ACT Exam information
What it is, what's tested, and how it's scored.
ACT exam details
The ACT® is a standardized test used for undergraduate college admissions in the United States. It is created and administered by American College Testing (ACT), a for-profit corporation of the same name.
The ACT exam is hosted by ACT and costs $63 (+$15 for writing) to register. Participants have 3 hours 35 minutes to answer 215 multiple-choice questions and 1 essay.
American College Testing's ACT exam summary
ACT english test
45 minutes
75 questions
The ACT english test asks you to edit English language texts. You will need to be able to assess passages on a wide variety of topics and rhetorical situations.
ACT mathematics test
60 minutes
60 questions
The ACT mathematics test gauges your ability to do math typically taken by American students through grade 11. This includes geometry, statistics & probability, modeling, algebra, functions, number & quantity, integration of essential skills, and a small number of trigonometry questions. It assumes you have knowledge of basic formulas and basic computational skills.
ACT reading test
35 minutes
40 questions
The ACT reading test evaluates your ability to make logical decisions about long texts using the information they contain. You must be able to determine main ideas, identify significant details, make comparisons, find and interpret significant details, determine the meaning of context-dependent words, evaluate claims and evidence in arguments, and bring together information from up to four passages.
ACT science test
35 minutes
40 questions
The ACT science test measures the core skills required by the natural sciences: interpretation, analysis, evaluation, reasoning, and problem solving. The science test includes content related to biology, chemistry, physics, geology, astronomy, and meteorology. You are asked to digest the information provided, critically evaluate that information relative to the hypotheses provided, and draw conclusions or make predictions.
ACT writing test (optional)
40 minutes
Prompted essay
The ACT writing test is an optional essay test that measures the writing skills typically taught to American students through grade 11. You are given one writing prompt that describes a complex issue, and then given three different perspectives on that issue. You must read the prompt and perspectives before developing your own perspective. You must relate your perspective to one or more of the provided perspectives. Your perspective may support one of the perspectives provided, or it can introduce a new perspective that is completely different.
Achievable ACT content outline
1
ACT Math
You will need a mastery of all math typically taught in American high schools through grade 11 in order to score well on the ACT. We cover each of the core topics in detail: pre-algebra; elementary algebra, intermediate algebra, geometry, coordinate geometry, and trigonometry.
2
ACT English
You must show mastery of the English language to get a great ACT score. This doesn't just mean knowing English at a high school level - it also means correctly following all of the technical rules of English writing. We cover all of these rules and structures in detail: punctuation; conventions of usage; knowledge of language; organization, unity, and cohesion; sentence structure; and topic development.
3
ACT Reading
To succeed in the ACT Reading section, mastering high-level reading comprehension is crucial. Key skills such as identifying main ideas, understanding the author's intent, and making predictions will be honed. Emphasis will be placed on learning effective annotation techniques, managing time efficiently, understanding various question types, and avoiding common test pitfalls.
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ACT Science
Scoring well in the ACT Science section involves prioritizing the interpretation and analysis of scientific data over rote memorization. Focus on refining your reading and data interpretation skills. You'll also familiarize yourself with effective science focused test-taking strategies and learn to navigate various types of science passages and questions on the ACT Science Section.
Hit your target score
Achievable is the best online ACT exam prep course: effective, personalized, and convenient. With Achievable, you'll spend less time studying and hit your target score with confidence.