- About the ACT
- ACT Test Cost
- Sections of the ACT
- English
- ACT English Test Scoring
- Mathematics
- ACT Mathematics Test Scoring
- Reading
- ACT Reading Test Scoring
- Science
- ACT Science Test Scoring
- English
- What to Expect on Test Day
- What to Bring
- What Not to Bring
- Best Ways to Study for the ACT
- Check out the ACT Before Your Test
- Take Practice Tests
- Simulate the Testing Experience
- Check the Clock
- Go for the Long Haul
- Alternative ACT Study Methods
- Tips and Tricks
- Answer All Questions
- Read the Directions Beforehand
- Bubble in the Right Way
- ACT Test FAQ
- What’s a good ACT score?
- Should I guess on the ACT?
- How long does the ACT take?
- What is the order of the ACT sections?
- Will I get a break during the ACT?
About the ACT
The ACT is a standardized test that assesses problem-solving skills in four areas: English, Math, Reading, and Science. Typically taken by high school juniors and seniors, the ACT, similar to the SAT exam, is widely used for college admission and scholarship opportunities. An optional writing test is also available for an additional fee. Although technically not a required section, this essay is expected by some high schools and colleges, so double check this isn’t the case for you if you do decide to opt out.
ACT Test Cost
As of the the 2021-22 school year, the costs for the ACT are as follows:
ACT test (no writing) $63
ACT test (with writing) $88
The fee for the ACT also includes a report for you, your school, and up to four colleges of your choosing; be sure to include the college codes when you register to take the test. In September 2020, students were given the option to retake single sections of the ACT instead of repeating the entire test. This option was removed for the 2021-2022 school year.
Sections of the ACT
English
You have 45 minutes to answer 75 questions during the English section of the ACT test. You will be given five essays or passages to read, and asked a series of multiple choice questions about each. Your task will basically be to find errors and the best choice of correction for these errors. Many questions include the choice “no change needed,” so you need to be secure in your knowledge of standard written English, as well as tools authors use to write effectively.
The passages contain numbers pairing certain content with particular questions on the test. Some questions refer to the entire passage (this is noted, too), some to a paragraph, and others to an underlined phrase or sentence. When answering a question, be sure you are referring to the part of the passage having that question number.
Questions may cover development of topics, essay audience and purpose, developing and evaluating supporting material and relevance of statements. You may also be asked about organization of writing ideas, opening and closing sentences, or transitions in a text. Style questions may address tone, precision of word, image usage, or identifying redundancy or ambiguity.
ACT English Test Scoring
You will be given a total score based on the 75 English questions, as well as three category scores based on more specific knowledge and skills. These three categories include:
Conventions of Standard English (51-56%)
In short, this category assesses your skills as an editor. You will be asked to evaluate a passage in terms of punctuation, grammar, and mechanics and to make changes to improve or correct the writing in a passage.
Knowledge of Language (13-19%)
This category assesses your ability to identify the most effective language choice in writing. This may mean choosing the best word in a given sentence or the best sentence inside a passage to fit with the style and tone of the overall piece.
Production of Writing (29-32%)
This category assesses your ability to critique the author’s intended purpose and skill. You will need to be able to evaluate if the writing flows well, has clear organization (beginning, middle, and end), and meets the intended objective of the writing.
Mathematics
The Mathematics section of the ACT test contains 60 questions and is timed for 60 minutes. You will have access to a calculator for all of the questions in this section, only. The content covers math skills that are typically learned through the end of the eleventh grade. You will need to use these skills and your reasoning ability to find correct answers.
ACT Mathematics Test Scoring
You will receive an overall math score based on the 60 mathematics test questions as well as eight category scores based on more specific metrics. These categories are broken down as follows:
Preparing for Higher Mathematics (57-60%)
Algebra (12-15%)- You should be able to solve basic and more complex algebraic equations, as well as read, interpret, and solve for problems involving graphs.
Functions (12-15%)- You should be able to understand linear, radical, polynomial, and logarithmic functions, and also be able to read and interpret graphs.
Geometry (12-15%)- Make sure you understand the basics of geometry, which includes things like finding the missing value in a shape; calculating surface area, volume, and circumference; and solving trigonomic ratios.
