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 # & LENGTH | SUBJECT | QUESTION TYPE | # of QUESTIONS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 - 45 min | English | Usage, Mechanics, Rhetorical Skills | 75 MC4 questions (7 reading passages) |
| 2 - 60 min | Math1 | Primary topics: Arithmetic, Algebra I and II, Geometry, Data Analysis | 60 MC questions |
| 3 - 35 min | Reading | 4 Passages: 1 Prose Fiction, 1 Social Science, 1 Humanities, 1 Natural Science | 40 MC questions (10 questions per passage) |
| 4 - 35 min | Science2 | Interpret Charts and Graphs | 15 MC questions (3 reading passages) |
| 4 - 35 min | Science2 | Examine Experimental Results | 18 MC questions (3 reading passages) |
| 4 - 35 min | Science2 | Compare Conflicting Hypotheses | 7 MC questions (1 reading passage) |
| 5* - 40 min | 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.
2 Calculators are NOT permitted for the Science Reasoning section.
3 The essay portion of the exam is technically optional although some schools require it.
4 Multiple choice.
Total length with standard time
- 3 hours and 35 minutes with Writing
- 2 hours and 55 minutes without Writing
Total length with extended time
- 5 hours and 23 minutes with Writing
- 4 hours and 23 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. 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.
2024-2025 Testing Schedule
- September 14, 2024 (registration deadline is 8/9/24; late registration deadline is 8/25/24)
- October 26, 2024 (registration deadline is 9/20/24; late registration deadline is 10/7/24)
- December 14, 2024 (registration deadline is 11/8/24; late registration deadline is 111/22/24)
- February 8, 2025 (registration deadline is 1/3/25; late registration deadline is 1/20/25)
- April 5, 2025 (registration deadline is 2/28/25; late registration deadline is 3/16/25)
- June 14, 2025 (registration deadline is 5/9/25; late registration deadline is 5/26/25)
- July 12, 2025 (registration deadline is 6/6/25; late registration deadline is 6/20/25)*
*No test centers are scheduled in New York for the July test date.
Cost
- Registration without Writing Section: $69
- Registration with Writing Section: $94
- Test Option Change (removing or adding the writing section prior to late registration deadline): $25
- Late Registration: $38
- Change Fee: $44
Registration Site/Additional Information
Visit the official ACT website to register and learn more.
View a comparison of the current SAT and ACT tests.
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