The ACT is a standardized test that colleges and universities use in the US for admission. It tests a high school student’s academic skills in English, math, science, and reading. The exam is 2 hours 55 minutes + 40 minutes extra for the writing section. The ACT has 215 questions divided into 4 sections and an optional essay/Writing section. It consists of multiple-choice questions.
Understanding the exam fee and associated costs, like score reports, late fees, etc., is important for students.
Overview of the ACT Exam
| Aspect | Details |
| Exam name | ACT |
| Full form | American College Testing |
| Official website | https://www.act.org |
| Administered by | ACT, Incorporated |
| Mode of exam | Online |
| Purpose | Tests academic readiness for colleges and universities in the US. |
| Subjects covered | English, Math, Reading, Science, and Writing section (optional) |
| Test frequency | Administered several times a year |
| Duration | 2 hours and 55 minutes approx. (without the writing section) |
| Scoring | Composite score between 1 and 36, based on the four main sections |
| Acceptance | Widely accepted by colleges and universities in the US and Canada |
| ACT Fee | Full ACT with no writing- INR 15,603 approx.
Full ACT with writing- INR 20,000 approx. |
| Importance | Used to college admissions and scholarship opportunities |
What is the ACT Exam Fee?
The ACT exam fee depends on the choice made by students like the test center or the test date. The fee also varies if you include the writing section in the exam. Here is a table below showing the base fee structure of the exam:
| ACT Fee | Fees (approx.) | Details |
| Complete exam fee (without the writing section) | INR 5,820 ($69) | It includes score reports for you, your high school, and up to four colleges (of your choice) |
| Complete exam fee (with the writing section) | INR 7,929 ($93) | It includes score reports for you, your high school, and up to four colleges (of your choice) |
| Change in test option | INR 2,108 ($25) | By paying this fee by the last deadline of the ACT test, you can add or remove the writing section. |
Please note that the fees are non-refundable.
ACT Additional Fee
Multiple additional fees will be charged for the following things:
| Additional Fee | Fees (approx.) | Details |
| Late registration | INR 3,205 ($38) | Applicable when changes are made in the registration or test date during the late period for a national test date. |
| Standby testing | INR 5,820 ($69) | It is refunded if you are denied entry to the test center on the test date or if registration is canceled due to no photo provided. |
| Change fee | INR 3,711 ($44) | Includes making a change in the test date or test center |
| Score reports to 5th and 6th college choices | INR 1,602 ($19) | It is requested online before the test date. And is refundable on written request if you did not give the test. |
| Additional score reports | INR 1,602 ($19) | You can request for additional score report online after registration. |
| Test information release | INR 2,699 ($32) | If the request is placed before the test begins. |
| INR 3,374 ($40) | If the request is made after the test. | |
| Score verification | INR 4,892 ($58) | For multiple-choice test score verification. |
| INR 4,892 ($58) | For writing test score verification. | |
| INR 9,785 ($116) | For both multiple choice and writing test score verification. |
ACT Fee Waivers
ACT exam fee waivers are available for eligible low-income high-school students to help cover the costs of the exam. This includes waiving the basic test fees and additional score report fees. To apply for the fee waiver, students must meet specific income guidelines or be part of the free/reduced lunch program.
You can request an exam fee waiver through the ACT website. The exam fee waiver ensures that financial constraints do not stop students from taking the ACT test and applying to colleges.
For more information, please visit the official ACT website for fee waivers.
How to Pay for the ACT Exam Fee?
The ACT exam fee can be paid through various methods, including credit card, debit card, electronic check, and PayPal.
