About ACT Test
Test Overview
The ACT is a standardized test that assesses your college readiness and considers your scores during the admissions process. This is one of the aspects of measuring your eligibility to get admission into a college or university. The ACT test has five sections: English, Math, Reading, Science, and the optional Writing (essay) section.
The ACT is managed by ACT, Incorporated. American College Testing is the full form of the ACT. It is a standardised test that students seeking admission to undergraduate programs in the USA and Canada must take. The ACT exam was created to assess candidates’ written, mathematical, verbal, and scientific abilities.
The ACT is an entrance exam used by most colleges and universities to make admissions decisions. It is a multiple-choice, pencil-and-paper test administered by ACT, Inc.
The purpose of the ACT test is to measure a high school student’s readiness for college, and provide colleges with one common data point that can be used to compare all applicants. College admissions officers will review standardized test scores alongside your high school GPA, the classes you took in high school, letters of recommendation from teachers or mentors, extracurricular activities, admissions interviews, and personal essays. How important ACT scores are in the college application process varies from school to school.
Overall, the higher you score on the ACT and/or SAT, the more options for attending and paying for college will be available to you.
ACT Eligibility
Officially, ACT has not established any specific requirements for taking the ACT exam. As a result, the ACT has no age or grade requirements for taking the exam. This exam is mostly taken by high school students.
Requirements for ACT Registration
- A computer or laptop with an internet connection
- Details about high school courses
- Credit/debit card
- Headshot photo
- The entire registration process will take approximately 40 – 50 minutes.
Online Registration
- Create an account on the official ACT website.
- Choose a test day and location that is convenient for you.
- Create your profile, fill out the application request, upload the needed papers, and confirm your registration.
- To finish your registration, pay the exam fee. You can pay the cost with a debit or credit card, or you can pay online.
- Registration deadlines are normally three to four weeks before the test date.
What is on the ACT?
There are four ACT sections:
- English
- Reading
- Math
- Science
The ACT also includes an optional 40-minute Writing Test. Some colleges may require that you complete the ACT Writing Test. You can confirm each college’s admissions policies on the school website or on our school profiles.
ACT Exam Pattern
The ACT exam is divided into four sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science. There is an optional section called the Writing section, which includes one 30–40-minute writing prompt that defines a problem, as well as two points of view on that problem. Students are not scored on this section.
Know more about the ACT exam pattern.
How long is ACT test?
The ACT is 2 hours and 55 minutes long. If you choose to take the ACT with Essay, the test will be 3 hours and 35 minutes long.
How is the ACT scored?
Each section of the ACT is scored on a 1 to 36 point scale. Your composite ACT score is the average of your four section scores, also on a scale from 1 to 36. If you take the ACT with Writing Test, you will receive a separate score on the Writing Test.
Should I take the ACT or the SAT?
Most colleges and universities will accept scores from either the SAT or ACT, and do not favor one test over the other. That said, college-bound students are increasingly taking both the SAT and ACT. Changes made to the SAT in 2016 have made it easier than ever to prep for both tests concurrently—and earn competitive scores on both! The best way to decide if taking the SAT, ACT, or both tests is right for you is to take a timed full-length practice test of each type. Since the content and style of the SAT and ACT are very similar, factors like how you handle time pressure and what types of questions you find most challenging can help you determine which test is a better fit. Try our QUIZ: SAT, ACT, or Both? to learn more
How do I register for the ACT?
Registration deadlines fall approximately five weeks before each ACT test date. You can get registration materials from your school counselor, or you can register online on the ACT website.
