ACT scores are accepted at most four-year colleges in the U.S. The ACT test is administered by the American College Testing Program, which says the test “assesses high school students’ general educational development and their ability to complete college level work.”
Your ACT scores can be an important part of your college application. If you have better ACT test scores, they can tip the scale for college admissions officers who are deciding between you and other candidates with similar academic and extra-curricular achievements.
The ACT test has four parts that measure your understanding and ability in English, mathematics, reading comprehension and science reasoning. ACT test scores are reported on a scale of 1 to 36.
ACT Test vs. SAT Test
Unlike the SAT, the ACT includes an optional writing test, so check with the colleges on your application list to see if they require this portion. The ACT is not an IQ test, nor does it measure aptitude skills, like reasoning, as much as the SAT does. The ACT is more of an achievement test, so you will want to use a study guide to review your coursework, and you may want to consider study groups or tutoring.
What Makes Up the ACT Test?
English: 75 items; 45 minutes
Covers: grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, style and organization.
Mathematics: 60 items; 60 minutes
Covers: pre-algebra, algebra, intermediate algebra, coordinate geometry, plane trigonometry and trigonometry. Calculators (including four-function, scientific or graphing calculators) are allowed but not required.
Reading Comprehension: 40 items; 35 minutes
Selected reading passages include history, political science, fine arts, biology and fiction.
Science: 40 items; 35 minutes
Covers: analysis, evaluation, reasoning, interpretations and problem solving. Calculators are not allowed.
The Optional ACT Writing Test
In spring 2005, the ACT added a writing component to the ACT test. This 30-minute, optional portion complements the English section. It’s composed of a prompt to which the test-taker must respond in writing.
According to the ACT, “The test measures skills that students use when writing a college-level paper. Essays are scored by a rubric that looks at the ability to focus on the subject, write coherently and logically, the development of ideas, and the use of proper sentence structure and reasoning.”
Colleges and universities decide individually whether to require the results from the writing test for admission and/or course placement. Based on the institutional requirements, students can decide if they should take the writing test. Less than 25% of all U.S. colleges and universities require the writing test, though some prefer it. You can find out which colleges require or prefer it here.
ACT Test-Taking Tips
During the exam, remember there is no penalty for guessing and you are scored on the number of right answers. Pay attention to your PLAN scores, and develop a process of elimination strategy for narrowing down answers to improve your odds.
You may take the ACT test as many times as you wish; most students take the test more than once. To allow time for retesting, we encourage you to begin testing in the late winter or early spring of your junior year.
For more information, practice test questions, or to register for the ACT test, visit the ACT website.
How Do I Register for the ACT Test?
ACT test registration materials are available in your high school guidance or college counseling office, or online at http://www.act.org/. Whether you register by mail or online, read the registration material carefully, since other fees may apply under various conditions.
When you register for the exam, you will find information about test sites and how to sign up for a particular location. Registration costs cover the administration of the test, your score report, and the ability to have your scores sent to up to four colleges as long as you provide the school codes at registration.