General Information
The ACT is a college entrance exam administered by ACT, Inc. It consists of five sections: English, Math, Reading, Science Reasoning, and Writing.
Format and Content
| Section | Subject | Question Type | # of Questions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| # | Length | |||
| 1 | 45 minutes | English | Usage, Mechanics, Rhetorical Skills | 75 MC4 questions (7 reading passages) |
| 2 | 60 minutes | Math1 | Primary topics: Arithmetic, Algebra I and II, Geometry, Data Analysis | 60 MC questions |
| 3 | 35 minutes | Reading | Reading Comprehension | 40 MC questions (4 reading passages) |
| 4 | 35 minutes | Science Reasoning2 | Interpret Charts and Graphs | 15 MC questions (3 reading passages) |
| Examine Experimental Results | 18 MC questions (3 reading passages) | |||
| Compare Conflicting Hypotheses | 7 MC questions (1 reading passage) |
|||
| 5* | 30 minutes | Writing (optional)3 |
Essay Question | 1 essay based on a given prompt |
1 It is NOT specifically designated how many questions will test each math topic, but the content tested is always the same. The primary topics tested are arithmetic, algebra I and II, geometry, and data analysis. Calculators are permitted.
2Calculators are NOT permitted for the Science Reasoning section.
3The essay portion of the exam is technically optional although some schools require it.
4Multiple choice
TOTAL LENGTH
3 hours and 25 minutes with Writing
2 hours and 55 minutes without Writing
Scoring
Students receive a score between 1 and 36 for each section other than the Writing section. The Writing section is scored out of 12 and then factored into the English score. A composite score out of 36 is calculated by averaging the four section scores. There is NO wrong answer penalty on the ACT, so a student should never leave a question blank.
2013-2014 Testing Schedule
- September 21, 2013
- October 26, 2013
- December 14, 2013
- February 8, 2014*
- April 12, 2014
- June 14, 2014
Cost
$35 without the optional Writing section
$50.50 with the Writing section
$22 for late registration
$21 for test date change
$21 for test center change
Score Choice
The ACT, like the SAT, has a score choice option that allows a student to take the test multiple times without having to worry about colleges seeing all their results. Instead, they can select which test dates they want sent to schools. A student CANNOT, however, select from within a test date certain section scores to send. For instance, they cannot send ONLY a math score from a certain test date.Different schools have different policies in regards to score choice. Students should check the specific requirements for each of their preferred schools.
Registration Site/Additional Information
Visit the official ACT website to register and learn more