Number and Quantity (7-10%)- Make sure you can demonstrate an understanding of both real and complex numbers, and be able to demonstrate an understanding of concepts involving fractions, exponents, finding the square root, etc.
Statistics and Probability (8-12%)- In this section you will be expected to analyze data, make predictions, understand relationships, and calculate probabilities.
Integrating Essential Skills (40-43%)
This section will test your knowledge on concepts such as percentages, averages, volume, surface area, and mean, media and mode.
Reading
The Reading section of the ACT test measures your comprehension skills by providing a passage from which you should be able to read, then find explicitly stated details, infer from text, draw conclusions, and make comparisons and generalizations. Roughly 25% of the passages come from each of these subject areas: Social Studies, Natural Sciences, Literature, and Humanities.
Most of the reading questions refer to a single passage, but the ACT test has introduced “paired passages,” for which you will need to refer to two separate short paragraphs on the same topic to answer questions. During the Reading section of the ACT test, you have 35 minutes to answer 40 questions. You need to read passages thoroughly, but quickly, attempting to gain the most meaning while wasting no time. This would be a good thing to practice during your preparation.
ACT Reading Test Scoring
You will receive five scores for the ACT Reading Test section: An overall score based on the 40 questions, three category scores, and an Understanding Complex Texts Indicator. The breakdown of the three category scores is as follows:
Craft and Structure (25-30%)- This section asks you to evaluate and analyze concepts such as the tone of piece, perspectives of both author and characters, word choice, and sentence and passage structure.
Integration of Knowledge and Ideas (13-18%)- This section will test your ability to recognize the purpose of a piece and to differentiate between opinion vs. fact. You may also be asked to and compare and contrast two passages about the same topic.
Key Ideas and Details (55-60%)- The majority of the ACT Reading section will assess your ability to read a passage and identify the purpose and the main idea or theme. You should be able to draw conclusions, understand relationships, and create summaries.
Science
The ACT Science test will require you to answer 40 questions in 35 minutes. There will be emphasis on reasoning, not how well you have memorized content. Generally, the questions are taken from core courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and the Earth and space sciences geology, astronomy, and meteorology. No higher-level knowledge in any of these areas is needed, but basic understanding will be required. You will not have access to a calculator for this section.
ACT Science Test Scoring
You will receive four scores for the ACT Science test: one overall score based on the 40 science test questions, and three category scores. They are based on the following:
Evaluation of Models, Inferences, and Experimental Results (25–35%) - This section expects that you will be able to review scientific data and make predictions and conclusions based on what is presented.
Interpretation of Data (45–55%)- You should be able to understand scientific data presented in graphs, charts, tables, and diagrams.
Scientific Investigation (20–30%)- In this section you will be asked to evaluate scientific data as it is presented. You may be asked to identify the independent, dependent, or control variable; to compare experiments; or if you believe the conclusions the researcher has drawn in the presented experiment appear valid.
What to Expect on Test Day
What to Bring
First of all, make sure you are on time. Most tests begin at 8 a.m. and you will not be allowed to take the test if you are late. Be sure to have a photo ID and your paper test ticket (if you can’t find yours, you can print another by logging into your ACT account). If you are taking the paper version of the test, bring two no. 2 pencils (with good erasers) to write with—no other types of writing utensils are allowed. You may bring a watch to keep track of time, but smart watches are not allowed. A calculator is allowed for the math portion of the test. Just make sure yours is an acceptable model first by checking here. Snacks and drinks are allowed during break time, but are not allowed in the testing area.
What Not to Bring
Cell phones, smart watches, and any device with an alarm feature must be turned off. You may not bring highlighters, colored pencils, dictionaries, or scratch paper from home.
Best Ways to Study for the ACT
One of the great things about the ACT is that the format rarely changes, so with a little preparation you can feel confident about what you’ll be expected to know. Here are some ways you can study smarter so you do well on test day:
Check out the ACT Before Your Test
Curious about what the actual ACT test will look like? What if we told you could see an actual ACT test in its entirety, with answers? It’s not cheating—the ACT publishes previous versions of the test so you can see exactly how each section will appear when you take it. While the questions have all been retired and won’t appear on your exam (bummer!), they’re all similar in content, style, and difficulty level to what you’ll encounter on test day. It’s definitely worth checking out.
Click here for the authentic 2021-2022 version of the ACT.
