What is the ACT?
ACT stands for American College Test. It is a standardised test administered by the non-profit organisation ACT, Inc., designed to assess a high school student’s academic readiness for college.
First introduced in 1959 as a competitor to the SAT, the ACT and SAT are now accepted equally by almost all U.S. colleges and universities for undergraduate admissions. The ACT focuses more on curriculum-based learning compared to the SAT’s emphasis on reasoning and aptitude.
ACT Eligibility
There are no official age or grade-level restrictions to take the ACT. However, the test is commonly taken by high school students aged 13 and older, typically in 11th or 12th grade.
International students must have:
A valid international credit/debit card for registration.
A valid international passport for identification at the test centre.
ACT Exam Pattern
The ACT consists of four required sections:
English
Mathematics
Reading
Science
There is also an optional Writing (Essay) section that lasts 40 minutes. Some colleges require this, so students should verify individual college policies.
Total Questions: 215 (Multiple-choice)
Duration (without Writing): 2 hours 55 minutes
Duration (with Writing): 3 hours 35 minutes
Scoring: Each section is scored on a 1–36 scale. The composite score is the average of the four section scores. The optional Writing Test is scored separately on a 2–12 scale.
Note: There is no negative marking, so educated guessing is encouraged.
When Should I Take the ACT?
Most students take the ACT during the spring of 11th grade or the fall of 12th grade, allowing time for a retake if needed. The ACT is offered in the U.S. and internationally on the following months each year:
Test Dates:
September
October
December
February *
April
June
July *
No test centres in New York for February or July; no test centres in California for July.
Why Take the ACT?
The ACT gives students an opportunity to showcase strengths in science and math, and its structure can benefit those who are strong in curriculum-based learning. Scores are widely accepted and used in scholarship decisions, admissions, and course placement.
Interested in ACT Test Prep?
If you’re ready to boost your ACT score with expert help, contact us today to book your free 30–40 minute trial session.