{"id":7009,"date":"2016-06-14T12:16:21","date_gmt":"2016-06-14T19:16:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/magoosh.com\/act\/?p=7009"},"modified":"2017-02-22T08:38:52","modified_gmt":"2017-02-22T16:38:52","slug":"get-23-score-act","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/magoosh.com\/act\/get-23-score-act\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Get a 23 Score on the ACT"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you’re a high school student contemplating your future, you\u2019re probably wondering what ACT score you should aim for<\/a>. In this post, we’ll look in particular at how to get a 23 score on the ACT.<\/p>\n

Why 23? If you’re hoping to attend college, a 23 score is high enough that your post-high school dreams will most likely come true. In 2016, the average ACT score was 20.8. By scoring 23 or higher on the ACT, you’re making yourself into a competitive candidate at a large number of colleges and universities.<\/strong><\/p>\n

What Does It Mean to Get a 23 Score on the ACT?<\/h2>\n

To earn a 23 score on the ACT, you need to achieve certain raw scores<\/a> in each of the four subject tests: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science. Raw scores are just the number of questions you answer correctly in each section. <\/p>\n

For example, here are the minimum number of questions you need to answer correctly to earn a composite score of 23.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Section<\/th>\nRaw Score (correct answers)<\/th>\nTotal Questions in Section<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
English<\/td>\n54<\/td>\n75<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Mathematics<\/td>\n36<\/td>\n60<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Reading<\/td>\n25<\/td>\n40<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Science<\/td>\n28<\/td>\n40<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n


\nN.B. You can find out more about converting raw scores to scaled ACT scores with our ACT Raw Score Conversion Chart<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

Fortunately for you, if you score higher one or more of the tests, it\u2019s okay to do a little<\/strong> bit worse on another test. That being said, take some comfort in the fact that you have a lot of wiggle room to reach your goal.<\/p>\n

So How Should I Study for the ACT?<\/h2>\n

Though you’re aiming to earn a 23, everyone’s ACT study plan should have the same starting line:<\/p>\n

Take a full-length, timed ACT practice test<\/a>.<\/strong><\/div>\n

After you finish, immediately score your test. <\/p>\n

Next, evaluate your scores. Let\u2019s say, for example, that these are your raw scores:<\/p>\n