What is the ACT?
The ACT is a standardized test that helps colleges and universities determine if students are ready for college. When you apply to colleges, your ACT scores are one of the things they look at to decide if you're a good fit.
What does the ACT Include?
The ACT has five parts: English, Math, Reading, Science, and an optional Writing (essay) section. You can choose to take the Writing part or skip it, depending on the college's requirements.
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Who manages the ACT?
The ACT is run by a company called ACT, Incorporated. ACT stands for "American College Testing." This test is a common requirement for students who want to go to college in the USA and Canada.
What does the ACT Test?
The ACT measures your skills in writing, math, reading, and science. It's like a big snapshot of how well you can do these things. Colleges use this snapshot to see if you'd be a good fit for their programs.
In a nutshell, the ACT is a test you take if you want to go to college in the USA or Canada. It checks how good you are at certain skills, and colleges consider your scores when deciding if you can join their programs. Remember, the essay part is optional, so you can choose to take it or not. If you have more questions or need more information, feel free to ask!
What is ACT Eligilbity?
The ACT exam doesn't have any official requirements such as age or grade level for testAns.takers. While it's typically high school students who take the test, there are no specific restrictions in place.
How long is the ACT?
Duration of the ACT
The ACT exam takes a total of 3 hours, technically 2 hours and 55 minutes for the main sections. Including breaks, you should budget around 3 hours and 30 minutes for the complete test. If you opt for the optional essay (the ACT Plus Writing), you're looking at 3 hours and 40 minutes or slightly over 4 hours with breaks.
Let's break down the sections by time:
| Section | Time | Number of Questions |
| English | 45 min | 75 questions |
| Math | 60 min | 60 questions |
| Reading | 35 min | 40 questions |
| Science | 35 min | 40 questions |
| Writing (Optional) | 40 min | 1 essay |
| Total | 175 min (215 min with Writing) | 215 questions + 1 Essay |
ACT Start Time
TestAns.takers are expected to be at their test center by 8:00 am, with the test commencing after checkAns.in and seating, typically around 8:30 am. Please note that if you're taking the computerAns.based ACT, your test time may differ, including afternoon options. Always check your test ticket after registering for the ACT.
Pacing Strategies for Your Success
Your pacing strategy hinges on your ACT score goals and what suits you best. Experiment with various approaches through practice tests. Here are some key ACT timing tips to keep in mind as you gear up for your test date:
English Test
Ans. Priority: Finish all the questions. Start with the easy ones.
Ans. Learn more about tackling questions out of order in our ACT Tips and Tricks article.
Math Test
Ans. Prioritize accuracy over speed. Don't rush.
Ans. Check your practice tests for careless errors on questions you should have gotten right.
Reading Test
Ans. Find the pace that suits you best.
Ans. Some students excel by taking more time on fewer passages.
Ans. Others may quickly work through multiple passages, focusing on what they know.
Science Test
Ans. Stay aggressive and keep moving.
Ans. Tackle the easiest passages first, then move to the more challenging ones.
Writing Test (the Essay)
Ans. Outline your essay before you start writing.
Ans. Organization is key to a great ACT writing score.
How is the ACT scored?
The ACT is scored individually for each section, with scores ranging from 1 to 36 points for each section. Your composite ACT score is calculated as the average of your scores in the four sections, also on a scale from 1 to 36. If you opt to take the ACT with the Writing Test, you will receive a distinct score for the Writing Test.
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ACT Syllabus
| Section | Type of Questions | Topics Covered |
| English | Multiple Choice Questions, Passages | Sentence Structure, Punctuation, English Usage |
| Mathematics | Graphs, Charts, FormulaAns.Based, etc. | Algebra, Number and Quantity, Functions, Geometry, Statistics, Probability, etc. |
| Reading | Long Passages, Short Prose | Inferences, Logical Reasoning, Interpretation |
| Science | Tables, Graphs, Diagrams, MCQs | Biology, Chemistry, Earth/Space Sciences (e.g., Geology, Astronomy, Meteorology, Physics) |
| Writing | Essay Writing | Expressing and Organizing Ideas, Analyzing a Complex Issue, Developing Perspective, Writing Effectively |
ACT Exam Dates 2025
| Test date | Registration deadline | Late fee requirement |
| February 8, 2025 | January 3, 2025 | January 20, 2025 |
| April 5, 2025 | February 28, 2025 | March 16, 2025 |
| June 14, 2025 | May 9, 2025 | May 26, 2025 |
| July 12, 2025 | June 6, 2025 | June 20, 2025 |
ACT Exam Fees
The ACT follows a uniform fee structure for both national and international students. It's important to note that these fees are typically nonAns.refundable, unless stated otherwise.
