About the ACT Exam

The ACT Exam aids students aiming for higher education in the USA, UK, Canada, or Singapore. Managed by ACT.org, this exam evaluates a student's core competencies and analytical skills.

Here are the features of ACT Exams:

  • Science Reasoning Section: The ACT includes a Science section that assesses students' abilities to interpret, analyze, and evaluate scientific data and hypotheses.
  • Composite Scoring with Optional Writing: The ACT's composite score averages four subject areas (English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science), with the optional Writing Test scored separately.
  • Straightforward Math Questions: The math section on the ACT is generally more straightforward and covers a broader range of topics.
  • Faster Pacing: The ACT typically requires a quicker pace, with more questions to answer in a similar or shorter amount of time. This can be an advantage for quick thinkers and those who can manage their time effectively under pressure.

Students aged 13+ planning to pursue undergraduate education abroad can take the ACT Exam, conducted six to seven times a year.

The ACT Exam Registration fee without the Writing section is $68 and $93 with the Writing Section.

Exam Structure

The exam structure for the ACT exam is as follows:

Subject Questions Passages Question in each passage Time (in minutes)
English 75 5 15 45
Math 60 - - 60
Break 10 minutes
Reading 40 4 10 35
Science 40 6 5-7 35

ACT English

75 questions in 45 minutes

The ACT English section consists of 5 passages with 15 questions each(15x5=75). The questions test you mainly on English language usage and rhetorical skills.

Content Topic Testing Points No. of Questions
ACT English: Usage and Mechanics Punctuation
  • Understanding Sentences and Fragments
  • Punctuating Clauses: Essential and Non-Essential
  • Understanding the usage of Commas, Apostrophes, Semicolons, Dashes, and Colons
11
Grammar + Usage
  • Verbs: Subject-Verb Agreement
  • Pronouns: Agreement, Relative Pronouns+ Cases
  • Adjectives + Adverbs
  • Word Pairs and Comparisons
  • Idioms
12
Sentence Structure
  • Modifiers
  • Transitions
  • Parallel Structure
17
ACT English: Rhetorical Skills Strategy
  • Relevance: Inserting, Replacing, or Deleting info
  • Understanding the purpose of the passage
12
Organization
  • Transitions: Opening/Closing and transactional sentences
  • Sentences and Paragraph Ordering
11
Style
  • Redundancy and Wordiness
  • Diction and Register
12

ACT Math

60 minutes in 60 questions

The ACT Math section evaluates a student based on six parameters, as mentioned below. The Calculator is allowed for the entire section.

Content Testing Points No. of Questions
Pre-Algebra
  • Number of Properties and Operations
  • Arithmetic Word Problems
  • Fractions, Decimals, and Percents
  • Proportions and Ratios
  • Possibilities and Probability
  • Statistics
12-15
Elementary Algebra
  • Expressing Relationships
  • Linear Equations
  • Evaluate or Simplify
  • Polynomials and Exponents
  • Simple Quadratics
  • Other Elementary Algebra
9-12
Intermediate Algebra
  • Quadratics
  • Exponents, Radicals, and Rationals
  • Inequalities and Absolute Value
  • Formulas, Functions, and Sequences
  • Logarithms
  • Other Intermediate Algebra
9-12
Coordinate Geometry
  • Properties of the Plane
  • Equations of Lines
  • Midpoints
  • Distance and Area
  • Graphs in the Plane
9-12
Plane Geometry
  • Lines and Angles
  • Triangles
  • Polygons
  • Circles
  • Other Plane Geometry
12-15
Trigonometry
  • Triangle Ratios
  • Trig Functions
  • Trig Laws
3-6

ACT Reading

40 Questions in 35 minutes

The ACT Reading section consists of four passages—prose Fiction (Literary Narrative), Social Science, Humanities, and Natural Science—with ten questions each. Here is a description of the elements evaluated in the reading section.

Content Testing Points No. of Questions
Key Ideas and Details
  • Central Ideas and Questions
  • Inference and detail-based questions
22-24
Craft and Structure
  • Vocab- in context
  • Function Questions
  • Writer’s view questions
10-12
Integration of Knowledge and Ideas
  • Analyzing the author’s argument
  • Evaluating Reasoning
5-7

ACT Science

35 minutes in 40 questions

The ACT Science section comprises life, physics, and earth science questions. It tests your basic analytical skills; you don‘t need an in-depth knowledge of the science topics.

Content Testing Points No. of Questions
Data Representation Scientific Articles containing Charts and Tables asking Data Interpretation questions 12-16
Research Summary Description of Experimental procedures testing understanding of the scientific method and experimental design 18-22
Conflicting Viewpoints Two or more competing explanations of a scientific phenomenon asking Evaluation of Models, Inferences, and Experimental Result questions 6-8

ACT Writing (Optional)

1 Essay in 40 minutes

The writing section, though optional, is an essential element of the ACT. Many Indian students opt out of the essay due to its optional nature; however, taking the ACT Writing test is highly advisable. Many universities and colleges abroad prefer the essay score to the ACT score. The essay is scored out of 12. A score of 8 and above is generally considered a good score. However, the ACT essay score is not counted in your ACT composite score.

Testing Ponits % Breakup
Ideas and Analysis 25%
Development and Support 25%
Language Usage 25%
Organization 25%

Choosing ACT Exam

The ACT's unique STEM Score highlights aptitude for Science and math-related fields, offering an edge to the students interested in STEM majors. 

Colleges, especially in the U.S., often weigh ACT or SAT scores heavily, influencing up to half the admissions decisions. For international students aspiring to study in the U.S./UK/Canada/Singapore, the ACT is a critical component of the application process, showcasing their potential alongside domestic candidates.

