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Old 11-13-2012, 07:42 PM   #1
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Improving scores: Where to focus efforts

My dd got her ACT scores from 10/12 test yesterday, and we're trying out where to focus study or test prep efforts
E:31
M:31
R:30
S: 27
Composite: 30

Obviously science was lowest, but I don't understand how the composite is determined. If she focuses on science and can bring it up to 30-31, could she get a 32 composite? Doesn't make sense logically, but we're trying to figure out how to best improve her score a couple points. She's a junior
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Old 11-13-2012, 08:33 PM   #2
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I believe the composite score is determined by finding the average of all the section scores, then rounding up. So (E,M,R,S) = (31,31,30,31) would become a composite score of 31. If English, Math and Reading scores remain the same, the science score would have to be a 33 in order to get a 32 composite.
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Old 11-14-2012, 12:43 PM   #3
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Yes, the composite is determined by averaging all four sections.

If the composite is a fraction, it is rounded to the nearest whole number. e.g., A composited score of 30.5 would be rounded to 31.

Your dd is doing well. If you want to improve her score, I would focus on general test prep. She needs to improve her subsections by a total of 7 points to get to a 32. Obviously, science has the greatest potential for improvement, but you shouldn't ignore the other sections.
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Old 11-14-2012, 03:23 PM   #4
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thanks for the feedback. I guess I was overthinking it - that there was more complex logic involved in the composite score, lol. We will probably have her retake it in February, with some time to review a bit over break and see how she does. She's shooting for a 32+...
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Old 11-16-2012, 01:19 AM   #5
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English was one of the more straightforward sections to improve for me.
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