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 .
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
The ACT test covers the following subjects:
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.
Check out how your ACT scores are calculated:
Source:https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/registration.html
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
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:
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.
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
To register for the ACT exam, you have two options: online registration or offline registration.
For online registration, follow these steps:
If you prefer offline registration, follow these steps:
Before proceeding with your 2023/2024 application, it's important to be aware of some updates regarding the ACT. Here are the latest developments:
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.
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.
Create your profile and unlock a wide array of features including personalised recommendations, fast-tracked applications and much more.