ACT College Admissions Test Overview

Overview of the ACT

• The ACT is a standardized test used for college admissions in the United States
• It measures a student's readiness for college in four subject areas: English, mathematics, reading, and science
• The test is scored on a scale of 1-36, with 36 being the highest possible score

Content of the ACT

English

• 45-minute section
• 75 questions
• Tests grammar, usage, and rhetorical skills
• Includes 5 passages with underlined portions that may contain errors

Mathematics

• 60-minute section
• 60 questions
• Covers algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and other math topics
• Allows the use of a calculator for some questions

Reading

• 35-minute section
• 40 questions
• Tests reading comprehension skills
• Includes 4 passages from various subjects, such as literature, social studies, and natural sciences

Science

• 35-minute section
• 40 questions
• Tests scientific reasoning and knowledge
• Includes 6-7 passages from various scientific fields, such as biology, chemistry, and physics

Optional Writing Test

• 30-minute section
• 1 prompt
• Tests writing skills
• Scores are reported separately from the composite score

Scoring

• Composite score: average of the four section scores (English, mathematics, reading, and science)
• Section scores: range from 1-36
• Writing score: range from 2-12, with 12 being the highest possible score

Preparing for the ACT

• Familiarize yourself with the test format and content
• Practice with sample questions and full-length practice tests
• Review math formulas and concepts
• Improve reading comprehension skills
• Develop a study plan and stick to it
• Consider taking a prep course or working with a tutor

ACT Overview

• Standardized test used for college admissions in the United States
• Measures student's readiness for college in four subject areas: English, mathematics, reading, and science
• Scored on a scale of 1-36, with 36 being the highest possible score

ACT Content

English

• 45-minute section
• 75 questions
• Tests grammar, usage, and rhetorical skills
• Includes 5 passages with underlined portions that may contain errors

Mathematics

• 60-minute section
• 60 questions
• Covers algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and other math topics
• Allows the use of a calculator for some questions

Reading

• 35-minute section
• 40 questions
• Tests reading comprehension skills
• Includes 4 passages from various subjects, such as literature, social studies, and natural sciences

Science

• 35-minute section
• 40 questions
• Tests scientific reasoning and knowledge
• Includes 6-7 passages from various scientific fields, such as biology, chemistry, and physics

Optional Writing Test

• 30-minute section
• 1 prompt
• Tests writing skills
• Scores are reported separately from the composite score

ACT Scoring

• Composite score: average of the four section scores (English, mathematics, reading, and science)
• Section scores: range from 1-36
• Writing score: range from 2-12, with 12 being the highest possible score

Preparing for the ACT

• Familiarize yourself with the test format and content
• Practice with sample questions and full-length practice tests
• Review math formulas and concepts
• Improve reading comprehension skills
• Develop a study plan and stick to it
• Consider taking a prep course or working with a tutor