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ACT, Inc. – ACT

​​​What is it?
The ACT exam is a standardized test used for college admissions in the U.S. It measures skills in English, Math, Reading, and Science, with an optional Writing (essay) section. The test lasts about 2 hours and 55 minutes (plus 40 minutes for the essay) and is designed to assess a student’s academic readiness for college. It’s widely accepted by U.S. universities and some international ones.

1 

Test Structure

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

  1. English

  2. Mathematics

  3. Reading

  4. Science

  5. Optional Writing

2

Scoring

  • The ACT is scored on a scale of 1 to 36.

  • Each of the four mandatory sections is scored individually, and the composite score is the average of these four scores.

  • The Writing Test (if taken) is scored separately on a scale of 2 to 12.

  • No penalties for incorrect answers.

3

Registration

  1. Online Registration:

    • Visit the official ACT website (act.org).

    • Create an account, choose your test date and location, and complete the registration form.

  2. Test Dates:

    • Offered multiple times a year at designated centers worldwide.

    • Register early to secure your preferred date and location.

  3. Fees:

    • ACT without Writing: Around $68

    • ACT with Writing: Around $93

    • Fee waivers are available for eligible students.

  4. Admission Ticket:

    • Print your admission ticket after registering to present on test day.

4

Sections of the ACT

  1. English (45 minutes, 75 questions)

    • Tests grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and rhetorical skills.

  2. Mathematics (60 minutes, 60 questions)

    • Covers pre-algebra, algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.

    • Calculator use is permitted.

  3. Reading (35 minutes, 40 questions)

    • Assesses reading comprehension through passages from prose fiction, social science, humanities, and natural science.

  4. Science (35 minutes, 40 questions)

    • Evaluates interpretation, analysis, evaluation, reasoning, and problem-solving based on scientific data.

  5. Optional Writing (40 minutes)

    • Requires an essay that assesses writing and analytical skills.

    • Some colleges may require or recommend this section.

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