The ACT (American College Testing) is a standard multiple choice, computer based exam administered by ACT, Inc., designed to assess students readiness for college. ACT is primarily accepted by undergraduate institutions in the US and Canada as well as over 225 institutions outside worldwide.
ACT exam tests skills in English, Mathematics, reading, and science reasoning while including an optional writing section which evaluates essay writing skills. So, if you are aiming to enter a top university, understanding and cracking the ACT exam is the first step towards success!
ACT Exam- Overview
Here is an overview of the ACT exam:
| Exam name | ACT |
| Official website | https://www.act.org |
| Duration of the exam | 2 hours and 55 minutes (without writing section);
3 hours and 35 minutes (with writing section) |
| Popularly given by | Undergraduate admissions in US & Canada |
| Administered by | ACT, Incorporated |
| Accepted by | Undergraduate institutions in US and Canada and other 225 institutions worldwide |
| Mode of exam | Online |
| Format | Multiple choice and computer based exam |
| ACT exam fee (for Indian students) | Full ACT exam with no writing- Rs. 15,600 approx.
Full ACT exam with writing- Rs. 17600 approx. |
| Scoring | Range 1-36 |
| ACT contact info. | Phone: 319-337-1270 |
ACT Full Form
ACT full form is American College Testing. This test is used to evaluate the readiness of high school applicants who want to attend college abroad. The ACT exam includes assessments of subjects including previous knowledge in math, science, and English. Most of the colleges and universities in the US accept ACT scores from international students for admission purposes.
Note: You must check if the ACT exam is compulsory in your aimed university or not.
What is the ACT Exam?
The ACT is an entrance exam used by most colleges and universities to make admissions decisions in the US. It is a multiple-choice, pencil-and-paper test administered by ACT, Inc. ACT measures your skills in math, English, reading, and science with an optional writing section. Each section analyzes your academic abilities and critical thinking skills, which provides the college with a clear picture of your preparedness.
Why Take the ACT Exam?
The purpose of the ACT, including its relevance for study abroad, is to measure a high school student’s readiness for college and provide colleges with one common data point to compare all applicants. Colleges review standardized test scores with your high school GPA, letters of recommendation from teachers, the classes you took in high school, extracurricular activities, personal essays, and interviews. The importance of ACT scores in the college application varies from school to school.
ACT Eligibility 2024
The ACT exam doesn’t have any exact strict eligibility requirements, which makes this exam accessible for a wide range of students. However, there are a few things that you must keep in mind before considering taking the ACT exam:
- Your age must be above 13 years, or you might need parental consent to register.
- You must be a high school student (in grades 10-12).
- You can take the ACT exam up to 12 times only.
- Any international student is eligible to take the exam.
Upcoming ACT Exam Dates
If you are planning to take an ACT exam, knowing the upcoming dates and deadlines is important. Following are the ACT exam dates for International students for 2024-25 which are scheduled:
| Test Date | Registration Deadline | Late Registration Deadline |
| December 14’ 2024 | November 8’ 2024 | November 22’ 2024 |
| February 8’ 2025 | January 3’ 2025 | January 20’ 2025 |
Important Points to Remember for ACT Exam Dates
Here are some points that you must remember to plan your ACT exam date effectively and avoid any last-minute challenges:
- ACT exam dates are available multiple times in a year, so plan early to avoid any conflicts with any other academic or extracurricular activities.
- The test date has a registration deadline of about 5 to 6 weeks before that test.
- Keep in mind that not all dates are available globally, so plan your exam accordingly.
- Popular test center locations can fill up quickly, so register as soon as possible to secure your chosen location.
- You can reschedule or cancel your ACT exam date in case of an emergency. But be mindful of deadlines and extra charges.
- Make sure to check test day requirements like permitted items, arrival time, calculator, photo ID, restricted items, etc.
- ACT scores are available after 2 to 8 weeks after the test date, so plan the test according to your target college application.
ACT Registration 2024
The registration process for the ACT includes several steps:
- Create an account on the ACT.
- Add personal information like address, name, school details, etc.
- Choose the test date and location from the multiple available slots throughout the year.
- You can also select to send your ACT scores to certain colleges or universities. Keep in mind that you will be charged extra for sending your scores to more than the designated number of schools.
- A registration fee will be charged depending on the type of ACT you are taking(standard ACT or ACT with writing).
- After completing the registration, you will receive an immediate confirmation email.
ACT Exam Fees
Below is a table summarizing the ACT exam fees:
| Fee | Amount | Details |
| ACT (with No Writing test) | Rs. 15,600 approx. | Includes reports for you, your high school, and up to four colleges (if codes are provided by you). |
| ACT (with Writing test) | Rs. 17,600 approx. | Includes reports for you, your high school, and up to four colleges (if codes are provided by you). |
| Test Option Change | $ 25 or
Rs. 2,106.74 |
Helps you to add or remove the writing test through the last deadline in your official MyACT account. |
Additional fees include:
- Late registration fee, which is approx. Rs. 3000 and applies if you register after the regular deadline.
- A change fee of approx. Rs. 3000 is charged when you change your test date or location after registration.
*You can apply for a fee waiver for the ACT. Visit Fee Waiver Eligibility Requirements and Procedures to see if you fulfill the requirements.