Take Practice Tests
They say practice makes perfect, and when it comes to standardized testing, that’s true. One of the best ways to get the score you want on the ACT is by taking practice tests before your actual exam. Practice tests can help you get a feel for the types of questions you’ll encounter on test day so you feel more prepared knowing what to expect. They can also help you identify areas in which you might struggle so you can better focus on problem areas while you study.
Simulate the Testing Experience
The closer you’re able to replicate the actual test, the more comfortable you’ll feel taking it. Here are two tips to help you simulate the ACT testing experience:
Check the Clock
As you work through your ACT practice test, try answering questions in the same amount of time you’ll actually have on test day. On the ACT test, this works out to the following:
ACT Reading Test—40 questions in 35 minutes = 52 seconds per question
ACT English Test—75 questions in 45 minutes = 36 seconds per question
ACT Mathematics Test—60 questions in 60 minutes = one minute per question
ACT Science Test—40 questions in 35 minutes = 52 seconds per question
Are you able to complete the questions in the amount of time allotted, or do you find yourself always going over? It doesn’t do you any good to get a perfect score if it took you two hours to finish at home but on the real thing you only have 35 minutes, so only spend as much time as you’re given. If you get stuck on a problem, move on to the next. You can always circle back if you have extra time at the end.
Go for the Long Haul
The ACT isn’t a quick pop quiz—it’s up to a 3.5-hour stretch of intense testing with minimal breaks. While you might not have a full three hours to dedicate to taking a practice ACT exam, try setting some time aside to practice for an extended period. By building your testing stamina, you’ll be better prepared for the rigors of actual test day when it arrives.
Alternative ACT Study Methods
Short on time? Can’t stand the sight of another practice test? We hear you. Sometimes that neverending multiple-choice format gets a little stale. While we still insist that practice tests are the best way to get a real-life ACT experience, study guides and flashcards can be helpful study tools as well. Feeling overwhelmed and not sure which study method is best? The makers of the ACT offer a free webinar to help you sort out the best study methods for you based on subject matter needs, cost, time, and prefered learning style format.
Tips and Tricks
Answer All Questions
The ACT does not mark you down for incorrect answers, so it’s in your best interest to select something, even if it’s just a shot in the dark. Start by answering questions you feel confident about, and come back to those you skipped once you’ve worked your way through the section.
Read the Directions Beforehand
Remember the genuine ACT practice testwe shared? While the test questions won’t be the same as what you see, the directions should be verbatim. Take some time to look through the directions for each of the four sections before your test, so when the big day comes you can hit the ground running.
Bubble in the Right Way
Dream scenario: You ace your ACT test. Nightmare scenario: You put the correct answers on your booklet, but then incorrectly transfer them to the Scantron answer sheet. The best way to avoid filling in the incorrect bubbles on the answer sheet is to transfer them as soon as you finish a page in your booklet. If you transfer them after each question it’s easy to lose concentration, but if you wait until you finish the entire test you risk making a mistake that could affect your entire test.
ACT Test FAQ
What’s a good ACT score?
Most students consider a good score to be above the average score, which is 21. If you are planning on going to an elite college, aim for a score of at least 30. The average ACT score for most Ivy League schools is typically between 30-35.
Should I guess on the ACT?
In short: YES! You are not penalized for guessing on the ACT test, so it is in your best interest to always select an answer. Even if you just guess blindly, you have a 25% chance of choosing the correct answer and boosting your overall score.
How long does the ACT take?
Without the optional essay, the ACT test clocks in at just under three hours (two hours and 55 minutes, to be exact). With the essay, it is three hours and 40 minutes. If you factor in the two short breaks, the entire testing experience should take about four hours.
What is the order of the ACT sections?
The ACT is always given in the same order: the English test is first, followed by Mathematics, Reading, and Science. If the optional writing test has been selected, it will always be last.
Will I get a break during the ACT?
Yes, you will get one 10-minute break after the second test (math). If you’re taking the optional essay, you will also get a short break before you begin writing.
FAQs
What is the best free ACT prep? ›
...
- ACT.org. ...
- The Princeton Review. ...
- Kaplan. ...
- Magoosh. ...
- Khan Academy. ...
- Varsity Tutors. ...
- Veritas Prep. ...
- The Critical Reader.
- Register for the ACT, if you haven't yet.
- Become familiar with ACT structure and format.
