ACT
The ACT changed how the composite works. Under the rule FunSAT uses throughout the site, the composite is the average of English, Math and Reading, rounded to the nearest whole number, and Science is optional. This guide explains what that means for scoring and for your college list.
The ACT reports a score from 1 to 36 for each section and a composite from 1 to 36. The composite is the average of your English, Math and Reading scores, rounded to the nearest whole number. Science is an optional section and does not change the composite. This is the same rule described on the methodology page, and the site's score estimates apply it consistently.
Say you score 26 in English, 24 in Math and 27 in Reading. The sum is 77, and 77 divided by 3 is 25.67, so the composite is 26. If you also take Science and score 30, the composite is still 26, because Science is not part of it under this rule.
Before this change, the composite averaged four sections: English, Math, Reading and Science. Older scores, including some in college range data, were built that way, so the numbers are not perfectly comparable across years.
It depends on your colleges and your plans. If a college says it does not need Science, you can skip it and avoid a section that does not count toward the composite. If you are applying to programs in science, engineering or health, check whether the college or program wants to see it. Some colleges may state a preference, and policies can differ by program.
Taking it can also give you more information about your strengths, and a strong Science result is something you could choose to send if the college accepts it. Check how ACT reports Science scores on its own site, since reporting details are set by ACT.
College ACT ranges in the data on this site come from the federal College Scorecard and describe students who enrolled in an earlier year. Some of those students had a composite that included Science. The difference is usually small, but keep it in mind when you compare your score with a range. The ACT score lookup pages show how your composite compares with the ranges we track.
If you also take the SAT, the official ACT and College Board concordance gives equivalent scores. Our SAT to ACT conversion page has the full table. A concordance matches score ranges and is approximate, so use it to compare, not to predict.
Under the current rule used on this site, no. It is optional and does not change the composite. Check whether a college or program wants it.
It is the average of the English, Math and Reading section scores, rounded to the nearest whole number.
No. Older composites averaged four sections including Science, so compare across years with care.
Last reviewed 2026-10-14. This guide is general information, not advice for your situation. Test and admissions policies change, so check the official College Board, ACT or college page for the current rule.
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