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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 July.

What is on the ACT?

There are three core ACT sections:  

• English
• Reading
• Math

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): 125 minutes
• With Science: 165 minutes
• With Writing: 165 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, and 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.

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.

Most 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.

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