- Get Oriented ACT content and question styles.
- Identify your weaknesses.
- Set a target score.
- Create a study plan.
- Learn essential test content.
- Practice test strategies.
Students apply revision and editing skills that are necessary for writing effectively in college and career. Four scores are reported for the English test: an overall score based on all 75 questions and three reporting-category scores.
How can I pass the ACT test? ›- Practice With Quality Study Materials. ...
- Hone Your Time-Management Skills. ...
- Use the Same Answer Choice When Guessing. ...
- Prioritize Answering the Questions You Know. ...
- Memorize Common Math Formulas.
Share this Article. Getting a high ACT score can increase your chances of getting into selective colleges. In general, a good ACT score is any score in or above the 75th percentile — at least a 24. Students should aim to hit or exceed the middle 50% of ACT scores at their chosen colleges.
How many free ACT practice tests are there? ›All Free, Full-Length ACT Practice Tests
There is currently one full-length official ACT available for free online, in two formats.
It's ideal to spread your ACT prep over two or three months, but one month is still enough to see score gains.
How many hours should I study for ACT? ›If you scored <1200 (SAT) or <25 (ACT), you have more room to increase, and so will want to allow at least three months to prepare, again assuming at least 5-10 hours of practice per week. As a general rule, studying somewhere between one and six months will probably be enough to produce significant results.
What is the average score for ACT? ›The latest scoring data (2021) shows that the average composite score on the ACT is a 20.3. But the data doesn't stop there. It's broken down by each section of the test. Using this data can be helpful to understand where your score stands.
What is the most common answer on ACT? ›Most people (and tutors) tell students that, if they have no idea on a question, to just guess answer choice “C” — the middle answer on most multiple choice tests. That's fine advice if “C” is equally likely to be correct, which is not the case on the the last 10 questions of the ACT Math section.
What is the fastest way to answer questions on the ACT? ›
- Use a dull pencil. ...
- Cross out incorrect answers. ...
- Circle answers first, then bubble in your scantron one test page at a time. ...
- Skip the hard stuff on a first pass. ...
- Locate line-specific questions before reading the passage. ...
- Practice, and time yourself by individual passages.
What percentile is a 18 ACT score? Earning an 18 on the ACT puts you at the 38th percentile, meaning that you scored higher than 38% of all test takers.
How many questions can you miss on ACT to get a 35? ›1 question wrong drops you to a 34 in Science on those tests. Since the scoring varies so much between test dates for each section, to be safe, you should aim to get at most 1 wrong in any section to get a 35.
How many questions can you miss on ACT to get a 30? ›To get a 30 on ... | You'll need an average raw score of ... | Meaning you can miss around ... |
---|---|---|
English | 67 | 8 questions |
Math | 51 | 9 questions |
Reading | 34 | 6 questions |
Science | 36 | 4 questions |
Overall, you can skip/get wrong around 50 questions per ACT test to get a composite score of 26. For English, you can skip/miss 14 questions on average to get a 26. For Math, you can skip/miss 17 questions on average to get a 26. For Reading, you can skip/miss 11 questions on average to get a 26.
What is the lowest score for ACT? ›The lowest composite score you can receive on the ACT is a 1, while the highest is a 36. Very few students earn a 1 or a 36; among the graduating class of 2020, the average composite score nationally was a 20.6.
What is a bad ACT score? ›In other words, to be above average nationally, you need at least a 21 ACT composite score. Any composite 16 or lower is in the bottom 25%. If you score below 16 or lower on the ACT, your score is definitely in the very low range nationwide.
What ACT scores do colleges want? ›The top 100 US colleges and universities consider ACT scores from 17 to 36 good. The majority of highly selective schools prefer applicants with ACT scores of 30 and higher. On the other hand, many high-ranking US schools that are not that selective accept students with ACT scores of at least 18.
Is ACT easier than SAT? ›Section Summary: Neither the SAT nor the ACT is harder than the other – but each test benefits a different type of student. It's essential that you figure out which test is best suited for you, so that you can achieve the highest scores possible.
How do you get a 1 on the ACT? ›The ACT is scored on a scale of 1-36, meaning that the absolute minimum ACT score you could get is 1. This composite score is calculated by taking the average of all four section scores (English, Math, Reading, and Science) and rounding (so anything ending with a . 5 would round up).