ACT Exam Pattern
The ACT exam structure includes:
| Section | Questions | Duration | Score range | Focus Areas |
| English | 75 MCQs | 45 minutes | 1 to 36 | Tests grammar, sentence structure, punctuation, and rhetorical skills |
| Math | 60 MCQs | 60 minutes | 1 to 36 | Tests algebra, trigonometry, geometry, mathematical reasoning, and problem-solving skills |
| Break | 10 minutes | |||
| Reading | 40 MCQs | 35 minutes | 1 to 36 | Involves reading comprehension through passages, social sciences, natural sciences, and humanities |
| Science | 40 MCQs | 35 minutes | 1 to 36 | Interpretation, analysis, and problem-solving in chemistry, physics, biology, and earth/space sciences |
| Break | 5 minutes | |||
| Writing (optional) | 1 prompt | 40 minutes | 1 to 36 | One essay prompt is giving which measures writing skills, focusing on clarity and argumentation |
The total duration of the ACT exam is approximately 3 hours and 35 minutes (excluding breaks). There are 4 sections with 215 questions, with one optional section.
ACT Exam Syllabus
| Subject | Questions Areas | Description |
| English (75 MCQs): The main skills which are tested are- Rhetorical skills, usage, and mechanics | Punctuation | Semi colons, apostrophe, period, comma, etc. |
| Strategy | Modify a given context by using apt phrases. | |
| Grammar usage | Subject and verb agreement, pronoun, antecedent agreement, pronoun case, verb formation, etc. | |
| Organization | Choice of opening, closing, and transitional sentences. | |
| Style | Skill in maintaining the essay’s flow and tone. | |
| Mathematics | Pre-algebra | Number problems, multiples, factors, primes, divisibility, percentages, square roots, fractions, ratios, etc. |
| Intermediate Algebra | Equations, matrices, functions, logarithms, sequence, inequalities | |
| 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 4 passages for 40 MCQs with four broad areas like humanities, social science, literary fiction, and natural science. | Central idea | The big idea 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: Contains 7 passages, which include questions about physics, chemistry, biology, and earth sciences. | Researched summaries | Tests the ability to use the information provided to decipher graphs, scatter plots, and tables. |
| Data representation | Tests the ability to use the information provided to decipher graphs, tables, and scatter plots. | |
| Conflicting viewpoints | Accesses the ability to analyze divergent viewpoints. | |
| Writing (Optional) | The writing test includes a short passage with 3 different viewpoints. | |
ACT Exam Test Centers 2024
The following are the test centers that conduct the ACT exam all across India. You can choose your ACT test centers at the time of registration.
- Delhi
- Mumbai
- Ahmedabad
- Bangalore
- Ajmer
- Bhopal
- Chennai
- Bhubaneshwar
- Gurugram
- Hyderabad
- Indore
- Dehradun
- Fatehpur
- Kodaikanal
- Jaipur
- Mohali
- Kolkata
- Noida
- Pune
- Vadodara
- Mussoorie
ACT Scoring
The ACT scoring system is to assess a student’s readiness for college. It includes:
| Aspect | Details |
| Score scale | 1 to 36 for each section (Math, English, Reading, and Science) |
| Composite score | Average of the four subject area scores (1 to 36 scale) |
| Writing section | Optional, scored separately on a scale of 2 to 12 |
| Effect of writing score | Doesn’t affect the composite score, as it is used to assess the writing skills only |
| MCQ score availability | Typically, available within 2 to 3 weeks after the test |
| Writing score availability | It may take 5 to 6 weeks |
| Score validity | ACT scores are valid for 5 years after the test date |
ACT 2024 Results
ACT results are released online within 2 to 8 weeks after the test date. The results are available online and accessible through logging into your ACT MyACT account. You can also check if your scores have reached your selected colleges or not.
ACT Preparation Tips and Strategies
- Get familiar with the ACT format, question types, and timing for each section to improve time management and reduce stress.
- Take practice tests regularly in timed conditions to get used to the exam and identify your strengths and weaknesses.
- Use guides and preparation materials to cover the subjects in the exam.
- Build a study plan according to your schedule to ensure that you are focusing on each section properly.
- Identify your weak sections and spend extra time on those areas with more practice questions.
- Develop effective strategies, like eliminating wrong answers first, making calculated guesses, and avoiding common mistakes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid while Preparing for the ACT Exam
- Neglecting to understand the format: Students generally dive into studying directly without understanding the format and timing. It is important to understand the test structure, types of questions, sections, etc., and take time to review and pace the test accordingly.
- Ignoring science: The science section tests data analysis and experiment understanding. Practice interpreting graphs and tables.
- Not taking full-length practice tests: Full-length and timed practice tests can help build endurance and familiarity with the exam format while making the actual exam less overwhelming.
- Ignoring grammar rules in English: The English section revolves around grammar and usage. So, brush up on common grammar rules and practice questions to improve your scores further.
- Not reviewing mistakes: After completing practice tests, it is important to review your mistakes. Analyze the wrong answers and learn from your mistakes.
- Studying without a plan: Create a study schedule and include time for each subject, practice tests, and review sessions to keep your preparation organized and focused.
- Relying on one source: Relying on one source can limit your understanding. So, use standard materials, books, online materials, courses, practice tests, etc., to cover all the bases and different question types.
- Poor time management: Track and improve your speed on each section to answer accurately.
Conclusion
The ACT is a key step toward higher education and new opportunities. With the ACT’s structured format and comprehensive assessment of academic skills, just preparing for the ACT can enhance your skills.
The ACT score is just a part of your college application, but with a high score and dedication preparation, you can significantly elevate your profile and get into top colleges. So, embrace this challenge and let the ACT be a launchpad for your academic journey and success.
