What is the ACT?
The ACT is a nationally administered, standardized
paper-and-pencil test that helps colleges evaluate
candidates.
Who should take the ACT?
Juniors and Seniors. Most high school
students take the ACT for the first time in the spring of their
Junior year. This gives them enough time to re-take the test
again during the fall of their Senior year if they aren't
satisfied with their score.
How is the ACT structured and timed?
The ACT lasts 2 hours and 55 minutes (excluding the Writing
Test) or 3 hours and 25 minutes (including the Writing Test). The
order of test sections and the total number of questions covered
in each test section never changes:
| 45
minutes |
· Usage/
Mechanics
· Rhetorical
Skills |
· 40
· 35 |
| 60
minutes |
· Arithmetic
· Elementary
Algebra
· Intermediate
Algebra
· Coordinate
Geometry
· Plane
Geometry
· Trigonometry |
· 14
· 10
· 9
· 9
· 14
· 4 |
| 35
minutes |
· Social Studies
· Natural
Sciences
· Prose Fiction
· Humanities |
· 10
· 10
· 10
· 10 |
| 35
minutes |
· Data
Representation
· Research
Summary
· Conflicting
Viewpoint |
· 15
· 18
· 7 |
| 30
minutes |
You are asked to respond
to a question about your position on the issue described in
the writing prompt. |
1 |
How can I register for the ACT?
You can register online or by calling ACT, Inc. at
319-337-1270 (only if you've already registered for the ACT at
least once before).
How much does it cost to take the ACT?
- Test Fee: $31.00, includes having your
scores sent to 4 colleges
- Test Fee (with the Writing Test): $46.00,
includes having your scores sent to 4 colleges
What is the range of possible ACT scores?
Each of the four multiple-choice ACT test sections (English,
Mathematics, Reading, and Science) is scored on a scale of 1-36.
You will also receive a composite score, which is the average of
your four test scores (1-36).
If you take the Writing Test, you will receive a Writing Test
subscore (ranging from 0 to 12) and a combined English/Writing
score (ranging from 1 to 36), along with comments about your
essay. Keep in mind that you must take both the English and
Writing Tests to receive Writing scores. The Combined
English/Writing score is created by using a formula that weights
the English Test score two-thirds and the Writing Test score
one-third to form a combined score. This combined score is then
reported on a 1-36 scale. Please note that taking the Writing
Test does not affect your subject area scores or your Composite
score.
What are average ACT scores?
|
20.6 |
20.4 |
+0.2 |
|
20.8 |
20.7 |
+0.1 |
|
21.4 |
21.3 |
+0.1 |
|
20.9 |
20.9 |
No Change |
|
N/A |
7.7 |
N/A |
|
21.1 |
20.9 |
+0.2 |
Get ready for the ACT!
Prep for the ACT with Kaplan's
ACT Classroom Course or ACT Private
Tutoring—or take a
free practice ACT.