Resources: ACT
- What is the ACT?
- Who takes the ACT?
- The ACT format
- How the ACT is scored
- ACT test dates, registration deadlines and fees
- 2010-2011 test dates and registration deadlines
- ACT test fees
- Register for the ACT
What is the ACT?
The ACT is taken as part of the college admission process. Some schools accept either SAT or ACT scores. Students can take the test more than once.
Who takes the ACT?
The ACT is typically administered to junior and senior high school students applying to college.
The ACT format
The ACT is a three-and-a-half hour test (four hours if taking writing) that assesses student achievement in English, mathematics, reading, science and writing. There are 75 English questions (45 minutes), 60 math questions (60 minutes), 40 reading questions (35 minutes), 40 science questions (35 minutes) and one optional essay (30 minutes). All questions are multiple-choice with four answer options.
How the ACT is scored
The only number factored into an ACT score is how many questions are answered correctly. Unlike with the SATs, no points are subtracted for incorrect answers, so it’s advantageous for students to answer every question. Students will receive a score of 1 to 36 on each test component, based on how many questions were answered correctly. These individual scores are then averaged together to create a composite score.
ACT test dates, registration deadlines and fees
The ACT is administered on various dates throughout the year. Registration for each test closes approximately one month before the test date. There is a cost to take the test, as well as a fee for late registration.
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