PreACT scores, in one sentence
The PreACT is ACT Inc.'s practice test for 8th through 10th graders. It uses the same 1-36 scale as the ACT (with some variants capped slightly lower) and its job is to forecast how you would do on the real ACT. If you are a sophomore holding a score report right now and trying to figure out what a 21 composite means, or whether a 25 is "good enough," this guide is for you.
If you are also curious what your PreACT means for college admissions: it does not count. PreACT scores are never reported to colleges. They are strictly a practice and diagnostic tool for you, your family, and your school. Want to see how you stack up on real ACT questions right now? Start a free ACT quiz, or read our ACT section guide for a section-by-section breakdown.
What is the PreACT?
The PreACT is a shorter, lower-stakes version of the ACT designed to give students early feedback on their college-readiness trajectory. It covers the same four subjects as the ACT — English, Math, Reading, and Science — and uses the same 1-36 composite scoring philosophy. The main differences are length, upper score cap, and the fact that the PreACT produces a predicted ACT score range rather than a score colleges can see.
Your school typically administers the PreACT during a school day in 10th grade (sometimes 9th). There is no registration form or test center for you to navigate. If your school participates, you will take it alongside your classmates.
PreACT vs ACT: the key differences
The four PreACT variants
ACT publishes several PreACT versions targeted at different grades and administration types. Your school picks which one to administer based on grade level and whether they need secure (standardized, non-releasable) forms.
The "Secure" variants are forms that cannot be released to students after the test, while non-secure PreACT versions can be used for later classroom review. All four variants produce a composite and section scores aligned to the ACT scale.
How PreACT scores are reported
Your PreACT score report includes:
- Composite score (1-30 or 1-35, depending on version) — the average of your section scores, rounded
- Section scores for English, Math, Reading, and Science
- STEM score — a combined Math + Science score
- ELA score — a combined English + Reading score
- Predicted ACT score range — a projected band of what you would likely score on the real ACT if you took it today
- ACT Readiness Benchmarks — flags indicating whether your score meets the threshold typically associated with a B or higher in credit-bearing college courses in that subject
- WorkKeys career readiness indicators — projected level scores on the WorkKeys Applied Math, Graphic Literacy, and Workplace Documents assessments
Readiness Benchmarks are the most useful part for many families. A "met" benchmark in Math means that, based on large-sample data, you are currently on pace to handle first-year college math. A "not met" tells you where to focus the next 18 months of prep.
What is a good PreACT score?
"Good" depends on which version you took and what ACT score you are ultimately aiming for. Here is a rough translation, recognizing that actual predicted ACT ranges vary by test form and specific item performance:
Take the exact predicted ACT range on your score report as the more reliable number. It is calibrated to the specific form you saw.
2026 changes: the Enhanced PreACT
Starting fall 2026, the PreACT is being updated to align with the Enhanced ACT changes that rolled out in 2025-2026. This includes:
- Composite from English + Math + Reading only — Science becomes optional at the school-contract level, meaning your school decides whether students take Science
- New score composition mirroring the Enhanced ACT composite formula
- STEM score remains tied to Math and Science, so schools that continue offering Science still get the STEM indicator
- Enhanced PreACT blueprint rolling out across all PreACT variants throughout fall 2026
If you took the PreACT before fall 2026, your composite included Science. Starting fall 2026, your composite will not, unless your school specifically includes Science in their administration. This matters when you compare year-over-year PreACT scores at the same school.
How to use your PreACT score
- Treat it as a baseline, not a ceiling. Most students who prep intentionally for 12-18 months gain 3-5 composite points between PreACT and real ACT. That is not marketing; that is typical progress.
- Focus on the lowest section, not the composite. A 22 composite with a 28 Math, 20 Reading, 19 English, 21 Science is English-limited. Raising the low end pulls the composite up more efficiently than raising what is already strong.
