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Prep for the ACT Test with Studyhq
The ACT® test is one of the most popular college admissions tests in the United States. It assesses students’ readiness for college and provides valuable insights to admissions officers. This page is a complete guide to understanding the ACT® test, its structure, preparation strategies, and tips for success.
The ACT or The American College Testing is a standardized assessment conducted by ACT Inc. It works as a tool for high school students, helping them get ready for college and plan their future careers. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and an optional writing section, evaluating students’ proficiency in subjects like English, Math, Reading, and Science based on their high school curriculum. The exam is now available in both online and offline modes influencing students’ acceptance into desired institutions and scholarship opportunities.
Who needs the ACT?
The ACT is typically needed by the high school students of the US or around the world for undergraduate university admissions abroad. The ACT score can sometimes be used for placement purposes as well as scholarship considerations.
Eligibility for ACT
There are no specific academic grade requirements to appear for the ACT exam. Typically, fresh high school graduates take the ACT test to apply for undergraduate courses at universities in the US and other countries. Your ACT scores may also be required as a part of your scholarship application process.
EOS by ACT
The ACT offers you an amazing opportunity as the EOS- Educational Opportunity Service which offers you exciting opportunities to connect with universities. When you register you can opt-in to ACT’s Educational Opportunity Service (EOS), you’ll automatically connect with colleges, universities, and financial aid institutions based on your plans and interests. Basically, this feature helps you get discovered by colleges and help you find college opportunities all over the country.
ACT Exam Pattern
The ACT test consists of four sections—English, mathematics, reading, and science, all MCQ, with an optional writing section. Some colleges and universities require or accept your ACT writing scores, so you may consider taking the writing section.
| Sections | Exam Format |
| English | Usage/Mechanics: Punctuation, grammar rules, sentence structure.Rhetorical Skills: Topic development, logical organization, style and tone in writing. |
| Mathematics | Algebra/Elementary Algebra: Operations with numbers, fractions, decimals, fundamental algebraic concepts.Intermediate Algebra/Coordinate Geometry: Algebraic expressions, equations, functions, coordinate geometry.Plane Geometry/Trigonometry: Geometric properties, proofs, introductory trigonometry. |
| Reading | Social Studies: History, psychology, sociology, and related topics.Natural Sciences: Biology, chemistry, physics, and related areas.Literary Narrative/Prose Fiction: Passages from novels, short stories, personal essays.Humanities: Art, music, philosophy, language. |
| Science | Data Representation: Analysis of graphs and tables.Research Summaries: Comprehension of experiments and their outcomes.Conflicting Viewpoints: Comparison of different scientific hypotheses or perspectives. |
| Writing (Optional) | Writing (Essay): Responding to a provided prompt, articulating and substantiating ideas effectively in written form. |
ACT Exam Syllabus
| Section | Number of Questions | Time Allotted |
| English | 75 | 45 |
| Mathematics | 60 | 60 |
| Reading | 40 | 35 |
| Science | 40 | 35 |
| Writing (Optional) | 1 essay | 40 |
Students with professionally diagnosed and documented disabilities who plan to test with alternate test formats (large print, braille, pre-recorded audio, or screen reader software).
| Section | Number of Questions | Time Allotted |
| English | 75 | 70 |
| Mathematics | 60 | 90 |
| Reading | 40 | 55 |
| Science | 40 | 55 |
| Writing (Optional) | 1 essay | 60 |
ACT Scores
The ACT exam is scored on a scale of 1 to 36 for each section and the composite score. The average score for English section is 20.2, Mathematics section is 20.5, Reading section is 21.3, Science section and composite section is 20.8. The composite score is the average of the four section scores, rounded to the nearest whole number.
ACT provides detailed score reports, including sub-scores for each section, allowing students to identify strengths and areas for improvement. When available, the scores are posted online and you can access it using your MyACT account. Also, ACT provides an automatically calculated ACT Superscore if you have taken the ACT more than once.
Interpreting Your Scores
| Score Range | Interpretation |
| 25- 36 | Above Average- Exceptional Performance |
| 17- 24 | Average Score- expected level performance |
| 1- 16 | Below Average- room for improvement |
SAT- ACT Concordance
The SAT and ACT concordance tables do not equate scores, but rather provide a tool for finding comparable scores. CHeck this out:
| ACT | SAT |
| 36- 33 | 1600- 1450 |
| 29- 32 | 1440- 1330 |
| 28- 25 | 1320- 1200 |
| 24- 21 | 1190- 1060 |
| 20- 17 | 1030- 920 |
| 16- 13 | 910- 730 |
| 12- 9 | 720- 590 |
How to Apply for ACT Exam?
- Create an ACT Web Account: If you plan to take the test at designated test centers, create an ACT Web account on the official website.
- Select Test Date and Center: Choose a suitable test date and the designated test center in your region where you want to take the ACT exam.
