The optional essay is scored in 4 categories (Ideas & Analysis, Development & Support, Organization, and Language use) on a scale of 2-12, and then averaged to get your overall essay score. A rubric is available from the ACT website here.
Test scores only make up a component of college admissions, but top 20 schools in Los Angeles such as UCLA and USC typically look for scores in the 29-34 range from their applicants. Less competitive schools like Pepperdine will typically look for scores in the 26-31 range.
Most prep books will have a few practice tests included, but some may vary in difficulty and accuracy. For the paper test, The Official ACT Prep Guide is the only official book created by ACT. For the digital test, you can download the TestNav app to practice with a free digital practice test. TestNav currently uses the old, paper test format, so you can find the digital test format on the ACT website under “Full Length Practice Tests.” You can also take paper practice tests at home with our free diagnostic test and proctored videos, where a recorded proctor will time your sections, announce remaining time, and coordinate breaks: Proctored ACT Practice Test Video.
Once you’ve taken a practice test and have an idea of your baseline score, you should plan around how much improvement you’d like to see. Most students will prep at least a few months before their test, and review for 1-2 months before their second and/or third sittings.
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