The ACT (American College Testing) is a standardized test used for college admissions in the United States. It is currently administered by ACT, a nonprofit organization of the same name. The ACT test covers four academic skill areas: English, mathematics, reading and science reasoning. It also offers an optional writing test. It is accepted by all colleges and universities in the United States.
| Section | Number of Questions | Time (Minutes) | Score Range | Average Score (2018) | College Readiness Benchmark | Content |
| English | 75 | 45 | 1-36 | 20.2 | 18 | Usage/mechanics and rhetorical skills |
| Mathematices | 60 | 60 | 1-36 | 20.5 | 22 | Pre-algebra, elementay algebra, intermediate algebra, coordinate geomety, geometry, elementry trigonometry, reasoning and problem-solving |
| Reading | 40 | 35 | 1-36 | 21.3 | 22 | Reading comprehension |
| Science | 40 | 35 | 1-36 | 20.7 | 23 | Interpretation, analysis, evaluation, reasoning and problem-solving |
| Optional Writing Test (not included in composite score) | 1 essay prompt | 40 | 1-12 | 6.5 | Wrinting skills | |
| Composite | 1-36 | 20.8 | Average (mean) of all section scores except Writing |
Although the writing section is optional, many colleges require an essay score and will factor it into the admissions decision (but fewer than half of all colleges have this requirement).
Test Details
- The ACT is offered in other locations outside the US five times a year: in September, October, December, April, and June.The ACT is offered only on Saturdays.
- Candidates may choose either the ACT assessment ($50.50), or the ACT assessment plus writing ($67.00).
- Scores are sent to the student, his or her high school, and up to four colleges of the student's choice (optional).
