What Is ACT Exam: Everything You Need To Know

It can be tough to think that answering a bunch of questions will determine where you end up going to college. That's the ACT exam: a standardized test that the US colleges and universities use to see how prepared you are for higher education.

The ACT exam is one of the most important tests students take in their lives. Feeling the pressure already? Don't worry; this guide aims to walk you through everything you might possibly have to know about the ACT exam; understanding the way you need to approach this test will help you feel confident on the test day so you can aim as high as possible.

ACT prep, classes, and college applications can quickly get overwhelming, even for the most motivated students. If you ever feel like you can't keep juggling so many responsibilities, EssayHub's essay writing service will be right beside you so you don't have to take on everything on your own.

What Is ACT Exam?

Universities use The American College Test (ACT) to test academic skills. The exam assesses high school students' preparedness for college through four multiple-choice sections in English, Math, Reading, and Science, with an optional writing section. ACT score is what the most expensive colleges in the US consider when deciding on admissions, so you need to do well if you really want to get into your dream school.

Structure of the ACT Exam

The whole exam will be much less intimidating if you know what you should expect on the test day. Let’s do a quick ACT test overview and cover the format of each section so you can prepare without second-guessing yourself. 

• English – You'll have to edit passages, correct mistakes, and build sentence structures to test your grammar and punctuation skills.
• Math – You'll be asked questions about algebra, geometry, and even a bit of trigonometry. Memorization strategies won't save you here; it's a matter of your problem-solving skills.
• Reading – Assesses how you comprehend passages from fiction, humanities, social and natural sciences.
• Science – Tests how well you interpret data, analyze experiments, and understand scientific principles.
• Optional Writing Test – Not all colleges require this section, but it's always better to complete it. You'll be given a topic and asked to support your arguments with clear reasoning.

Each section of the test is scored separately, and your final composite score will range between 1 and 36.

How Long Is ACT Exam?

The ACT test is practically a mental endurance race. You'll have to sit through four back-to-back sections for 2 hours and 55 minutes, but get ready for an extra 40 minutes if you decide to take the optional writing section. These time limits are no joke! The test moves fast, and every single second counts. You'll have to keep an eye on the clock for a grand total of 3 hours and 35 minutes. Here's what you'll be up against:

ACT Exam Scoring System

The ACT test score is important for the entire college application process. But how does scoring actually work? Section scores are rated from 1 to 36. These four numbers are later averaged and your composite score also ranges between the same numbers. The writing test will be scored separately on a 2 to 12 scale. This number doesn't affect overall ACT scores, but many colleges pay a lot of attention to it in admissions.

There are no penalties for wrong answers! This means that it's always better to guess than leave a question blank. Take a shot even if you're unsure; you never know what might happen.

ACT Preparation Strategies

Preparation doesn't stop at learning the materials. Remember, ACT tests your reasoning and problem-solving skills much more than how you've memorized the material. Strategic ACT prep will give you the exact edge you need to walk into the test center feeling confident, not rattled. Here's how to train for your exam:

• Take a full-length practice test – Set a time limit and go through the entire test like it's the real thing. This will show you exactly where you need to improve.
• Review your mistakes – Getting a question wrong is a blessing in disguise. Analyze those errors and learn from them.
• Work on your timing – Again, set the time limit. The test moves fast, so you need to be fully ready for the time pressure.
• Use official ACT practice materials – Stick with real ACT test questions so you’re prepping with the most accurate material.
• Have a test-day plan – Practice when to guess, how to eliminate wrong answers, and how not to panic!
• Stick to a study schedule – Last-minute cramming isn't how you want to prepare for ACT. Space your prep out over a few weeks or even months.

Study Resources

Having the right study materials can make or break your ACT prep. The good news? There are tons of great resources out there to help you prep smarter, not harder. Here are some of the best:

• Official ACT Prep - This site is straight from the test makers. You'll have access to free practice questions and full-length tests.
• Khan Academy – This one is technically for the SAT, but their math and reading sections are super helpful for the ACT.
• Magoosh ACT Prep – Video lessons, practice questions, and personalized study plans to keep you on track.
• The Princeton Review ACT Books – Solid study books with proven test-taking strategies and practice problems.
• CollegeVine ACT Strategy Guides – Helpful breakdowns of ACT scoring, study techniques, and test-day strategies.
• YouTube ACT Prep Channels – Free video lessons from experts covering all ACT subjects.

