What is the Purpose of ACT?
The ACT is a multiple-choice entrance exam used by many colleges and universities to assess a high school student’s readiness for college. Administered by ACT, Inc., it provides a standard measure for comparing applicants, alongside other factors such as GPA, high school coursework, letters of recommendation, extracurricular activities, interviews, and personal essays. The importance of ACT scores varies by institution, but higher scores generally offer more opportunities for college admissions and financial aid.
ACT Test Format
| Section | No of questions | Duration | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 75 | 45 minutes | Measures your capability to make judgments to alter and amend short texts and essays in different fields. |
| Math | 60 | 60 minutes | Measures your mathematical skills acquired up to grade 12. |
| Reading | 40 | 35 minutes | Measures your ability to read and comprehend texts logically and use evidence to integrate information across multiple sources. |
| Science | 40 | 35 minutes | Measures your ability to interpret, analyse, evaluate, and solve problems across topics in biology, chemistry, earth and space science, and physics. |
| Writing | 1 | 40 minutes | This section is optional. It measures your writing skills taught in school. |
ACT English
This section has five passages with 15 questions per passage. Each question number will be referenced in the passage, and part of the sentence will be underlined. The writing style of each passage will vary. Some questions will ask for specific information about the tone, a specific section of the paragraph, or the entire paragraph. The sections that are not underlined are also important as they provide context for the passage. Remember to read all the answer choices carefully and understand how they differ from each other, as the questions will test you on multiple aspects.
ACT Mathematics
This section has five sets of questions with 12 questions per set. Remember when to use the calculator and when not to. Read the question carefully and answer only what is asked. In most cases, the questions are framed in such a way that you might tend to digress from what is asked and spend time trying to solve the part of question which is not exactly the part of the question.
ACT Reading
This section has five passages with nine questions per passage. The length of all the passages is the same, and the questions are arranged in chronological order of the passage. A short introduction to the passage will be given at the beginning, along with explanations for certain terms.
ACT Science
This section has seven passages with about five to seven questions per passage, totalling 40 questions. The passages will include diagrams, tables, and other reference points to consider while answering. Some passages will present the viewpoints of two scientists, with questions based on either or both opinions. Remember to read the scientific information carefully and note any conflicting viewpoints.
ACT Writing
This is an optional section of the test. You must write an essay on a single given prompt. The score is based on following criteria such as Ideas and Analysis, Development and Support, Organisation, and Language Use.
ACT Scoring Pattern
The ACT score ranges from 1 to 36.
There is no penalty for wrong answers. The raw scores are calculated based on the number of correct answers. The raw score for each section is then converted to a scaled overall score. The composite score and each section score range from 1 to 36.
ACT test score ranges
- Below Average score range: 1 to 16
- Average Score range: 17 to 24
- Above average score range: 25 to 36
ACT Writing Section Scores
The ACT Writing section score is reported separately and is not included in the composite score. The score range is from 2 to 12, and domain scores are also reported in the range of 2 to 12. If a candidate does not take the Writing section, then the ELA (English Language Arts) score will not be reported in the score report.
ACT Exam Dates
The ACT exam is offered 7 times a year. The dates for the year 2024-25 are given in the table below.
| Test Date | Registration deadline | Late fee required | Photo upload deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13-14th September 2024. | 16th August 2024 | 30th August 2024 | 6th September 2024 |
| 25-26th October 2024 | 27th September 2024 | 11th October 2024 | 18th October 2024 |
| 13-14th December 2024 | 15th November 2024 | 29th November 2024 | 6th December 2024 |
| 7-8th February 2025 | 10th January 2025 | 24th January 2025 | 31st January 2025 |
| 4-5th April 2025 | 7th March 2025 | 21st March 2025 | 28th March 2025 |
| 13-14th June 2025 | 16th May 2025 | 30th May 2025 | 6th June 2025 |
| 11-12th July 2025 | 13th June 2025 | 27th June 2025 | 4th July 2025 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, accommodation is provided for students with disabilities to ensure they have equal access to the exam. These accommodations include extended test time, alternate testing formats, and modifications based on individual needs. The request for accommodation should be made in advance.
You are permitted to use a calculator only in specific sections of the math exam. The first 15 questions in the math section do not permit the use of a calculator.
There are guidelines to be followed while using calculators. Most scientific and graphing calculators are permitted. However, certain calculators with built-in algebra features are not allowed.
Yes, you can reschedule the test date, but there are certain charges applicable, and the change must be made within a specific time limit.
Yes, the ACT exam offers fee waivers for eligible low-income group students. Students should apply for the waiver through their school.
A good ACT score depends on the university or college you are applying to. An average ACT score falls in the range of 17 to 24.