Many studies demonstrate that the ACT meets its primary goal of determining whether a student is ready for college. According to the ACT's "Issues in College Success" website, students' ACT scores are a strong predictor of academic performance during their freshmen year, as well as retention rate and degree completion. A similar study demonstrated that the success predicted during the first year tends to continue into the second year and beyond, though high school GPA is still shown to be more accurate in predicting a student's GPA upon college graduation.
The ACT's overall effectiveness doesn't mean it's perfect, however. According to a 2012 study by researchers from Stanford University and the University of Chicago, only the math and English sections accurately predict success in college. The reading section proved to be significantly less useful, and researchers even observed a connection between high reading scores and college dropouts. Furthermore, the study found the science section to bear no relevance on a student's aptitude. The researchers recommend that colleges have more to gain by looking at students' scores on certain sections as opposed to the composite score.
While the ACT has shown to be effective in some areas, there is also evidence of biases that may impair the scores of women and minorities. A study conducted by the Educational Testing Service and the College Board revealed a connection between the timed, multiple-choice format and higher scores for men, whose learning styles favor a more direct, one-answer approach. Similarly, Joseph Soares of Wake Forest University's sociology department states in the "Journal of Research and Practice in Assessment" that tests often contain cultural idioms and associations that English as a second language test takers may take literally, giving them a disadvantage in scoring.
For many other students, the ACT may not be the strongest college success predictor. A study by Philip Ackerman, Ruth Kanfer and Margaret Beier in the Spring 2013 edition of "The Journal of Educational Psychology" revealed that considering personality traits and Advanced Placement test scores can help fill in the gaps between a student's test scores and GPA. Because they evaluate a student's knowledge in one particular area, AP tests can give a stronger indication of college potential. The research also demonstrated that a student's self concept in areas like math and science, as well as their personal views of strengths and weaknesses, can reveal their potential as well.