- Use the Readiness Benchmarks as your checklist. Any section flagged "not met" is a target. ACT's benchmarks are calibrated so meeting them predicts a 50% or better chance of earning a B or higher in a typical first-year college course.
- Plan backwards from your real ACT date. Look at when you will take the real ACT (typically junior spring or senior fall) and allocate 6-12 months of weekly prep. Do not wait until senior year.
- Consider the SAT as an alternative. If your English/Reading is strong but Science is weak, the SAT (no Science section) may suit you better. See our SAT vs ACT guide.
How to prepare for the PreACT
The PreACT is the ACT with fewer questions. Every prep strategy that works for the real ACT works for the PreACT, just at a reduced volume. The highest-leverage moves:
- Take a full-length free ACT practice test early in sophomore year. Use our free ACT practice tests guide to find official PDFs and online versions.
- Drill your weakest section daily for 15-20 minutes. Use Larry Learns' adaptive ACT quiz to find your weak spots automatically.
- Know the Enhanced ACT format if you are taking the PreACT in fall 2026 or later: 45 English, 45 Math, 36 Reading, 40 Science (if included), four answer choices per math question. See our ACT math topics guide.
- Memorize the core formulas since the ACT does not provide a reference sheet. Our ACT math formulas cheat sheet has the full list.
- Take a timed simulation 2-3 weeks before your PreACT date. Get used to the pacing pressure.
Related resources
- Free ACT practice tests with answer keys
- Every topic on the ACT math section
- ACT math tips and strategies
- ACT Writing: is the essay worth it?
- ACT section guide and free ACT quiz
- ACT score calculator
Frequently Asked Questions About PreACT Scores
What is the PreACT score range?
The range depends on which version you took. PreACT 8/9 caps at 30. PreACT and PreACT Secure cap at 35. PreACT 9 Secure caps at 32. All use the same 1-X composite scale aligned to the ACT's 1-36, but the caps are slightly lower because the test is shorter and the target audience is younger.
Is a PreACT score of 25 good?
Yes. A 25 PreACT composite in 10th grade projects to roughly a 25-31 ACT range depending on how much you prep. For context, the national average ACT composite typically hovers around 19-20, so a 25 in 10th grade is a strong starting point and a realistic trajectory toward a 28+ ACT as a junior or senior.
Does the PreACT count for college admissions?
No. PreACT scores are never reported to colleges and do not appear on your ACT score report. They are strictly a practice tool and a diagnostic signal for students, families, and schools. Only real ACT scores go to colleges (if you choose to send them).
How accurate is the PreACT's predicted ACT score?
The predicted range is typically accurate within about 2-3 composite points for most students, assuming comparable prep between the two tests. Students who add significant ACT prep between the PreACT and the real ACT often outperform their predicted range by 3-5 points.
Can I retake the PreACT?
Only if your school administers it more than once. Unlike the ACT, you cannot register for the PreACT individually. Some schools offer PreACT in both 9th and 10th grade; others offer it only once. Check with your school counselor for the schedule.
What is a STEM score on the PreACT?
The STEM score is a combined score that averages your Math and Science section scores (rounded). It is reported on the same 1-35 (or 1-30) scale. Colleges with strong STEM programs sometimes reference this type of composite when evaluating applicants, though only the actual ACT STEM score (not PreACT) would be used in admissions.
Is the PreACT changing in 2026?
Yes. Starting fall 2026, the PreACT aligns to the Enhanced ACT format. The composite score will be calculated from English, Math, and Reading only, with Science becoming optional at the school level. Schools that continue to include Science will still see a STEM score. Schools that drop Science will see composite-only reports. This change applies to all PreACT variants.
How does the PreACT differ from the PSAT?
The PreACT predicts your future ACT score; the PSAT predicts your future SAT score and feeds into the National Merit Scholarship program. If you plan to take the ACT, prep for the PreACT; if you plan to take the SAT, prep for the PSAT. Some students take both early and decide which test better suits their strengths. See our SAT vs ACT comparison to help decide.