- Complete Application Form: Create a student profile by providing your personal information and complete the online application form. Ensure all details are accurate and up-to-date.
- Submit Necessary Documents: Upload the required documents as specified during the application process. Ensure that all documents are valid and meet the specified criteria.
- Immediate Confirmation: After submitting your application, you will receive immediate confirmation of your registration. This confirmation indicates that your registration for the ACT exam has been successfully processed.
- Late Registration (If Applicable): Be mindful of late registration deadlines, which usually fall two to three weeks before the test date. Late registrations involve an additional fee, so it’s advisable to register well before the deadline to avoid additional costs.
- Until the duration of your late registration deadline, you can change your test format from online to paper or vice- versa for a scheduled fee. In no case you’ll be allowed to change the test format on the day of the test.
Note- Remember to take your ACT exams 2 months prior to your university application deadline as the results typically take between 2- 8 weeks to be released. And to register for the ACT exam, you must have an International Debit or Credit card for payment purposes.
ACT Exam Cancellation and Rescheduling
If you want to reschedule your ACT, you will be required to pay the full fee for the new test date along with a test date change fee. If you call during the late registration period, a late fee will also apply. However, the basic fee for your original test date will be refunded in both scenarios. The rescheduling and cancellation can be both done from your MyAct Account.
ACT Exam Upcoming Test Dates
| Test Date | Registration Deadline |
| 13- 14 Dec, 2024 | 15- 29 Nov |
| 7- 8 Feb, 2025 | 10- 24 Jan |
| 4- 5 Apr, 2025 | 7- 21 Mar |
| 13- 14 June, 2025 | 16- 30 May |
| 11- 12 July, 2025 | 13- 27 June |
ACT Exam Fees
| Services | Fees |
| ACT- no writing | $69 |
| ACT with writing | $94 |
| Test option change | $25 |
Additional Fees
| Services | Fees |
| Late Registration | $38 |
| Standby Fees (if you got denied at test center) | $69 |
| Change fee | $44 |
| Score reports to 5th & 6th college choices | $19 |
| Additional Score Reports | $19 |
| Test Information Release | $32- order placed before test$40- order placed after test |
| Score Verification | $58- for MCQ $58- for writing test$116- for both |
Fee Waiver
The registration fee for up to four ACT tests, with or without the optional writing test for US Nationals or US students are waived off for the ACT exam. Besides, students also get free preparation materials, free test information release (allows you to see your test questions and answers after your test), free additional score reports as well as your college applications are also free.
ACT Exam Preparation Tips
- Familiarize yourself with the ACT structure: English, Math, Reading, Science, and an optional Writing section. Know the timing and number of questions for each section to manage your time effectively during the test.
- Identify which sections or types of questions are most challenging for you. Spend extra time practicing those areas, using targeted practice questions and review materials.
- Update your knowledge and skills in the content areas. Review content areas that you have studied and refresh your knowledge in the content areas that make up large portions of the test.
- Take the practice tests to simulate the exam experience. Take full-length timed practice tests to build stamina and identify areas where you need improvement. Review your answers to understand your mistakes and learn from them.
- Ensure you get enough sleep, especially the night before the test. Eat a healthy breakfast on test day to keep your energy levels up and stay hydrated.
Free Preparation Resources
Preparing for the ACT exam doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Numerous online resources offer valuable study materials, practice tests, and test-taking strategies at no cost. Here’s a roundup of free ACT exam resources to help you excel on test day:
1. ACT.org
- Free ACT study guide, full-length practice tests, and test-taking strategies.
- Personalized score report and tailored resources to address areas of improvement.
- Full-length practice test, free online courses on testing strategies.
- 14-day free trial with self-paced program, including video lessons and practice drills.
3. Kaplan
- Free ACT classes, events, and half-length practice test using official ACT questions.
- Daily ACT question emails and short pop quizzes for quick practice sessions.
4. Magoosh
- Detailed study tips, study schedules, and free ACT practice questions with video explanations.
- Seven free full-length ACT practice tests with answer keys and explanations.
5. Khan Academy
- Universal testing strategies applicable to ACT.
- Resources for strengthening subject areas like reading, writing, and math.
- Free practice tests categorized by subject area.
- Free ACT prep course with six live sessions and real-time Q&A.
7. Veritas Prep
- General test prep resources, specific content-based test prep, and free ACT classes.
- Over three hours of on-demand video lessons and various free test prep materials.
- ACT reading materials, reading strategies, and free ACT questions of the day.
- Free ACT quizzes and reading guides.
9. Erik the Red
- Extensive resources for ACT Math section, including quizzes and skill-specific practice problems.
- Free ACT Math guides with essential information and formulas.
10. Union Test Prep
- Breakdown of the ACT exam structure, scoring, and test day expectations.
- Comprehensive ACT study guide, free practice tests, and downloadable ACT flashcards.
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