What to Bring to ACT Exam?

No one wants to live through the nightmare of showing up unprepared. You might even be turned away if you forget something important! Here's what you need to have on the test date:

Must-Haves

• Printed admission ticket – You can't get in without this one. Print it the night before to avoid any last-minute chaos.
• Valid photo ID – A driver’s license, passport, or school ID (if it meets ACT guidelines) will work.
• Two No. 2 pencils – Go old school; ACT says no to mechanical pencils.
• ACT-approved calculator – Most basic scientific and graphing calculators are fine, but double-check the official ACT calculator policy to be sure.

Not Required, But Smart to Bring

• Extra calculator batteries – A dead calculator in the middle of the math section won't help.
• A watch (non-smart, no alarms!) – You'll need this so the time doesn't tick away from you.
• Water and snacks – You can’t eat during the test, but you will need fuel during breaks.

Leave These at Home

• Anything electronic – Phones, smartwatches, etc. Even having one in your bag could get you kicked out.
• Scratch paper or notes – The test booklet is all you get.
• Pens, highlighters, or colored pencils – The No.2 pencil is a non-negotiable.

Do All Colleges Accept The ACT?

ACT is accepted by almost all four-year colleges and universities in the US. And yes, this includes Ivy League schools, public universities, and private colleges. Many international colleges in the UK, Canada, and Australia recognize this standardized test for college admissions.

The test is optional for certain colleges' admissions processes; this means that you don't necessarily have to submit a score, but it will still give your success a hand. Few colleges are completely test-blind, meaning they won't consider the scores at all.

As for the optional writing portion, it's not required by most colleges. But this doesn't mean that you shouldn't go for it. This section tests your writing and critical thinking skills under a strict time limit, so it's always nice to show off that you can still take a stance and defend it under so much pressure.

If you're planning to study abroad in one of the countries with free college, you might have to check whether these schools require the ACT, are test-optional, or test-blind. If there's anything you're unsure about, you should always check the admissions website of the respective school. It's usually crystal clear whether a school accepts ACT scores and how much weight they carry during admissions.

Why Do Students Take the ACT?

Unlike ACT questions, this one can be answered very simply: students take the ACT because colleges care about it. It makes your college application stronger and qualifies you for scholarships. Want to make your decision even easier? Score high enough, and you'll even be allowed to skip certain college courses!

A strong ACT score can give you an edge, even if it's optional for your dream school. The test becomes even more important if you're aiming for highly competitive schools or want to land merit-based scholarships. Colleges receive thousands of applications every year, so you want to offer something different.

ACT vs. SAT: Which One Should You Take?

The ACT and SAT are both accepted by colleges and universities across the country (and even some international schools!), but they are far from the same. Here are the most important differences between these exams:

Still unsure which standardized test you should take? Keep reading to understand which factors you should consider before you decide:

• Take the ACT if you like fast-paced tests, science-related questions, and using a calculator for all math problems.
• Choose the SAT if you prefer more time per question, algebra-heavy math, and aren't crazy about science-related questions.
• Try a practice test for both and compare your scores. Most students naturally do better on one than the other.
• Check your target colleges' admissions pages. Most accept both, but some might have preferences for scholarships or honors programs.

Final Prep Talk

If the ACT seems like a big deal, it's because it definitely is. This doesn't mean that you should be panicking, though; all you need is a bit of right prep to walk into the test day feeling truly ready to crush it. Let's go over what you need to know once more:

• Colleges accept ACT scores nationwide and even internationally.
• The test has four main sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science, plus an optional Writing test.
• Every second counts. The exam lasts 2 hours and 55 minutes (or 3 hours and 35 minutes if you take the Writing section).
• Your score ranges from 1 to 36, and there are no penalties for wrong answers.
• ACT vs. SAT? The ACT moves faster and has a science section, while the SAT gives you more time per question and focuses more on algebra.
• Smart prep means everything. Practice tests, time management, and solid study resources are the keys to success.

You don't have to tackle the stress of assignments and applications alone; it can truly get too overwhelming to juggle. In times when you feel it's getting too much to handle, EssayHub's college essay writer can step in and give you all the academic support you need to get into your dream school.

FAQ