<p>I was merely wondering how the ACT was graded. I will be taking it early next fall, in September if memory serves me, and want to know exactly how my grade will be calculated. I know the basics, that each section is on a 1-36 scale, there is no guessing penalty, and so forth, but what exactly counts towards that overall 36? For example, if I got at least 36 out of 75 English section, would that mean that I got a 36 on the section automatically? I highly doubt this, for it would be far too easy of a task. Could someone enlighten me? Thank you!</p>
<p>Your theory is incorrect. A 36 is usually given only when a section is completed without making a single mistake (although at times there may be a one or two point curve, especially in reading).</p>
<p>The number of questions you get correct for each section corresponds to a number grade between 1 and 36. Then, they find the average of those sections to find your composite score.</p>
<p>Thank you for clearing that up, I knew I must be incorrect, because otherwise the test would be tremendously facile for just about anyone to get a perfect score. Really, I appreciate it! Thank you, once again.</p>
<p>^Yes, you generally have to get everything correct for a 36 unless there is a generous curve.</p>
<p>Last year’s June curve for the reading section, for example, was</p>
<p>score = number of questions right (total of 40 questions)</p>
<p>36 = 40
35 = 39
34 = 38
33 = not possible
32 = 37
31 = 36
30 = 35</p>
<p>(though the reading section is typically a bit nicer than this, at least in my experience).</p>