How many times can I take the ACT? ›
How Many Times Should You Take the ACT? If you're not satisfied with your scores, you can retake the ACT. ACT Inc., which administers the exam, lets you take the test up to 12 times, though it's best to take it no more than 2-3 times.
What does a 32 ACT get you? ›A 32 ACT score makes you eligible for merit aid from your future college or university, as well as from third-party scholarship providers. On top of applying for merit aid, make sure to apply for scholarships based on your location, passions, life circumstances, future major, and more.
How can I raise my ACT score fast? ›- Work questions out of order. Spending too much time on the hardest problems means you may rush through the easiest. ...
- Choose a “Letter of the Day.” ...
- Forget the right answer—find the wrong ones. ...
- Know the best way to bubble in. ...
- Tailor your strategy to each section of the ACT.
You can raise your ACT score by 10 points by getting ready for the test very well, whether it's your first or second time to take it. Since it is recommended to spend at least 10 hours studying for every one-point increase, you should review for the ACT for not less than 100 hours.
How can I get a 36 on the ACT without studying? ›To do well on the ACT without studying, answer easy questions first and use the process of elimination. Use diagrams and visuals to one's full advantage. Make intelligent guesses to get good ACT scores. There's no penalty for guessing, and there's a 20% chance of getting the right answer each time.
Is 2 months enough to study for ACT? ›In our opinion, three months is the right amount of time to study for your first ACT. Three months gives you enough time to cover all the necessary material without totally frying your brain. In our opinion, three months is the right amount of time to study for your first ACT.
How long does it take to get a 36 on the ACT? ›Based on the ACT practice tests, most sections require you to miss 0 questions to receive a score of 36. However, in the Math section, you might be able to miss 1 question and still receive a 36. Receiving a score of 35 most often entails missing 1–3 questions in each section.
How quickly do you get ACT scores back? ›Multiple choice scores are normally available two weeks after each national test date, but it can sometimes take up to eight weeks.
Is a 17 ACT score good? ›Is a 17 a good ACT score? A score of 17 is pretty low. It places you in the bottom 31st percentile nationally out of the 2 million test takers of the ACT entrance exam. The score indicates you've done a well below average job answering the questions on the English, Math, Reading and Science sections of the test.
What colleges accept a 12 ACT score? ›Name | ACT 25th | Admission % |
---|---|---|
Claflin University | 12 | 41 |
Medgar Evers College (City University of New York) | 13 | 100 |
Livingstone College | 13 | 37 |
Shaw University | 13 | 53 |
Is C usually the correct answer? ›
The idea that C is the best answer to choose when guess-answering a question on a multiple choice test rests on the premise that ACT answer choices are not truly randomized. In other words, the implication is that answer choice C is correct more often than any other answer choice.
What's the best letter to guess on a test? ›Never, ever, ever, leave any answers blank. You have a 25% chance of getting the question right if you guess. So at the very least, always guess! Myth 2: C is the best guess letter and is right more often than any other letter.
What level of math is on the ACT? ›The ACT Math Test usually breaks down into 6 questions types: pre-algebra, elementary algebra, and intermediate algebra questions; plane geometry and coordinate geometry questions; and some trigonometry questions.
Is it normal to not finish the ACT? ›Not finishing your test does affect your ACT score. In the ACT, you gain points by answering questions correctly. By not finishing, you miss the points you might have gained from those questions.
Why is the ACT reading so hard? ›So what makes it (seem) so hard? Timing: The ACT Reading section has 40 questions and a 35 minute time limit. That give students less than one minute per question and does not even factor in time to read the passage. In other words, the ACT Reading moves at a blistering pace, and it can be hard to keep up.
How do you master ACT reading? ›- Read Each Passage Before its Questions. ...
- Read the Questions Second. ...
- Manage Your Time Effectively. ...
- Put Yourself Ahead of the Game. ...
- Practice with Many Tests. ...
- Make Educated Guesses. ...
- Read, Read, Read!
Short answer: there's no preference.
A common myth is that elite colleges prefer the SAT over the ACT. In reality, all colleges and universities which require standardized testing accept BOTH the ACT and SAT. And college admissions counselors have openly stated they do not prefer one test over the other.
