The ACT

The ACT (American College Testing)

The ACT (American College Testing) is a standardized college admissions test used to assess a student's readiness for college. Like the SAT, it is used by colleges and universities in the United States to evaluate applicants.

ACT Overview:

• Purpose: College admissions, scholarship eligibility, and academic placement.

• Administered by: ACT, Inc.

• Frequency: The ACT is offered several times a year, typically in the months of September, October, December, February, April, June, and July.

Test Structure:

The ACT consists of four mandatory sections and one optional section:

1. English Test (45 minutes)

   • Content: 75 multiple-choice questions that test grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and rhetorical skills.

   • Purpose: To evaluate a student’s ability to revise and edit written text, including usage, organization, and style.

2. Math Test (60 minutes)

   • Content: 60 multiple-choice questions covering pre-algebra, algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.

   • Purpose: To assess mathematical reasoning and problem-solving skills.

3. Reading Test (35 minutes)

   • Content: 40 multiple-choice questions based on reading comprehension of passages from literary fiction, social studies, and natural sciences.

   • Purpose: To evaluate a student’s ability to understand and analyze written material.

4. Science Test (35 minutes)

   • Content: 40 multiple-choice questions that test scientific reasoning and interpretation. The test includes data representation, research summaries, and conflicting viewpoints.

   • Purpose: To assess the ability to analyze, interpret, and apply scientific data and hypotheses.

5. Writing Test (Optional, 40 minutes)

   • Content: A single essay prompt asking students to evaluate and respond to an issue, considering different perspectives.

   • Purpose: To assess a student’s writing skills, ability to organize ideas, and formulate a reasoned argument.
     (Note: Some colleges may require or recommend the writing test, but many schools do not consider it mandatory.)

Scoring:

• Total Score: 1 to 36 points

  • Each of the four mandatory sections (English, Math, Reading, Science) is scored on a scale from 1 to 36.

  • The composite score is the average of the four section scores, rounded to the nearest whole number.

• Writing Test (Optional): The essay is scored on a scale of 2 to 12 by two raters, and it is reported separately from the composite score.

Registration:

• Students can register for the ACT online through the official ACT website.

• The ACT registration fee typically costs between $60 and $90, depending on whether the optional writing test is included.

• Late Registration: There is an additional fee for late registration if you miss the standard registration deadline.

Preparation:

• Official Practice Materials: ACT provides free practice tests and prep tools on their website.

• Prep Courses: Many students use ACT prep courses or work with tutors to improve their scores.

• Study Tips: Focus on time management, practicing test questions, and reviewing content areas that need improvement (e.g., math or science).

Test Duration:

• The ACT without the Writing Test is 2 hours and 55 minutes long.

• With the Writing Test, it lasts about 3 hours and 35 minutes.

Score Reporting:

• Test scores are typically available online about 2-8 weeks after the test date.

• Students can choose to send their scores to colleges directly from the ACT website.

Use of ACT Scores:

• College Admissions: Many colleges and universities use ACT scores as part of their admissions process. Some schools are test-optional, meaning students can choose whether to submit their scores.

• Scholarships: Many scholarship programs use ACT scores as part of their eligibility criteria.

• Course Placement: Some colleges use ACT scores to place students in appropriate courses, such as honors or remedial classes.

Differences Between ACT and SAT:

• Content Focus:

  • The SAT focuses more on reading, writing, and math (with a heavy emphasis on reasoning and problem-solving).

  • The ACT includes a Science section and tests knowledge in specific areas of math.

• Scoring System:

  • The SAT scores range from 400 to 1600, with separate scores for Reading/Writing and Math.

  • The ACT scores range from 1 to 36 for each section, with an average composite score.

• Math:

  • The SAT has a no-calculator section; the ACT allows calculators for all math questions.

Important Dates:

• Registration deadlines are usually about 5-6 weeks before the test date.

• The ACT test dates and registration deadlines are available on the official ACT website.

If you're preparing for the ACT or need more details, feel free to ask!