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 |
|
11 |
Grammar + Usage |
|
12 | |
Sentence Structure |
|
17 | |
ACT English: Rhetorical Skills | Strategy |
|
12 |
Organization |
|
11 | |
Style |
|
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 |
|
12-15 |
Elementary Algebra |
|
9-12 |
Intermediate Algebra |
|
9-12 |
Coordinate Geometry |
|
9-12 |
Plane Geometry |
|
12-15 |
Trigonometry |
|
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 |
|
22-24 |
Craft and Structure |
|
10-12 |
Integration of Knowledge and Ideas |
|
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
ACT Scores
Start with the Diagnostic Test
ACT Diagnostic Test
ACT Diagnostic Test provides students with an accurate assessment of their current level of preparedness for the ACT exam.
$20.00
Learn MorePopular Choice
ACTvsSAT Diagnostic Test
This online Diagnostic Test helps you understand which standardized test is the best for you.
$24.99 / $19.99
Learn MoreAP Diagnostic Test
This online Diagnostic Test helps you understand which standardized test is the best for you.
$24.99 / $19.99
Learn MoreACT Resources
Study Material:
Vocabulary Booster for ACT/SAT Part 1 of 3
Vocabulary Booster for ACT/SAT Part 2 of 3
Vocabulary Booster for ACT/SAT Part 3 of 3
Videos:
ACT Exam FAQ
- Visit act.org official website and create an account.
- Visit Your ACT Dashboard and Click "Register for the ACT
- Choose Your Test Center and Test Date
- Add Services and Practice Materials (Optional)
- Add Your Photo ID and Additional Personal Information
- Indicate Your College Choices and Score Preferences (Optional)
- Enter Your Parent or Guardian's Information (Optional)
- 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.