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ALL ABOUT The ACT Exam
The ACT exam is a standardized test used for admission to colleges and universities across the US and Canada as an alternative to the SAT. The ACT appraises students’ college readiness by assessing skills in four key areas:
English
75 questions
45 minutes
The ACT English section assesses grammar, punctuation, and rhetorical skills through multiple-choice questions based on passages. Test-takers evaluate sentence structure, usage, and clarity, as well as the organization and style of passages.
Math
60 questions
60 minutes
The ACT Math section assesses mathematical skills typically learned by the end of the 11th grade, covering algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and basic statistics to problem-solving, data interpretation, and mathematical reasoning. Test-takers may encounter questions in various formats, including multiple-choice and student-produced responses. The section is designed to evaluate not just the ability to perform calculations, but also to apply mathematical concepts to real-world scenarios.
Reading
40 questions
35 minutes
The ACT Reading section gauges students' reading comprehension through a variety of passages, including prose fiction, social science, humanities, and natural science. Test-takers answer questions that assess their understanding of key ideas, themes, and details, as well as their ability to analyze the author's purpose and tone. The section emphasizes critical reading skills, requiring students to interpret and evaluate information effectively.
Science
40 questions
35 minutes
The ACT Science section measures students' skills in scientific reasoning and interpretation through multiple-choice questions based on 6 passages, including data representation, research summaries, and conflicting viewpoints. Test-takers analyze graphs, charts, and results of experiments to demonstrate their skills in critical thinking and problem-solving in scientific contexts. Rather than focusing on students’ retention of specific content knowledge from science classes, this section evaluates your student’s ability to understand and apply scientific concepts.
ACT Scoring and College Readiness
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Each section is scored on a scale of 1-36, and the average of all sections will form your student’s composite score.
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An optional writing section evaluates writing skills. The ACT is designed to measure a student’s readiness for college and is often used by colleges and universities as part of the admissions process.
Which Test is Right for My Student?
Both the ACT and SAT exams carry equal weight in college admissions. If the following attributes describe your student, then they may have a stronger likelihood to succeed on the ACT:
Strong Science Skills
The ACT includes a dedicated science section, so students who excel in scientific reasoning and interpretation may find it easier to score well.
Quick Test-Takers
The ACT generally has more straightforward questions and a faster pacing, which can benefit students who are quick and efficient test-takers.
Well-Rounded Students
The ACT encompasses a broader range of subjects, including English, math, reading, and science. Students with strong knowledge and a sense of familiarity across these areas may perform better.
Preference for Direct Questions
Students who prefer clear, direct questions may find the ACT's question style more appealing than the SAT's focus on critical thinking and nuanced reading.
College Admissions and the ACT
While many universities suspended the requirement of SAT or ACT scores during the Covid-19 pandemic, a number of institutions have reinstated mandatory submission of SAT or ACT scores when applying. The following is a list of some, but not all, colleges requiring SAT/ACT scores for admission:
Brown University
Caltech
Dartmouth
Georgetown
Harvard
MIT
United States Military Academy
United States Naval Academy
University of Texas, Austin
Yale
Purdue University
Florida State University
University of Florida
Brigham Young University—Idaho and Hawaii
Test Requirements & Admissions
Be sure to verify the standardized test requirement status of the schools your student is applying to! GPA, extracurricular activities, personal essays, and letters of recommendation are key factors universities consider when assessing your student’s fit for their campus. Strong test scores can further enhance your student’s competitiveness, even if not required by the university.
Attention: Be mindful of some universities that have become test-optional while still offering scholarships that mandate SAT or ACT scores.