What is the ACT exam and who needs to take this?

If you're considering applying to universities in the US , you may need to take an exam to demonstrate your readiness for college-level work. American universities typically require standardised test scores as part of the admissions process, and the most common tests are the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) and the American College Testing (ACT). These exams assess your knowledge and skills in key areas such as reading, writing, mathematics, and science, and can play a significant role in determining your acceptance to your desired institution.

In addition to American universities, many colleges and universities in Canada as a standard measure of academic readiness also recognise the ACT exam .

What is ACT?

ACT stands for American College Testing, and it is a standardised test used for college admissions in the United States and Canada. The test measures a student's knowledge and skills in four areas: English, mathematics, reading, and science. There is also an optional writing section, which measures a student's ability to write effectively.
ACT Inc., a non-profit organisation, administers the ACT. The test is offered in both paper-based and computer-based formats and is intended for high school students who are planning to attend college. The test is designed to assess a student's readiness for college-level coursework and to help colleges and universities make admission decisions.

ACT Exam Full Form

American College Testing

Computer-based test and Paper-based

2 hours 55 minutes +40 minutes extra for the writing paper

Number of questions

215 Questions + 1 for Writing

Type of questions

Multiple Choice Questions

No negative marking

Number of time ACT exam is conducted

8 times in a year for national cities
and 6 times for international cities

Anyone above the age of 13 years

Components of the ACT exam

The ACT test covers the following subjects:

1. English: This section evaluates a student's understanding of standard English conventions, production of writing, and knowledge of language usage and mechanics.
2. Math: The Math section measures a student's knowledge of algebra, geometry, and trigonometry, as well as problem-solving and data analysis skills.
3. Reading: The Reading section assesses a student's ability to comprehend complex texts and make inferences from the information provided.
4. Science: The Science section tests a student's ability to interpret and analyse scientific data and concepts. It covers topics such as biology, chemistry, physics, and Earth/space sciences.
5. Writing (optional): The Writing section provides students with a prompt and asks them to develop an argumentative essay. It is optional and may be required by some colleges and universities.

Exam pattern for the ACT test + syllabus

The ACT is a standardised test consisting of multiple-choice questions. The test has four sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science. There is also an optional Writing section, which is a 40-minute essay.
Here is a table summarising the ACT exam pattern:

Test Section

Type of Questions

Subsections

Time

75 multiple-choice questions

Usage/Mechanics, Punctuation, Grammar and usage, Sentence structure, Rhetorical Skills, Strategy, Organisation, Style

60 multiple-choice questions

Coordinate geometry, Plane geometry, Trigonometry, Pre-algebra, Elementary Algebra, Intermediate Algebra

40 multiple-choice questions

Reading Comprehension (four passages are given, each passage from a different section like social studies, natural science, fiction and humanities)

40 multiple-choice questions

Data representation (graphs and tables), Research summaries, Conflicting viewpoints

One writing prompt

3 hours and 35 minutes (excluding breaks)

Source:https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/registration.html

The total testing time for the ACT test without the optional Writing section is 2 hours and 55 minutes. If the optional Writing section is taken, the total testing time is 3 hours and 35 minutes.

It's important to note that the ACT is a timed test, so students must manage their time effectively in order to complete all sections within the allotted time. Additionally, the ACT has a guessing penalty, which means that students are not penalised for incorrect answers, but they are not given credit for unanswered questions or questions with more than one answer marked.

How is the ACT score calculated?

Check out how your ACT scores are calculated:

• The ACT exam scores are based on the number of correct answers without any penalty for incorrect answers or guessing
• Raw scores are converted into scale scores that have the same meaning for all ACT test forms
• Composite and test scores range from 1 to 36, with the Composite score calculated by averaging the four test scores and rounding the result to the nearest whole number
• Each reporting category includes the total number of questions, total correct answers, and percentage of correct answers
• Reporting categories align with the ACT College and Career Readiness Standards and other college and career readiness standards

Source:https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/registration.html

Test dates for ACT exam 2023

Here are the dates you can apply for your ACT test in 2023:

Test Date

Registration Deadline

Late Registration Deadline

Source:https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/registration.html

Eligibility criteria for ACT exam

The eligibility criteria for the ACT exam are not very strict, as it is open to all high school students who are interested in applying for undergraduate programs in colleges and universities. However, the following are some important points to keep in mind:

1. Age: There is no minimum or maximum age limit for taking the ACT exam.
2. Educational qualification : The exam is primarily designed for high school students who are looking to apply for undergraduate programs. However, even if you are not enrolled in a high school, you can still take the exam if you meet the age requirement.
3. Nationality : The ACT exam is conducted in many countries around the world, and there are no nationality restrictions. However, you need to ensure that you are taking the exam in a country where it is recognised by the colleges and universities you are applying to.
4. Registration: You need to register for the exam on the official ACT website and pay the registration fee. You will also need to provide a valid ID, such as a passport or driver's license, on the day of the exam.