| ACT fee component | Fees | Details |
| Complete ACT exam (without optional writing) |
$66 | Includes reports for you, your high school, and up to 4 colleges (if you provide codes during ACT registration) |
| Complete ACT exam (with optional writing) |
$91 | Includes reports for you, your high school, and up to 4 colleges (if you provide codes during ACT registration) |
| Change in test option | $25 | Switching to ACT (without writing) before testing begins |
| Late registration | $36 | Registering or changing test dates after the regular registration period. |
| Standby testing | $66 | ACT will refund your fees if you are not allowed on test day or your registration is cancelled due to no photo |
| Change in test date | $42 | Changing test date |
| Change in test centre | $42 | Changing the test centre |
| Sending score reports to 5th & 6th college preference | $18 | Request online before the test |
| Additional score reports | $18 | Requesting additional score reports online after registration |
| Test information release | $32 | The charges apply if you request it before the test |
| Test information release | $40 | The charges apply if you request it after the test |
| Score verification | $55 | For MCQ verification |
| Score verification | $55 | For writing verification |
| Score verification | $110 | For MCQ and writing verification |
How do I register for the ACT?
To register for the ACT, follow these steps:
1. Create an ACT Web Account: Go to the official ACT website and create an account. You'll need a valid email address, so make sure to have one ready.
2. Choose a Test Date and Location: Select your preferred test date and a test center location that's convenient for you. Check the available test dates and centers on the ACT website.
3. Complete the Registration: Provide the required personal and academic information. You'll also need to upload a photo of yourself for identification purposes. Make sure to doubleAns.check all the information for accuracy.
4. Select Test Options: Decide whether you want to take the ACT with or without the optional Writing (essay) section. You may also choose to order a Test Information Release (TIR) or request accommodations if you have special needs.
5. Review and Pay: Review your registration details and the total cost. Pay the registration fee securely online using a credit card. Fee waivers may be available for eligible students.
6. Print Your Admission Ticket: After completing the registration and payment, you can print your ACT admission ticket. This ticket contains your test date, center information, and a photo for identification.
7. Prepare for the Test: Take advantage of the time before your test date to prepare. You can access free practice materials on the ACT website, use study guides, or consider taking a prep course if needed.
FAQs
1. What is the ACT exam, and why is it important?
Ans. The ACT (American College Testing) is a standardized test used for college admissions. It assesses a student's readiness for college and is important for gaining admission to many universities and colleges in the United States.
2. When should I take the ACT exam?
Ans. You can take the ACT in your junior and senior years of high school. Many students take it for the first time in the spring of their junior year.
3. What sections are included in the ACT exam?
Ans. The ACT consists of four sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science. There's also an optional Writing (Essay) section.
4. How is the ACT scored?
Ans. The ACT is scored on a scale of 1 to 36 for each of the four required sections. The optional Writing section is scored on a scale of 2 to 12. Your composite score is the average of your scores on the four required sections.
5. How can I prepare for the ACT?
Ans. Preparation includes studying and practicing for each section, taking practice tests, and possibly enrolling in test prep courses or using study resources like books, online courses, and tutoring.
6. How long is the ACT exam, and how is it structured?
Ans. The ACT exam (without the optional Writing section) is approximately 3 hours long. The Writing section adds an additional 40 minutes. It's divided into multipleAns.choice questions and an essay.
7. Should I take the optional Writing section?
Ans. Many colleges and universities no longer require the ACT Writing section, so it's important to check the admission requirements of the schools you're interested in. Taking it may be a good idea if you're unsure.
8. Can I retake the ACT if I'm not satisfied with my score?
Ans. Yes, you can take the ACT multiple times. Colleges typically consider your highest composite score, so retaking the exam can improve your chances of getting a better score.
9. Are there fee waivers available for the ACT?
Ans. Yes, fee waivers are available for eligible students to cover the cost of the ACT exam. You can check with your school counselor for more information.
10. How do I register for the ACT?
Ans. You can register for the ACT online through the official ACT website. The website also provides information on test dates, locations, and registration deadlines.
11. What are some testAns.taking strategies for the ACT?
Ans. Strategies include managing your time wisely, practicing with official ACT materials, and focusing on your strengths. Familiarizing yourself with the format and types of questions on the test is also crucial.
12. Can I request accommodations for the ACT if I have a disability?
Ans. Yes, the ACT offers accommodations for testAns.takers with disabilities. You can apply for accommodations through the official ACT website.
13. How long does it take to receive ACT scores after taking the exam?
Ans. Typically, ACT scores are available online about two weeks after taking the test. However, it may take longer during busy testing periods.
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