ACT

The ACT exam is offered both online and in-person and features up to 5 sections, each focusing on a specific subject and skillset.

All sections of the ACT exam are fully multiple choice, except for the optional unscored writing section, which requires students to write an essay. In recent years, students have opted increasingly to exclude the writing section from their testing experience, however, it may still be accepted or required by some schools.

The science test, while also optional, is recommended for students interested in pursuing STEM careers.

ACT Exams are held during the same periods every year. During the beginning and end of each academic year, ACT exams are essentially monthly. There are also some summer administration dates.

For more detailed information, view the official ACT testing scheduleopen_in_new

The ACT English section measures the ability of students to revise and edit texts of varying genre. It consists of a series of essays and passages, where each reading is accompanied by a set of multiple-choice questions.

ACT English section scores are accompanied by three reporting category scores based on specific knowledge and skills.

Production of writing highlights students' understanding of purpose and focus in texts.

Questions in this category require demonstrations of effective language use. Students must ensure precision and concision through word choice and consistency of style and tone.

These questions require an applied understanding of English language grammar, usage, and mechanics in order to effectively revise and edit text.

The ACT Mathematics section is designed to assess skills acquired from courses up to grade 12, and covers important prerequisites for entry-level college mathematics courses.

All questions on the mathematics test are multiple-choice.

ACT Mathematics section scores are accompanied by three primary reporting category scores, as well as five subcategory scores under the Preparing for Higher Math category.

This category covers skills in mathematics that students have learned more recently. It consists of five subcategories.

This category highlights synthesis and application of understanding and skills to solve more complex problems. It places a particular emphasis on solving nonroutine problems by combining skills in chains of steps, and applying them to varied contexts. Success in this category indicates an understanding of connections between different concepts and overall fluency in relevant subjects.

The modeling category encompasses all questions that involve modeling in some form. Modeling can involve producing, interpreting, understanding, evaluating, and improving models.

The ACT Reading section measures close reading, evidence-based logical reasoning, and multi-source information integration skills.

ACT Reading section scores are accompanied by three reporting category scores, and an additional Understanding Complex Tests indicator.

This category emphasizes close reading to determine central ideas and themes.

One passage in the reading test may be accompanied by a graph, figure, or table containing information relevant to the reading task. Some questions will ask students to integrate information from the reading and graphic to determine the best answer. These questions contribute to the Integration of Knowledge and Ideas score.

The ACT Science section measures various skills required in the natural sciences, including Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Astronomy, Meteorology, and Physics. The test is composed of several real-world scientific scenarios followed by relevant multiple-choice questions.

A calculator is not permitted on the science test.

ACT Science section scores are accompanied by three primary reporting category scores.

This category focuses on manipulating & analyzing scientific data presented in various graphics (tables, graphs, diagrams, etc.).

This category emphasizes understanding experimental tools, procedures, and design.

Questions in this category require judgement of the validity of scientific information and formulation of conclusions based on that information.

Scientific information appears in one of three formats.

The ACT Writing section is taken after the four preceding multiple choice sections. It lasts 40 minutes and requires a written essay.

Writing scores do not affect multiple-choice or composite scores.

The writing prompt describes a complex issue and three different perspectives relating to that issue.

Students are tasked with reading the prompt and writing an essay to develop their own perspective on the issue. The essay must analyze the relationship between at least one given perspective and the student's developed perspective. Students may adopt one of the given perspectives as their own.

Four domain scores are reported alongside the overall writing section score. The overall score is reported on a 2-12 point scale. Subject scores are determined using the rounded average of the four domain scores.