  • College Admissions: The ACT exam provides universities with a standardized measure of academic achievement and readiness for college-level work, supporting students' admissions prospects.
  • Scholarship Opportunities: High scores on the ACT can unlock scholarship opportunities by backing up the student's academic excellence.
  • Strengths Highlighting: The ACT's comprehensive format, including its unique Science section, offers students a platform to showcase their strengths across varied subjects. 
  • Career Guidance: The ACT helps students gauge their academic strengths and weaknesses, informing their choices on suitable majors and career paths. 

Test Prep with Tutela

  • Diagnostic Test

    The ACT Diagnostic Test is an essential tool for students preparing for the ACT exam, mirroring the actual ACT in terms of format, timing, and number of questions. It accurately assesses their preparedness, identifying strengths and weaknesses across the exam's subjects. Personalized feedback based on performance allows students to focus their efforts on areas needing improvement, saving time and money. After completing the test, students can conveniently check their scores and detailed reports on our online portal, making it easy to track progress and plan the next steps.

  • Evaluation

    Upon finishing the Diagnostic Test, we conduct a comprehensive analysis session with the student and their parent to review the outcomes. For individuals opting for the ACT/SAT Diagnostic, we evaluate and contrast the scores from both the ACT and SAT to assist in making a well-informed decision regarding the preferred exam. Once the choice of standardized test is made, we outline a tailored exam preparation plan.

  • Classes

    Each student is matched with a dedicated mentor, and class schedules are tailored to accommodate the student's preferences and availability. The classes are held thrice weekly and cover exam material, classwork, and homework. Over 20 papers' worth of content is covered to bridge any educational gaps, with the goal of completion within an 8-12 week timeframe.

    The Online Teaching and Learning Platform (OTLP) offers a seamless course delivery, ensuring uniform content dissemination, discipline, and measurable progress. Students participate in a Course Progress Test (CPT) monthly in the curriculum. These tests, designed to reflect the, provide early exposure to the exam's format, helping students identify misunderstandings and become acquainted with forthcoming subjects. This approach guarantees a thorough understanding of the syllabus by its conclusion.

    Via OTLP, parents receive Monthly Progress Reports (MPRs) that update them on their child's achievements and progress throughout the course.

  • Sectional Testing

    After finishing the syllabus, students are engaged in focused sectional drills that cover all the topics and concepts within each section. This stage is dedicated to refining techniques, perfecting valuable strategies, and improving time management abilities.

    In addition, students have the opportunity to utilize advanced Online Learning Platforms that are specifically designed to enrich their study experience. These platforms offer an intuitive and adaptive learning setting with detailed explanations and solutions to ensure a deep comprehension of every concept.

    With the aid of machine learning technology, the system automatically identifies the areas where students need more practice, providing customized exercises to enhance their skills. This forward-thinking method improves scores and familiarizes students with the digital format of the actual ACT exam, ensuring they are well-prepared for the day of the test.

  • Full-Length Test Cycle

    The Full-Length Test (FLT) cycle commences after the sectional testing phase. Students gain access to Tutela's ACT Testing Portal, designed to mirror the real-time ACT Exam Platform, offering an authentic test experience. This intensive testing regimen is crafted to equip students with the resilience to navigate any challenges they might encounter on exam day. Students complete between 12 to 16 extensive, full-length tests before the exam date to guarantee optimal readiness.

  • Reviews and Error Correction

    In-depth review sessions with mentors are conducted to identify and strengthen students' areas of improvement. This approach encourages students to self-reflect on their mistakes, with guidance from mentors to rectify them. Additionally, students participate in sectional workshops to enhance their understanding of the syllabus, thereby minimizing the likelihood of careless errors.

ACT Scores

Start with the Diagnostic Test

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ACT Diagnostic Test

ACT Diagnostic Test provides students with an accurate assessment of their current level of preparedness for the ACT exam.

$20.00
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ACT Resources

Study Material:

Vocabulary Booster for ACT/SAT Part 1 of 3 Vocabulary Booster for ACT/SAT Part 1 of 3


Vocabulary Booster for ACT/SAT Part 2 of 3 Vocabulary Booster for ACT/SAT Part 2 of 3


Vocabulary Booster for ACT/SAT Part 3 of 3 Vocabulary Booster for ACT/SAT Part 3 of 3


Videos:

Tutela

Nishtaa's ACT journey to a 35/36

Tutela

Step-by-step ACT Registration Guide

Tutela

Shiv's ACT journey to a 36/36

ACT Exam FAQ

  1. Visit act.org official website and create an account.
  2. Visit Your ACT Dashboard and Click "Register for the ACT
  3. Choose Your Test Center and Test Date
  4. Add Services and Practice Materials (Optional)
  5. Add Your Photo ID and Additional Personal Information
  6. Indicate Your College Choices and Score Preferences (Optional)
  7. Enter Your Parent or Guardian's Information (Optional)
  8. Submit Payment and Confirm Your ACT Registration

SAT and ACT exams are standardized tests, but both exams test students in different aspects.

  • ACT is better for students who excel in science and prefer a broader range of content.
  • SAT suits students with solid math and reading/writing skills, especially those who excel in analyzing texts.

Ultimately, the better exam is the one that aligns with the student's skills and test-taking strategies. It's often recommended that students take practice tests to see which one they perform better on or feel more comfortable with.

The students could miss up to three questions in English, two in Math, one in Reading, and two in Science (eight total) and still get a max ACT score of 36.

Opting for the ACT Writing Test can be advantageous if students want to highlight their writing skills. Nonetheless, it's crucial to consider this option in light of the personal strengths, preparedness, and particular requirements of the colleges the student is applying to.

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