This overview includes information to help you prepare for your ACT® Test. You’ll find registration details, plus a preview of the types of information that will be covered during the exam itself, along with things you can expect during the day of the exam.
Exam Background and Purpose
The ACT Test is the exam that most U.S. high school students take to assist with admission to a university or college.
Test Overview
The ACT includes three main multiple-choice sections: English, Mathematics, and Reading. Students may also choose to take the optional Science section and/or the optional Writing section.
- English (50 Questions/35 Minutes) — This section measures your ability to revise and edit short texts and essays in different genres. You’ll answer questions about grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, word choice, organization, clarity, and rhetorical skills.
- Mathematics (45 Questions/50 Minutes) — This section reviews your math proficiency, including the skills students typically learn by the beginning of grade 12. You’ll be assessed on topics such as algebra, functions, geometry, statistics, probability, mathematical reasoning, and problem-solving.
- Reading (36 Questions/40 Minutes) — This section reviews your ability to pull key information from written text, including identifying main ideas, finding important details, understanding sequences, drawing comparisons, analyzing cause-and-effect relationships, determining word meanings, making conclusions, and interpreting information from multiple texts.
- Optional – Science (40 Questions/40 Minutes) — This section covers scientific reasoning skills in areas such as biology, chemistry, Earth/space science, and physics. You’ll be asked to interpret data in charts or graphs, review examples of experiments, draw conclusions, and evaluate scientific findings.
- Optional – Writing (1 Essay/40 Minutes) — Some colleges or universities may require or accept Writing scores. This section looks at your ability to develop and support a position on a complex issue, organize your ideas effectively, and use clear language and standard grammar.
Costs and Payment Options
The ACT registration fee is $70. If you choose to add the optional Science section, you will pay an additional $5, and if you choose to take the Writing section, you will pay another $25. Payment can be made online using a credit card or debit card. Fees are subject to change, so check the ACT website for current pricing.
Registration/Times/Locations
The ACT registration can be done online using www.act.org. While registering, you will have to open your MyACT account or login, select your testing date, pick your testing center, and select the test sections you wish to undertake. The admission ticket will provide information related to the day of the test including where the test is being administered and other information about reporting to the test venue.
Test Scores
Your ACT scores are usually posted online within a few weeks after your test date. Most scores are available in your MyACT account within 1 to 4 weeks. Your Composite score ranges from 1 to 36 and is based on your English, Math, and Reading scores. If you take the optional Science or Writing sections, those scores are reported separately and do not affect your Composite score.
How Can I Prepare for the ACT Test?
Preparing for the ACT is much easier when you have the right study tools in front of you. A good ACT study guide can help you review the skills tested on the exam, flashcards can help you memorize key concepts quickly, and practice tests can show you exactly where you need more work. Below, you’ll find ACT prep resources designed to help you study more efficiently, build confidence, and feel more prepared on test day.
Top Study Guides:
Best Online Course:
High-Quality Flashcards:
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