Many colleges require scores from the ACT or SAT tests as a part of the admissions process. Your ACT score is a key component of your college applications.
ACT Length | 2 hrs, 55 minutes (plus 40 minutes if taking ACT with writing) |
---|---|
ACT Sections |
|
Cost |
US without Writing: $50.50 USD US with Writing: $67.00 USD Non-US without Writing: $150.00 USD Non-US with Writing: $166.50 USD |
Max. Score | 36 |
Avg. Score | 21 |
The ACT is an entrance exam used by most colleges and universities to make admissions decisions. It is a multiple-choice, pencil-and-paper test administered by ACT, Inc.
The purpose of the ACT test is to measure a high school student's readiness for college, and provide colleges with one common data point that can be used to compare all applicants. College admissions officers will review standardized test scores alongside your high school GPA, the classes you took in high school, letters of recommendation from teachers or mentors, extracurricular activities, admissions interviews, and personal essays. How important ACT scores are in the college application process varies from school to school.
Overall, the higher you score on the ACT and/or SAT, the more options for attending and paying for college will be available to you.
Most high school students take the ACT, SAT, or both during the spring of their junior year or fall of their senior year. It's important to leave time to re-take the test if you need to raise your score before you apply to college. The ACT exam is offered nationally every year in September, October, December, February*, April, June, and July*. View all upcoming ACT test dates.
*No test centers are scheduled in New York for the February or July test dates. No test centers are scheduled in California for the July test date.
There are four ACT sections:
The ACT also includes an optional 40-minute Writing Test. Some colleges may require that you complete the ACT Writing Test. You can confirm each college's admissions policies on the school website or on our school profiles.
The ACT is 2 hours and 55 minutes long. If you choose to take the ACT with Essay, the test will be 3 hours and 35 minutes long.
Each section of the ACT is scored on a 1 to 36 point scale. Your composite ACT score is the average of your four section scores, also on a scale from 1 to 36. If you take the ACT with Writing Test, you will receive a separate score on the Writing Test.
Most colleges and universities will accept scores from either the SAT or ACT, and do not favor one test over the other. That said, college-bound students are increasingly taking both the SAT and ACT. Changes made to the SAT in 2016 have made it easier than ever to prep for both tests concurrently—and earn competitive scores on both! The best way to decide if taking the SAT, ACT, or both tests is right for you is to take a timed full-length practice test of each type. Since the content and style of the SAT and ACT are very similar, factors like how you handle time pressure and what types of questions you find most challenging can help you determine which test is a better fit. Try our QUIZ: SAT, ACT, or Both? to learn more
Registration deadlines fall approximately five weeks before each ACT test date. You can get registration materials from your school counselor, or you can register online on the ACT website.
We can help. We have ACT prep solutions for every student and every budget.
Take a Free ACT Practice Test
Connect with our featured colleges to find schools that both match your interests and are looking for students like you.
Are you an aspiring video game designer? Launch your gaming career at one of these top 50 programs.
SNHU students complete undergrad degrees in one of 150+ programs or majors on their own time with flexible class schedules. SNHU makes earning an undergraduate degree and furthering your education accessible and affordable.
165,000 students rate everything from their professors to their campus social scene.