This overview includes information to help you prepare for the ACT® exam. You’ll find details about the test format, registration, costs, test-day expectations, scoring, retakes, study resources, and sample practice questions.
Exam TypeCollege admissions exam | Required SectionsEnglish, Mathematics, and Reading |
Optional SectionsScience and Writing | Composite Score1 to 36 |
Exam Background and Purpose
The ACT® is a college admissions exam taken by many high school students as part of the college application process. Colleges may use ACT scores along with grades, course history, essays, recommendations, activities, and other application materials.
The ACT measures academic skills in English, mathematics, and reading. Students may also choose to take the optional Science section and/or the optional Writing section, depending on their college goals and application requirements.
Key point: the current ACT Composite score is based on English, Math, and Reading. Science and Writing are optional and are reported separately.
Test Overview
The ACT includes three required multiple-choice sections: English, Mathematics, and Reading. The Science section and Writing section are optional add-ons.
ACT Sample Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to review the types of skills tested on the ACT. Answer each question first, then open the explanation to check your work.
1. English: Which choice best revises the sentence?
The museum’s newest exhibit features ancient coins, pottery, and tools, it also includes several interactive displays.
- NO CHANGE
- and includes
- it includes also
- also including
Show Answer and Explanation
Answer: B. and includes
The original creates a comma splice by joining two complete thoughts with only a comma. Choice B fixes the problem by turning the second part into a compound predicate: the exhibit features items and includes displays.
2. English: Which choice is most concise and clear?
The coach repeated the instructions again for a second time before practice began.
- NO CHANGE
- repeated the instructions again
- repeated the instructions
- repeated again the instructions for a second time
Show Answer and Explanation
Answer: C. repeated the instructions
Repeated, again, and for a second time all express the same idea. Choice C is the clearest and most concise option.
3. Mathematics: If 3x – 7 = 20, what is the value of x?
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 13
Show Answer and Explanation
Answer: C. 9
Add 7 to both sides to get 3x = 27. Divide by 3 to get x = 9.
4. Mathematics: A jacket originally costs $80 and is discounted by 25%. What is the sale price?
- $20
- $55
- $60
- $75
Show Answer and Explanation
Answer: C. $60
A 25% discount on $80 is $20. Subtract $20 from $80 to get $60.
5. Reading: Read the passage and answer the question.
Although the town library was small, it became a center of activity after the renovation. New study rooms drew students after school, and weekend workshops brought in adults who had not visited the library in years.
Which statement best summarizes the passage?
- The town library was too small to serve the community.
- The renovation helped the library attract a wider range of visitors.
- Students preferred the library before the renovation.
- Weekend workshops were discontinued after the renovation.
Show Answer and Explanation
Answer: B. The renovation helped the library attract a wider range of visitors.
The passage says the library became more active after renovation and attracted both students and adults.
6. Science: A student records the temperature of a liquid every minute.
| Time | Temperature |
|---|---|
| 0 min | 20°C |
| 1 min | 24°C |
| 2 min | 28°C |
| 3 min | 32°C |
If the trend continues, what should the temperature be at 4 minutes?
- 34°C
- 36°C
- 38°C
- 40°C
Show Answer and Explanation
Answer: B. 36°C
The temperature increases by 4°C each minute. After 32°C at 3 minutes, the next value is 36°C.
Costs and Payment Options
The ACT registration fee depends on the test options you choose. The base ACT includes English, Math, and Reading. Science and Writing are optional add-ons, and additional fees may apply for late registration, standby testing, test changes, extra score reports, answer-key services, or score verification.
Current ACT Fee Basics
- The ACT Test with English, Math, and Reading: $70
- Science add-on: $5
- Writing add-on: $25
- ACT with Science and Writing: $100
- Additional services and registration changes may cost extra
Registration, Times, and Locations
You can register for the ACT online through the official ACT website. During registration, you will create or log in to your MyACT account, choose your test date, select a test center, and choose any optional sections you want to take.
Your admission ticket includes important test-day information, including your test location, reporting instructions, and registration details. Review it before test day so you know where to go and what to bring.
Test Scores
Your ACT scores are usually posted online in your MyACT account after testing. 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.
Different colleges use ACT scores differently. Some schools require scores, some are test optional, and some may use superscores. Check the admission requirements for each college before deciding when to test or where to send scores.
Retaking the ACT
You may take the ACT more than once. Many students test again after additional practice, and some colleges consider a student’s highest score or superscore. Score-use policies vary by college, so check the requirements for each school before sending scores.
How Can I Prepare for the ACT Test?
Preparing for the ACT is easier when you know what each section measures and practice under realistic time limits. Build a study plan that includes English grammar and editing, math problem-solving, reading comprehension, and data interpretation if you plan to take Science.
ACT Study Checklist
- Review the current ACT section timing before you practice.
- Practice English questions that ask you to revise and edit short passages.
- Review algebra, functions, geometry, statistics, probability, and word problems.
- Read short passages and practice identifying main ideas, details, purpose, and evidence.
- Practice interpreting charts, tables, and experimental results if you plan to take Science.
- Take timed practice sections so the pace feels familiar before test day.
- Review missed questions carefully and write down the reason for each mistake.
ACT Study Resources
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High-Quality Flashcards:
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