Why don't they score the ACT 1-12?

Postmodern
Fri, 10 Mar 2017 11:41:58 +0000

By making the test out of more points on the scale (36), the ACT is able to convey to colleges just how well a student did on each section of the test with more detail. At some colleges, where competition is high, I assume that the difference between a 34 and a 36 ACT could mean something.

Well put and understood completely, @whenyoubelieve . However here on CC many very experienced posters posit that 34, 35, & 36 are essentially equal and there is no reason to take it over again, or that a 36 won’t give someone an admissions advantage over a 35. Shouldn’t the distinction between the levels be at the divisors that do make a difference?

To be clear why I am asking this: I can’t decide which position I agree with. I understand the logic behind posters who say there is no real difference; yet, if that is true, why is there a difference at all?