ACT "Scoring Issue" Creates Anxiety Around the World
A technical glitch in the grading process has forced ACT, Inc. to review and reissue scores for high school students who took the online version of the exam during mandatory in-school testing this spring.
The organization notified school districts of the error on May 13th, stating that “impacted scores will be corrected and updated.”
As students worldwide wait for their scores with anticipation, local test takers are facing an unexpected setback—but here is what affected individuals need to know.
Score Availability:
Updated results will appear in all students’ online MyACT profiles no later than May 22nd.
Student Action Required:
For most students, the correction process is entirely automated. However, action is required if:
A student sent scores to colleges manually; if their scores were distributed to colleges or scholarship agencies outside of the standard ACT selection process, they must manually resend the updated scores.
A student does not have a MyACT account. If they choose not to create an account, they must contact ACT directly at (319) 337-1313 to determine how to receive their revised results.
Impact and Score Breakdown:
According to Juan Elizondo, ACT’s director of strategic communications, the scoring error is not related to test difficulty but rather a specific flaw within the scoring mechanism itself. The issue primarily affects high school juniors and younger students. ACT estimates that fewer than 5% of high school seniors nationwide are impacted.
Crucially, no student's score will decrease because of this correction. Composite and section scores will either stay identical to the initial report or increase slightly. Elizondo detailed the projected score adjustments across the individual sections:
ACT has temporarily removed online access to the affected spring scores while the revisions are being processed. Automated updates will be sent directly to high schools, districts, and any college officials or scholarships that were originally designated by the student.
For direct inquiries regarding state testing adjustments, students and families can reach out to [email protected] or call (855) 730-0400.