ACT

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.

The ACT launched changes in April 2025. The test is now available in two formats: ACT Online Testing (digital ACT) and Paper-and-Pencil Testing (traditional format). The online test offers more flexibility and choice; it’s also shorter and allows for more time to respond to each question. This timing benefit will be extended to the paper-and-pencil testing format beginning in September 2025.

The changes, immediately available with online testing, include:

• Reduced number of questions (44 fewer items overall)
• Shortened test time (2 hours 5 minutes is the shortest pathway, making it potentially shorter than the dSAT at 2 hours 14 minutes; this pathway would require opting out of the science section AND the writing section, which we generally do NOT recommend for most of our students)
• More time per questions
• Reduced answer choices for math questions (4 choices instead of 5)
• Science section is now optional; the writing section remains optional

Format and Content

Below we’ve described the format and content for each of the testing options: Paper-and-Pencil Testing and Online Testing.

---

ACT Paper-and-Pencil Test

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 Multiple choice.

---

ACT Online Testing (Digital ACT)

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 Multiple choice.
⁴ While the science section is optional per the publisher, certain colleges/majors will still require it.

Total length with standard time

ACT Paper-and-Pencil Test:

• 3 hours and 35 minutes with Writing
• 2 hours and 55 minutes without Writing

ACT Online Test (Digital Test):

• 2 hours and 5 minutes without Science or Writing
• 2 hours and 45 minutes with Science but without Writing
• 3 hours and 25 minutes with Science AND Writing

Total length with 50% extended time

ACT Paper-and-Pencil Test:

• 5 hours and 23 minutes with Writing
• 4 hours and 23 minutes without Writing

ACT Online Test (Digital Test):

• 3 hours and 8 minutes without Science or Writing
• 4 hours and 8 minutes with Science but without Writing
• 5 hours and 8 minutes with Science AND 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.

2025-2026 Testing Schedule

• July 12, 2025 (registration deadline is 6/6/25; late registration deadline is 6/20/25)*
• September 6, 2025 (registration deadline is 8/1/25; late registration deadline is 8/19/25)
• October 18, 2025 (registration deadline is 9/12/25; late registration deadline is 9/30/25)**
• December 13, 2024 (registration deadline is 11/7/25; late registration deadline is 11/24/25)
• February 14, 2026 (registration deadline is 1/9/26; late registration deadline is 1/23/26)
• April 11, 2025 (registration deadline is 3/6/26; late registration deadline is 3/24/26)**
• June 13, 2026 (registration deadline is 5/8/26; late registration deadline is 5/29/26)**
• July 11, 2026 (registration deadline is 6/5/26; late registration deadline is 6/24/26)*

*No test centers are scheduled in New York for the July test date.

**ACT My Answer Key is available for purchase for these test dates.

Cost

• Registration for English, Math, and Reading Sections: $65
• Science Add-On Fee: $4
• Writing Add-On Fee: $25
• Total Registration Fee (inclusive of all 5 sections): $94
• Late Registration: $38
• Change Fee: $44
• ACT My Answer Key: $34 if the order is placed before the test begins; $42 if the order is placed after the test.

Registration Site/Additional Information

Visit the official ACT website to register and learn more.
View a comparison of the current SAT and ACT tests.

Related Posts

• • ACT and dSAT: Testing Difference
  • Comparing the dSAT and ACT
  • Why Should I Opt-In To The ACT Writing Section
  • dSAT Overview
  • Navigating Test-Optional Policies
  • Understanding The Value Of Tutoring With My Learning Springboard
  • Redefining Educational Consulting
  • A Different Tutoring Experience With My Learning Springboard
  • High-Dosage Tutoring
  • Tutoring As A Springboard To Achievement