Examine your total composite score on the ACT, which is the average score of each of the four ACT subsections. The score will range from one, which is low, to 36. A score between 32 and 36 would indicate a strong readiness overall for a college curriculum.
Compare your subsection scores, which will be between one and 18. If one score is significantly lower than the others, study that subject more before beginning college. For example, if you scored 15 or 16 on math, English and reading but a 10 on science, your science abilities may need more work to move them up to a college level.
Check your composite scores against the ACT college readiness chart, which establishes an average score per section needed for the student to have a 50 percent chance of scoring a B or higher in that course in college and a 75 percent chance of scoring a C average or higher. The benchmark score in English is 18. Math is 22. Reading is 21. Science is 24. If your composite scores are less than those, you could struggle more in college without additional tutoring.