Overall, the ACT exam is open to all students who meet the basic eligibility criteria, and it is a great way to showcase your academic skills and potential to colleges and universities.

Fee for ACT exam

Here’s the fee structure for ACT test to study in US universities:

Test Type

Fee (Without Writing)

Fee (With Writing)

ACT (No TIR)

ACT + TIR

ACT + TIR + WO

ACT+TIR+WI+QAS+W

TIR: Test Information Release, WI: Writing Intensive, QAS: Question and Answer Service, WO: Without essay

How to register for ACT exam?

To register for the ACT exam, you have two options: online registration or offline registration.

For online registration, follow these steps:

1. Gather all your academic documents and contact details.
2. Access the ACT official website using a laptop or desktop computer (it's recommended to avoid using a mobile phone).
3. Create an account on the ACT website.
4. Click on the "Register" button.
5. Provide all the required details and complete the registration form.
6. Choose your preferred test date from the available options (with or without the optional writing section).
7. Select up to four colleges or universities to send your scores.
8. Choose your preferred test centre.
9. Pay the registration fee.
10. Upload a suitable photo of yourself.

If you prefer offline registration, follow these steps:

• Visit the ACT website and request a registration packet to be mailed to you
• Fill out the registration form included in the packet, providing all the necessary details and selecting your test date and centre
• Mail the completed registration form back to ACT (allow 7-10 days for delivery)

Latest update for the ACT exam 2023

Before proceeding with your 2023/2024 application, it's important to be aware of some updates regarding the ACT. Here are the latest developments:

1. Harvard University has waived the requirement for submitting ACT scores until the Winter 2026 semester. While applicants can still submit their scores, it's no longer mandatory. Additionally, the University of California has announced that it won't require ACT/SAT scores for admission and scholarships between Fall 2021 and Spring 2025.
2. More than 1,500 colleges across the US have made the ACT/SAT tests optional after a lawsuit claimed that they were discriminatory towards certain groups. Some of the institutions that have made this change include the University of California, Virginia, CalTech, Yale, Columbia, Brown, Carnegie Mellon, and others.
3. However, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has decided to re-establish the requirement for submitting ACT/SAT scores. From Fall 2023 onwards, students will need to provide their scores to be considered for admission.

Students who plan to apply to colleges or universities in the US are typically required to take the ACT exam. It is important to prepare thoroughly for the test and to register for it well in advance of the deadlines to ensure a smooth and stress-free testing experience. Also, if you want to know more about the ACT test you can get in touch with international education experts at IDP. They will guide you for your ACT exam.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Ques 1: Who takes the ACT test?
Ans: The ACT test is typically taken by high school students who are planning to attend college in the US.

Ques 2: When is the ACT test offered?
Ans: The ACT test is offered several times a year, usually in September, October, December, February, April, and June. Check the ACT website for specific test dates and registration deadlines.

Ques 3: How long is the ACT test?
Ans: The ACT test is approximately 3 hours and 35 minutes long, including the optional writing section. Without the writing section, it is approximately 2 hours and 55 minutes long.

Ques 4: How can I register for the ACT test?
Ans: You can register for the ACT test online on the official ACT website.

Ques 5: What should I bring to the ACT test?
Ans: You should bring a valid photo ID, your admission ticket, several No. 2 pencils, an eraser, and a calculator.

Ques 6: Can I retake the ACT test?
Ans: Yes, you can retake the ACT test as many times as you want. Colleges will generally only consider your highest score.|

Ques 7: How long does it take to receive ACT scores?
Ans: It typically takes 2-8 weeks to receive ACT scores, depending on the test date and the method of delivery. You can check your scores online on the official ACT website.

With its widespread acceptance by colleges and universities, the ACT is an essential component of the college admissions process. Adequate preparation and practice are key to achieving the best possible scores on the ACT, which can open doors to various opportunities for students in their academic and professional lives. If you want to know more about ACT, get in touch with international education experts at IDP, they will guide you for getting a good ACT score.

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