ACT - College Admissions

A race against the clock.

For the ACT, it'll be helpful to have a wide range of knowledge. For example, you'll want to know lots of different math topics instead of dwelling on one. You'll also be rewarded for having quick, efficient reading skills.

The ACT requires you to be a superstar at time management. We've studied the ACT inside-out and developed strategies to help you keep time, manage stress, and recall content. Our tutors tailor these strategies to your unique learning style, so you excel on test day.

Format

Once you get into your timing groove, the ACT gives you space to show off your strengths. The ACT boasts a wide variety of content: a science section, loads of geometry, a mix of arts-driven and analysis-based reading passages. Chances are, your academic forte is in there somewhere. As you move through the test, don’t forget to guess when you’re not sure — there’s no penalty!

Get going with 45 minutes of English.

This will include 5 passages throughout.

45
Minutes
75
Multi-Choice
5
Passages
Passages

This is where effective reading skills can save you time.

Sharpen up for 60 minutes of Math.

60 multiple choice questions.

60
Minutes
60
Multi-Choice
Break
10 Min

Spend 35 minutes reading.

With 40 multi-choice questions and 4 passages.

35
Minutes
40
Multi-Choice
4
Passages

Then, 35 minutes exploring science.

40 multiple choice, and 5 passages.

35
Minutes
40
Multi-Choice
5
Passages
Break
5 Min

Now, for the optional essay.

You have 40 minutes for 1 prompt.

40
Minutes
1
Prompt
Total Time

The writing section is an optional 40 minute essay that measures your skills as a writer. In particular, you'll want to harness your analytical skills in this test, as you'll be graded on your ability to compare your perspective to one or more others. Your perspective could come from the prompt, or you can come up with your own.

A stopwatch with '2 hours 25 minutes' written in it
No Essay
A stopwatch with '2 hours 55 minutes' written in it
With Essay
English
36s
Per Question
Math
60s
Per Question
Reading
53s
Per Question
Science
53s
Per Question
Scoring

When you get a score report, it will also show your Reading, Writing, and Math Test Scores (out of 40), along with Cross-Test Scores and Subscores which reflect your performance on certain types of questions. Finally, you’ll receive 3 Essay Scores, each ranging from 2 to 8. The essay scores will not affect the rest of your score.

1-36
Score Range
Four sheets of paper
Average of 4 section scores
One sheet of paper
Essay (Optional)

ACT Test and Registration Dates

The ACT is offered 7 times a year – in August, October, November, December, March, May, and June. It’s smart to sit for the test a few times to account for first-time jitters -- and to take advantage of super scoring -- so plan ahead!

At the outset of junior year, consider sports seasons, end of semester exams, or whichever factors will affect you most, and register for 2-3 ACT dates accordingly. You’ll thank yourself senior year when you’re free to focus on those college apps!

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
ACT Test Date
Registration Deadline
April 13, 2024
*
March 8, 2024
June 8, 2024
*
May 3, 2024
July 13, 2024
*
June 7, 2024
*No test centers are scheduled in New York for the July test date.

Which test is right for you?

A turquoise desktop
A red, open textbook

Digital SAT

Digital, Adaptive
More Time per Question
Short, Single-Question Reading Passages
Scores Back Within Days

ACT

Paper, Fixed Format
Faster-Paced
Longer Reading Passages
Scores Back in 2-3 Weeks

1600
Total Points
36
Total Points
2h 14m
Total Time
2h 55m
Total Time
32m
Reading & Writing Baseline
71 Sec / Question
35m
Reading
53 Sec / Question
1-36 Points
32m
Reading & Writing Adaptive
(Easier or Harder)
71 Sec / Question
200 - 800 Points
45m
English
53 Sec / Question
1-36 Points
35m
Math Baseline
95 Sec / Question
60m
Math
53 Sec / Question
1-36 Points
35m
Math Adaptive
(Easier or Harder)
95 Sec / Question
200 - 800 Points
60m
Science
53 Sec / Question
1-36 Points

Take a Free Practice Test

Are you ready to take an online practice test? You’ll love how detailed our score reports are.

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