For all the payment options, it is important to finalize payment before submitting your registration because an incomplete payment will delay your registration confirmation. Here is a table breaking down the different payment modes:
| Payment Method | Details |
| Online Payment | You can pay during the registration on the ACT website using credit/ debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express) or PayPal. |
| Check or Money Order by Mail | Send a check or money order in US dollars to ACT along with your registration details. |
ACT Exam Syllabus
The ACT exam assesses knowledge and skills in different key areas through its different sections. Here is a breakdown of the exam syllabus for all sections:
| Subject | Section breakdown | Types of questions asked | Description |
| English | Includes 75 MCQs
Duration- 45 minutes |
Punctuation | Semi colons , apostrophe, period, comma, etc. |
| Strategy | Modify a given passage by using appropriate phrases. | ||
| Grammar usage | Subject and verb agreement, pronoun, antecedent agreeme nt, pronoun case, verb formation, etc. | ||
| Organization | Choice of opening, closing, and transitional sentences. | ||
| Style | Ability to maintain the flow and tone of the essay. | ||
| Mathematics | Includes 60 MCQs
Duration- 60 minutes |
Pre-algebra | Number problems, multiples, factors, primes, divisibility, percentages, square roots, fractions, ratios, etc. |
| Intermediate algebra | Equations, matrices, functions, logarithms, sequence, in equalities | ||
| Elementary algebra | Simplifying expressions, substitutions, solving linear equations, multiplying binomials, inequalities, etc. | ||
| Coordinate geometry | Number lines, distance, midpoints, graphing inequalities, slope calculation, parallel lines | ||
| Plane geometry | Angles, circles, triangles, polygons, volume, 3D geometry, properties of circles | ||
| Trigonometry | Graphic trigonometric functions, solving trigonometric equations, etc. | ||
| Reading | Includes 40 MCQs
Duration: 35 minutes |
Central idea | Big idea and or theme of the passage |
| Detail | Understanding a specific phrase or line within a passage is tested | ||
| Vocabulary | Contextual understanding of words and their usage | ||
| Function | Understanding the role of a particular word or phrase | ||
| Implied idea | Explain the meaning of word or phrase | ||
| Science: | Includes 40 MCQs
Duration: 35 minutes |
Researched summaries | Tests the abilities of using the information provided to decipher graphs, scatter plots, and tables |
| Data representation | Tests the abilities to use the information provided to decipher g raphs, tables, and scatter plots | ||
| Conflicting viewpoints | Accesses the ability to analyze divergent viewpoints | ||
| Writing (Optional) | Includes 1 essay
Duration: 40 minutes |
The writing test includes a short passage with 3 different viewpoints. | |
ACT Exam Registration Process
Registering for the ACT exam is a straightforward process that requires attention to detail. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you with the registration process:
- Visit the official ACT site.
- Click on register to create a new account if you don’t have one already.
- Enter your BASIC details like name, email, DOB, etc. After creating an account, you will receive a confirmation email.
- Choose your preferred test date from the available options.
- Choose the nearest ACT test center.
- Provide your high school details, majors, and interests, and upload a photo ID.
- Decide the type of ACT you want to give (with or without the writing section).
- Pay the exam fee through a credit or debit card.
- After completing registration, you will immediately receive a confirmation email with your details and a link to the admission ticket.
- Now you just have to prepare for the exam day.
ACT Test Dates 2024-2025
Here are the ACT test dates for the 2024-2025 academic year:
| ACT Test Dates 2024-25 | Registration Deadlines | Registration with Late Fees |
| 13 & 14 December 2024 | 15 November 2024 | 29 November 2024 |
| 7 & 8 February 2025 | 10 January 2025 | 24 January 2025 |
| 4 & 5 April 2025 | 7 March 2025 | 21 March 2025 |
| 13 & 14 June 2025 | 16 May 2025 | 30 May 2025 |
| 11 & 12 July 2025 | 13 June 2025 | 27 June 2025 |
Conclusion
Taking the ACT is an important step towards your future. By understanding the exam fees, deadlines, preparations, etc., you will be able to give the exam with confidence. Remember that each detail matters—from registering early for the exam to choosing a test center. With this necessary information in your hand, you are ready to take the next step toward your college admissions journey.
