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The ACT is a standardized test used for college admissions and scholarship decisions across the United States. It measures students' academic readiness for college with required English, Math, and Reading sections, and optional Science and Writing.

About the ACT

The ACT test measures a high school student's readiness for college by providing schools with one common data point that can be used to compare all applicants.

As part of the college admissions process, admissions officers will review your portfolio of documentation, including your test scores.

How important ACT scores are in the college application process varies from school to school. You can confirm each college's admissions policies on the school website or on our school profiles.

Overall, the higher you score on the ACT and/or SAT, the more options for attending and paying for college will be available to you.

When should I take the ACT?

Most high school students take the ACT, SAT, or both during the spring of their junior year or fall of their senior year. It's important to leave time to re-take the test if you need to raise your score before you apply to college.

The ACT exam is offered nationally every year in September, October, December, February, April, June, and July.  View all upcoming  ACT test dates.

• No test centers are scheduled in New York for February or July.
• No test centers are scheduled in California for July.

What is on the ACT?

There are three core ACT sections:  

• English
• Reading
• Math
• Science

There are also two optional sections, Science and a 40-minute Writing Test.

How long is the ACT?

The time spent taking the ACT depends on how many sections you're taking.

• Core test (English, Math, Reading): 135 minutes
• With Science: 165 minutes
• With Writing: 175 minutes
• With Science and Writing: 205 minutes

Short transition periods and breaks are included between sections, making the overall time at the test center slightly longer.

How is the ACT scored?

Understanding how the ACT is scored can help you set clear goals and track your progress. Here's a quick overview of how section scores, the Composite score, and superscoring work.

• Section Scores: Each ACT section—English, Math, Reading, and Science—is scored on a 1–36 scale.

• Composite Score: The ACT Composite score is the average of your English, Math, and Reading scores. It ranges from 1 to 36.

• Science Score: If you choose to take the optional Science section, it is scored separately and not included in your Composite score.

• Average Score: The national average ACT score is 19.4.

• Superscoring: Your ACT Superscore combines your highest English, Math, and Reading scores across multiple test dates to calculate the strongest possible Composite score.

ACT Updates for 2025 and Beyond

The ACT is introducing a series of student-first changes aimed at improving accessibility, relevance, and fairness. These updates are being rolled out starting in the 2024–2025 testing year:

• Shorter Test: The enhanced ACT reduces the overall number of questions by 44 and shortens the test length. ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ can now complete the core sections in 125 minutes, down from up to 195 minutes previously.

• Updated Scoring: The Composite score will now be calculated from English, Math, and Reading. Science scores will be reported separately and, if taken, used for a STEM score. This change applies to online testers starting April 2025 and to all test formats in September 2025.

• Expanded Tst Accessibility: In spring 2025, students will be able to take the ACT on their own devices (e.g., laptops or tablets) at approved testing centers.

• Flexible Science Section: ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ can choose whether to include the Science section when registering for the ACT National test. If you opt out, your Composite score will be based on English, Math, and Reading only. The Science section is still recommended for students interested in STEM fields.

Should I take the ACT or the SAT?

• ACT Free Practice Test
• SAT Free Practice Test

Since the content and style of the SAT and ACT are very similar, factors like how you handle time pressure and what types of questions you find most challenging can help you determine which test is a better fit.

Colleges accept both tests and do not favor one test over the other, but each test has a different format and focus. Understanding those differences can help you decide which plays to your strengths.

How do I register for the ACT?

• Register online at act.org.
• Registration deadlines are typically about five weeks before each test date.

ACT Fees

• U.S. without Writing: $50.50
• U.S. with Writing: $67.00
• Non-U.S. without Writing: $150.00
• Non-U.S. with Writing: $166.50

Fee Waivers

Fee waivers take care of the registration fee for up to four tests and are available for students who qualify based on need. Check your eligibility status to see if you qualify.

How can I prep for the ACT?

We can help. We have  ACT prep solutions  for every student and every budget.

Take a Free ACT Practice Test