The ACT (American College Testing) is a standardized test used for college admissions in the United States. It assesses students' readiness for college by evaluating their skills in English, Math, Reading, and Science, with an optional Writing section.
The ACT consists of four mandatory sections: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science. There is also an optional Writing section. The test is designed to measure students' academic skills and predict their performance in college.
Students typically take the ACT during their junior or senior year of high school. Taking the test early allows time for retakes if needed. Most colleges accept scores from tests taken up to December of senior year.
The ACT exam takes approximately 2 hours and 55 minutes without the Writing section. If the Writing section is included, the total duration is around 3 hours and 40 minutes.
Each of the four sections is scored on a scale of 1 to 36. The composite score is the average of these four section scores, rounded to the nearest whole number. The optional Writing test is scored separately on a scale of 2 to 12.
Visit the official ACT website.
Create an account or log in.
Fill out personal details and select a test date/location.
Pay the registration fee.
Print the admission ticket.
Obtain a registration packet from your school counselor.
Fill out the required details manually.
Mail the completed form with the payment.
Wait for a confirmation receipt.
Take official ACT practice tests.
Use ACT prep books and online resources.
Enroll in ACT prep courses if necessary.
Develop a study schedule.
Focus on time management and test-taking strategies.
English: Tests grammar, sentence structure, and rhetorical skills.
Mathematics: Covers algebra, geometry, and basic trigonometry.
Reading: Assesses reading comprehension of passages from different genres.
Science: Evaluates data interpretation, analysis, and problem-solving.
Writing (optional): Requires an essay response to a given prompt.
| Section | Number of Questions | Duration | Topics Covered |
| English | 75 | 45 minutes | Grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, rhetorical skills |
| Math | 60 | 60 minutes | Algebra, geometry, trigonometry, elementary statistics |
| Reading | 40 | 35 minutes | Comprehension, analysis, comparison of passages |
| Science | 40 | 35 minutes | Data representation, research summaries, conflicting viewpoints |
| Writing (optional) | 1 essay | 40 minutes | Argumentative essay based on a given topic |
The ACT score is calculated as follows:
Raw Score: Each of the four sections—English, Math, Reading, and Science—has multiple-choice questions. Your raw score is the total number of correct answers (no penalties for wrong answers).
Scaled Score (1-36): Raw scores are converted to a scaled score between 1 and 36 for each section using a standardized conversion chart (varies per test).
Composite Score: The final ACT score is the average of the four section scores, rounded to the nearest whole number.
English: 28
Math: 30
Reading: 27
Science: 25
Composite Score = (28 + 30 + 27 + 25) / 4 = 27.5 → 28 (rounded).
If the test includes the Writing section, it is scored separately and does not affect the composite score.
Age Requirement: No official age limit, but typically taken by high school students.
Educational Qualification: Open to all students aiming for undergraduate admissions.
Number of Attempts: No restrictions on the number of attempts.
ID Requirements: A valid government-issued ID is required on the test day.
Test Availability: Available internationally in both paper-based and computer-based formats.
The registration fee varies, with additional charges for the Writing section and late registration.
Yes, you can take the ACT multiple times, and many colleges consider your highest score.
Difficulty varies by individual. The ACT has a science section and more straightforward math questions, while the SAT focuses more on reasoning.
Multiple-choice scores are usually available within 2 weeks, while Writing scores take up to 4 weeks.
No, many colleges are test-optional, but a good ACT score can strengthen your application.
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