The American College Testing (ACT) exam is a standardized exam used to test the readiness of high school students to enter the American colleges and universities. The test measures the extent of knowledge attained by the student in the high school on their written, mathematical, verbal and scientific abilities.
ACT Test Format
ACT is conducted online through multiple choice questions under four different categories over 2 hours 55 mins OR 3 hours 35 mins including the optional Writing Test.English Test
75 Ques, 45 MinsThe English test under ACT measures your ability to make decisions to revise and edit short essays and tests under different genres through sentence structuring and formation; punctuation and general usage of English language.
Maths Test
60 Ques, 60 MinsThe ACT Maths tests your ability to read closely, reason logically about texts using evidence and integrate information from multiple sources. The text includes graphs, charts and are based on formulas and require you to have understanding of algebra, functions, geometry, probability, statistics, etc.
Reading Test
40 Ques, 35 MinsThe Reading test in ACT, through long passages or short proses assesses your ability to understand passages that are commonly encountered in initial phases of college. You are expected to have a sound understanding and logical reasoning, be able to interpret and make interferences and conclusions.
Science Test
40 Ques, 35 MinsThe ACT Science test measures your interpretation, analysis, evaluation, reasoning and problem-solving skills required in biology, chemistry, Earth/space sciences and physics through tables and graphs; and scientific phenomena questions. You are not expected to have in-depth knowledge of different concepts of science, but have a scientific bent to be able to understand and analyse the text.
Writing Test (Optional)
1 Prompt, 40 MinsThe Writing section in ACT is optional, and measures the basis writing skills that are taught in the high school through 1 prompt.
ACT Highlights
| Registration | Online |
| Mode of Delivery | Online at Test Centre |
| Registration Fees | $181.5 (without Essay) $206.5 (with Essay) |
| Test Dates | September, October, December, February, April, June & July |
| Test Format | Multiple Choice Questions, and Optional Essay |
| Test Sections | English – 75 Ques Mathematics – 60 Ques Reading – 40 Ques Science – 40 Ques Writing (Optional) – 1 Prompt |
| Total Time of Test | 2 hours 55 mins (3 hours 35 mins including optional Writing test) |
| Negative Marking | None |
| Scores | 1-36 |
| Score Validity | 5 Years |
| Score Reporting | Within 2 Business Days of Test Date |
| Score Sending | Upto 4 Universities for Free |
| Additional Score Reporting | $18 for each additional University |
How to Prepare for ACT Exam
To achieve your target scores in ACT, you must have work on a comprehensive study plan. Below are some tips that will be useful in preparation:
- Prepare a plan of study well in advance
- Understand the different sections of the test and prepare a strategy for each section
- Identify your weak points and strong points in the test and work on improving your weak points
- Divide your time wisely between practicing your high scoring points and working on low scoring points
- Don’t leave any questions since there is no negative marking.
- Practice working on questions within time limits
- Take practice tests
FAQs
How do I register for ACT?
You can register for ACT online on http://www.act.org/, where you’d need to make your profile and schedule a test date.
Can I take the ACT Exam at home?
No, you cannot take the ACT Exam at home. You would need to take the test at an approved test centre.
How many times can I take ACT Exam?
You may take the exam 12 times in 5 years.
When can I give the ACT Exam?
The ACT exam is conducted multiple times a year in the months of September, October, December, February, April, June & July.
How long is the ACT exam?
The ACT Exam is conducted over 2 hours 55 mins OR 3 hours 35 mins including the optional Essay Writing section. You are allotted 45 mins for English, 60 mins for Maths, 35 mins each for Reading and Science and 40 mins for Writing sections.
Are there multiple choice questions on the ACT exam?
The ACT exam consists of all multiple choice questions in English, Maths, Reading and Science sections.
How many institutions can I send my scores to? Can I order additional Score Reports?
You can send your test scores to upto 5 institutions free of cost. But you may order reports to be sent to additional institutions at a cost of $35 per institute.
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