In most colleges, a high GPA may compensate for low ACT/SAT scores. Put extra time into writing an exceptional admission essay that will impress the judges and sway their decision in your favor, regardless of your test scores.
Can I still go to college with a low ACT score? ›Although being able to submit good SAT or ACT scores can greatly expand your possible college choices, there are colleges and universities out there that accept students with lower than average scores, and some schools that don't require these tests at all.
What is the best online ACT prep? ›- 1 ACT — ACT Online Prep.
- 2 Peterson's — ACT Prep Online Course.
- 3 PrepFactory — ACT.
- 4 Higher Scores Test Prep — ACT Prep.
- 5 Green Test Prep — Green Test Prep Premium.
- 6 The Princeton Review — ACT Test Prep.
- 7 Kaplan — ACT Prep Courses.
- 8 Testive — ACT.
Can I use Khan Academy to study for ACT? ›
Both exams test math, science, critical reading, and writing and language skills. This means that much of what you study for the SAT, including Khan Academy's resources, will be useful for the ACT, and vice versa.
Is Kaplan or Princeton Review better for ACT? ›Beyond the video lessons, Princeton Review provides some notch practice work. In terms of volume, Princeton Review beats Kaplan almost across the board. They provide 2,000 SAT and 1,200 ACT practice questions, to Kaplan's 1,000 SAT and 2,000 ACT problems.
What is the best ACT study guide? ›- "The Official ACT Prep Guide, 2021-2022" ...
- The Princeton Review's "ACT Premium Prep, 2021" ...
- "ACT Prep Black Book, 2nd Edition" ...
- Kaplan's "ACT Prep Plus 2022" ...
- Barron's "ACT Premium Study Guide, 2022-2023" ...
- McGraw Hill Education's "10 ACT Practice Tests, 6th Edition" ...
- Manhattan Prep's "5 lb.
As a general rule, studying somewhere between one and six months will probably be enough to produce significant results. That said, the skills needed for the SAT/ACT can be continually refined. The more time you spend familiarizing yourself with the test, the closer you'll get to a perfect score.
Will a 36 ACT get you into Harvard? ›There's no absolute ACT requirement at Harvard, but they really want to see at least a 33 to have a chance at being considered. A university with Harvard's stature has equally high ACT standards.
Is a 34 on ACT good? ›A 34 ACT puts you at the 99th percentile, meaning you scored higher than 99% of all test takers.
Is ACT easier than SAT? ›Section Summary: Neither the SAT nor the ACT is harder than the other – but each test benefits a different type of student. It's essential that you figure out which test is best suited for you, so that you can achieve the highest scores possible.
What kind of math is on the ACT? ›The ACT Math Test usually breaks down into 6 questions types: pre-algebra, elementary algebra, and intermediate algebra questions; plane geometry and coordinate geometry questions; and some trigonometry questions.
What is the average ACT score? ›The latest scoring data (2021) shows that the average composite score on the ACT is a 20.3. But the data doesn't stop there. It's broken down by each section of the test. Using this data can be helpful to understand where your score stands.
When should I start studying for the ACT? ›For most people, we recommend beginning your ACT studying during the end of your sophomore year or the summer between sophomore and junior year. That will give you enough time to get in the prep you need to take the ACT at the beginning of your junior year.
Are Kaplan ACT practice tests harder? ›
Unofficial ACT practice tests can be very hit or miss, and Kaplan's are mostly a miss. Overall, they're significantly easier than actual ACT questions, and they don't include many of the tricks or wording techniques you'll often see on the actual ACT.
Are ACT prep classes worth it? ›The more likely outcome for improvement is closer to 30 additional points on the SAT and one to two points on the ACT. If you're on the edge of a bracket, a test prep course may be worth it. But if you're comfortably in the middle percentile, don't bank on a test prep program getting you a perfect score.
Is a score of 14 on the ACT good? ›Is a 14 a good ACT score? A score of 14 is definitely low. It places you in the bottom 13th percentile nationally out of the 2 million test takers of the ACT entrance exam. The score indicates you've done a very poor job answering the questions on the English, Math, Reading and Science sections of the test.
Do colleges prefer SAT or ACT? ›Both ACT and SAT scores are used for college admissions decisions and awarding merit-based scholarships. Most colleges do not prefer one test over the other. Neither the SAT or ACT is harder than the other. Different students tend to do better on one test over the other.