What is the ACT?
The ACT exam is a standardized test that is used for high school completion and college admittances in the United States. It is a rival to the College Board’s SAT. In 2015, the ACT started to be offered as a computer-based exam as opposed to the paper-based format.
The ACT has realized a steady growth in the number of test takers since its launch, and in 2011 the ACT exceeded the SAT for the first time in total test takers. All four-year colleges and universities in the U.S. accept the ACT for admissions, but different institutions place different weights on standardized tests such as the ACT, compared to other aspects of appraisal such as class rank, GPA, and extracurricular activities.
The ACT assessment measures high school learners’ general scholastic growth and their ability to complete college-level work with the multiple choice examinations covering four skill areas: English, mathematics, reading, and science. Unambiguously, ACT states that its scores offer a gage of “college readiness,” and that scores in each of the subtests match to skills in entry-level college courses in English, algebra, social science, humanities, and biology.
Many students choose to study for the test by using ACT preparation books.
See our list of the best ACT prep books.
ACT Format
English | 75 | 45 minutes | English usage, mechanics and rhetorical skills |
Math | 60 | 60 minutes | Algebra, geometry, trigonometry, reasoning, and problem-solving |
Reading | 40 | 35 minutes | Reading comprehension |
Science | 40 | 35 minutes | Interpretation, analysis, evaluation, reasoning, and problem-solving |
Writing (Optional) | 1 written essay | 40 minutes | Writing skills |
ACT Scoring Structure
The obligatory portion of the ACT is separated into four multiple choice subject tests: English, mathematics, reading, and science reasoning. Subject test marks range from 1 to 36; all scores are integers. The English, mathematics, and reading tests also have subscores ranging from 1 to 18. The compound score is the mean of all four exams. Also, pupils taking the optional writing test obtain a writing score ranging from 1 to 36. The writing score does not affect the composite score.
On the ACT, each problem properly answered is worth one raw point. There is no consequence for marking incorrect answers on the multiple-choice part of the exam. Consequently, a test taker can answer all problems without suffering a reduction in their score for questions they answer incorrectly. To advance their score, students can retake the test: 55% of pupils who retake the ACT increase their scores, 22% score the same, and 23% see their scores decrease.
ACT Availability
The ACT is presented four to six times a year, depending on your state. These dates are in September, October, December, February, April, and June. The test is always on a Saturday except for those with sincere religious duties (who would take the exam the following day, Sunday). The exam can also be taken in other countries; however, accessibility is much less than in the United States.
Find your nearest testing location here.
The ACT is planned, managed, and counted in such a way that there is no benefit to testing on one particular day or another.
Candidates may choose either the ACT assessment ($38), or the ACT assessment plus writing ($54.50).
Students with demonstrable disabilities, including physical and learning disabilities, are qualified to take the test with accommodations. The normal time increase for pupils requiring extra time due to disabilities is 50%.
Scores are sent to the learner, his or her high school, and up to four universities.