ACT tutoring becomes especially valuable.
What Is a Good ACT Score?
A “good” ACT score depends on your student’s goals and target colleges. Here’s how to interpret results:
- Average ACT score (nationally): 20–21
- Competitive for many public universities: 24–27
- Very competitive colleges: 28–31
- Top-tier/selective institutions: 32–36
To determine what is a good ACT score for your student, research the average ACT scores for the colleges on their list. Many schools (and even the college board) publish score ranges for admitted students, which can serve as a helpful benchmark.
How Colleges Use ACT Test Scores in Admissions
Colleges evaluate ACT test scores as part of the admissions process alongside GPA, coursework, extracurricular activities, and personal essays. Here’s what admissions teams typically review:
- ACT composite score: The overall average of the four sections.
- Section scores: Some programs (like engineering or pre-med) place extra emphasis on math or science.
- Superscoring: Many colleges now superscore, combining the highest section scores from multiple test dates.
- Writing test: While optional, a strong essay score can strengthen an application for writing-intensive majors.
- Score trends: Improvement over time, particularly from older ACT scores to a more recent attempt, may be viewed positively.
When Should Students Take the ACT Test?
Students typically take the ACT for the first time in spring of junior year, with additional test dates available in the summer and fall. Upcoming 2025 ACT test dates include:
- June 14, 2025
- July 12, 2025
We recommend registering early and working with an ACT tutor to create a study schedule at least three months before test day.
Why ACT Tutoring Makes a Difference
A high ACT score can open the door to selective colleges, merit scholarships, and academic honors programs. But to reach their full potential, most students benefit from expert support and a structured test prep plan.
Mackler Associates specializes in one-on-one ACT tutoring that includes:
- Personalized instruction based on practice test results
- Comprehensive coverage of ACT English, math, reading, and science
- Proven test-taking strategies and pacing techniques
- Guidance on retesting, superscoring, and understanding old ACT scores
- Support with optional writing test preparation
Whether your child is close to the college readiness benchmark or aiming for the top percentile, our tutors help students build the skills and confidence they need to succeed.
Help Your Child Excel with Mackler ACT Tutoring
At Mackler Associates, we know that every student has the potential to succeed—with the right preparation and support. Our experienced ACT tutors help students improve their ACT test scores, understand their ACT score breakdown, and create a strategy tailored to their goals.
If you’re wondering how to boost your child’s ACT composite score before their next test date, we’re here to help.
Contact Mackler Associates today to schedule a free consultation and get your student on the path to college admission success.