ACT, or the American College Testing, is a standardized test taken by students looking for admission to international undergraduate schools. It is a multiple-choice, pencil-and-paper test administered by ACT, Inc, accepted by most colleges and universities to make admission decisions.
The purpose of the ACT is to measure the readiness of high school students for college and provide colleges with one common data point that can be used to compare applicants. College admissions officers review standardized test scores alongside high school GPA, the classes you took in high school, letters of recommendation from teachers or mentors, extracurricular activities, admissions interviews, and personal essays. How important ACT scores are in the college application varies from school to school.
In 2015, the ACT began to be offered as a computer-based test instead of the traditional paper-based test. This change will not affect the test syllabus, total score, and multiple choice format, as only the test-taking format changes.
Why should you take the ACT?
Saves thousands on tuition
Taking the ACT can increase your chances of earning scholarships since high ACT scores are standard criteria for merit scholarships. Many colleges offer merit scholarships based on standardized test scores.
Good value
The ACT is a good value because it offers a college admissions test, college course placement, and a career planning component for one modest fee. You can make yourself visible to colleges and scholarship agencies nationwide by taking the ACT.
Optional Writing Test
Since not all colleges and universities require a writing test for admission, ACT offers students the choice to take the writing test – it’s optional.
More than an admissions exam
In addition to being a college admissions exam, the ACT includes a profile and education/career planning section to help you plan for life after high school. You will receive personalized career information and develop a comprehensive profile that tells colleges about your work in high school and plans. You can also see your strengths and weaknesses in the subject areas tested to help direct your future education.
You choose which scores to send
If you take the ACT more than once, you can select which test date results you would like to send to the schools of your choice. Scores are only sent for the test dates you choose. When registering for the ACT, you can select up to four colleges to send
your scores to, for free.
ACT Test Format
The ACT consists of four primary tests: English, Math, Reading, and Science. It also has an optional Writing (Essay) section.
The ACT English test is a passage-based test that assesses grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and persuasive skills. The reading test includes four passages from prose fiction, social studies, humanities, and natural sciences. The Math test covers critical duration topics like Algebra, Arithmetic, Data Analysis, Geometry, and Trignometry. The Science test assesses comprehension and data interpretation based on science passages.
Test | Number of Questions | Time Limit |
English | 75 Multiple-Choice Question | 45 Minutes |
Math | 60 Multiple-Choice Questions | 60 Minutes |
Break | | |
Reading | 40 Multiple-Choice Questions | 35 Minutes |
Science | 40 Multiple-Choice Questions | 35 Minutes |
| Break | |
Writing (Optional) | 1 Essay | 40 Minutes |
The duration of the ACT is 2 hours 55 minutes without the essay and 3 hours 35 minutes with the essay. A short break is provided after the second test. The second break is after the fourth test and applies only if you take the optional examination.
ACT English Test
The ACT English test consists of five passages with 15 questions per passage. Most of these questions ask you to select the most appropriate answer in grammar and style; or the one that is most consistent with the passage's tone.
Six elements of effective writing are tested in the English test, that fall under two broad categories:
Usage/Mechanics - 40 questions
Punctuation (10 questions)
Grammar and Usage (12 questions)
Sentence Structure (18 questions)
Rhetorical Skills - 35 questions
Strategy (12 questions)
Organization (11 questions)
Style (12 questions)
ACT Math Test
The ACT Math test would typically include approximately 14 Pre-algebra-based, 10 Elementary algebra-based, 9 Intermediate Algebra-based, 9 Coordinate geometry-based, 14 Plane geometry-based, and four trigonometry-based questions that comprise Math test.
ACT Reading Test
The ACT Reading test includes four passages belonging to four genres – prose fiction, social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences. The passages always follow this order, and ten questions follow each passage.
ACT Science Test
The ACT Science test does not test any science-based knowledge; rather, it is a test of reading and reasoning based on science-related passages. In this test, you will see about 2-3 charts and graph passages, 2-3 science experiment passages, and 1-2 fighting scientist passages – the number of questions ranges from 5 to 7.
ACT Writing Test
The ACT Writing test is optional and needs to be taken if the college you’re applying to requires the essay score., The essay task presents you with three perspectives on a debatable issue. You must explain and justify your position on that issue in the context of the three perspectives.
ACT Fees
The entire ACT without the writing section costs $63.00, whereas the entire test with writing costs $88.00.
ACT Scoring
Each section of the ACT is scored on a 1 to 36-point scale. The composite score is the average of all four tests. Students taking the optional writing test will receive a writing score in that section ranging from 1-36. The writing score does not affect the composite score. The ACT scores are valid for five years after the testing year.
ACTs also have the option of superscoring, averaging your four best subject scores from all of your ACT test attempts. All students who have taken the ACT more than once from September 2016 to the current day are eligible for a super score.
ACT Eligibility Criteria
As per the ACT, anyone can apply for the test irrespective of age and academic grade level. ACT does not ask for any particular criteria; however, you need to check the eligibility criteria requested by the respective institutions/colleges you are applying to.
How to prepare for the ACT?
Official practice tests
One of the best ways to prepare for the actual exam is to take the official tests on the ACT website. Taking practice tests is paramount to your preparation for an exam. Create an ideal exam environment and take practice tests to help you assess your strengths and weaknesses. This enables you to measure your progress better! You can find the tests here:
Familiarize yourself with the test format
The foremost preparation tip is to familiarize yourself with the test format, which includes different sections and their content - English, Math, Reading, and Science. Go through the ACT website to find details about the test centers' formats, timings, content, and slot availability.
Study guidebooks
Once you’re familiar with the test format and sections, you can get a study guidebook to provide you with tips and tricks that can help you navigate your way better through each section. They also have sample tests you can practice on and better assess your strengths and weaknesses.
Time your exam
You must take the practice tests in an ideal environment and time your exam. This will help you manage your time well while you give the actual exam. Therefore, you should focus on time management even when solving the practice tests.
Map out an ideal score
Different universities will have different cutoff scores for the ACT. Your diagnostic test results will show the gap between your score and the university’s ACT cutoffs. During the ACT preparation, noting the top US colleges’ cutoff scores is also essential. This could help you assess your candidature better too.
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