| ACT Test | Benchmark Score | College Course |
|---|---|---|
| English | 18 | English Composition |
| Math | 22 | College Algebra |
| Reading | 22 | Social Sciences |
| Science | 23 | Biology |
| STEM | 26 | Calculus, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, and Engineering |
| ELA | 20 | English Composition and Social Sciences |
| Composite | 21 | |
The average ACT score also referred to as the benchmark score is the minimum score needed on an ACT subject-area test to indicate a 50% chance of obtaining a B or higher or about a 75% chance of obtaining a C or higher in the corresponding credit-bearing college courses, which include English Composition, Algebra, Social Science, Biology, STEM and ELA.
Average ACT score by planned college educational major
| Planned Educational Major | Avg ACT Composite Score |
|---|---|
| Agriculture & Natural Resources Conservation | 20 |
| Architecture | 21 |
| Arts: Visual & Performing | 21 |
| Business | 22 |
| Communications | 22 |
| Community, Family, & Personal Services | 18 |
| Computer Science & Mathematics | 25 |
| Education | 20 |
| Engineering | 24 |
| English & Foreign Languages | 24 |
| Health Sciences & Technologies | 22 |
| Repair, Production, & Construction | 17 |
| Sciences: Biological & Physical | 24 |
| Social Sciences & Law | 22 |
| Undecided | 22 |
You can find more information on average ACT score by Gender, Race/Ethnicity, Postsecondary Aspirations etc. by going to www.act.org
Increase your odds of obtaining the average score
English
Taking English in your 9th, 10th, and 11th grade gives you a 60% chance of reaching the average ACT english score of 18.
Math
Taking Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Geometry, and one or more Advanced Math course sets you up with reaching the average ACT math score of 22.
Reading
US History, World History or a combination of three years of social studies courses will help you attain the average ACT reading score of 23.
Science
Taking Biology, Physics, and Chemistry or another combination of 3 years of Natural Science courses will help you attain the average ACT science score of 23.
10 hours of prep can increase your score by 15%
Knowing which content areas offer the most opportunity to improve your scores is the first step in the journey. If you haven't taken the ACT and you are curious about the types of questions you will be tested on, you can take our sample 15 minute assessment to see what your projected score looks like today.
If you have taken the ACT, our analytics engine can identify the content areas that offer the most opporunity for score improvement.