What is the ACT

American College Testing — a standardized college admissions exam covering English, math, reading, and science.

The ACT (American College Testing) is a standardized college admissions test used by colleges and universities across the United States to assess academic readiness. It is administered by ACT, Inc. and is accepted alongside the SAT at virtually all U.S. colleges.

Sections of the ACT

The ACT consists of four required sections and one optional section:

1. English — 75 questions, 45 minutes; tests grammar, punctuation, and rhetorical skills
2. Mathematics — 60 questions, 60 minutes; covers pre-algebra through trigonometry
3. Reading — 40 questions, 35 minutes; tests reading comprehension across multiple passage types
4. Science — 40 questions, 35 minutes; evaluates data interpretation and scientific reasoning
5. Writing (optional) — One essay prompt, 40 minutes; tests argumentative writing skills

ACT Scoring

Each section is scored on a scale of 1 to 36, and the composite score is the average of the four required sections, rounded to the nearest whole number. A score of 36 is a perfect score.

ACT vs. SAT

While both tests are widely accepted, the ACT includes a dedicated science section that the SAT does not. The ACT also tends to have more straightforward questions with less time per question, while the SAT emphasizes evidence-based reasoning. Many students take both tests to see which produces a higher score relative to their strengths.

Who Takes the ACT?

The ACT is particularly popular in the Midwest and South. Many states require juniors to take the ACT as part of state testing, making it a default experience for many high school students regardless of college plans.

Preparing for the ACT

• Official practice tests are available at act.org
• Free prep resources are available through many public libraries and school counseling offices
• Third-party resources from Kaplan, Princeton Review, and Magoosh are widely used

A strong ACT score can qualify students for merit scholarships and selective college programs.