Help with ACT test scoring please!?

Question

Ok, the first time i took the test, I got a 31. Here are the subscores:

ENG:27

MATH:30

READ:35

SCI:30

I did a retake of the test and got a 31 again, here are the subscores:

ENG:30

MATH:32

READ:35

SCI:28

Maybe I am mistaken, but I am confused as to how i could raise my subscores by a +3 and still get a 31. Am I missing something or was my composite figured out incorrectly? Any information would be greatly appreciated... Thanks again

Answer 1

The average of your first scores is exactly 30.5; thus, your score is rounded up to 31.

The average of your second scores is exactly 31.125; thus your score is rounded down to 31.

The results you have been given are correct.

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Answer 2

Okay, so, this is how it works on the ACT.  They round up at the half for scoring (example:  if you got a 23.5 it would round up to a 24).

The first time you took the ACT, your actual composite was a 30.5, which rounds up because it is at the half.  The second time you took the ACT, you got a 31.25.  Since that is one of the scores that will get you a 31 (those are 30.5, 30.75, 31, and 31.25), that is what you got.

I know this from experience - here are my ACT scores and actual composites:

First time:

  English - 32

  Math - 29

  Reading - 32

  Science - 25

  COMPOSITE - 30 (it was really 29.5, but it rounds up)

Second time:

  English - 32

  Math - 30

  Reading - 32

  Science - 30

  COMPOSITE - 31 (it was 31 exactly)

Third time -

  English - 35

  Math - 34

  Reading - 32

  Science - 29

  COMPOSITE - 33 (it was actually a 32.5, but it rounds up)

Note:  they round up on all scores EXCEPT for a 36 (ex. even if the composite is 35.75, it will still be a 35).