ACT Test Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Find out why this standardised test plays such a big role in getting into US universities — and what makes it different from others.
Wondering what score you need to stand out? Learn how ACT results are calculated and what they really say about your chances.
Preparing for the ACT doesn’t have to be overwhelming — explore the most effective ways students get ready and improve their results.
From costs to test centres to timelines, get a clear picture of what to expect on your ACT journey and how to make it work for you.

The ACT stands for American College Testing. It’s a standardised test used for college and university admissions in the United States. Some universities in Canada and a few other countries also accept ACT scores, but it’s mainly designed for students applying to US institutions.

The ACT is usually taken by high school students who want to apply for a Bachelor’s degree. It helps universities evaluate your readiness for academic study, alongside your school grades. The test is multiple-choice and covers four main subjects: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science. There’s also an optional Writing section (essay), which some universities may require.

Doing well on the ACT can strengthen your university application and, in some cases, help you qualify for scholarships.

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ACT exam guide

What is the ACT used for?

The American College Testing is usually taken by high school students who plan to study an undergraduate degree in the United States. The ACT is used primarily for:

University admissions: Colleges and universities, especially in the US (and some in Canada and other countries).
Scholarship eligibility: Many institutions and scholarship programmes consider ACT scores when awarding financial aid.
State assessments: In some US states, the ACT is part of standard testing in high schools, even for students not planning to go to college.

Eligibility and registration

Who can take the ACT?

There are no strict eligibility rules for taking the ACT. Most students take it in 11th or 12th grade, just before applying to university. Here's what to know:

Age: No official age limit, but the test is designed for high school students.
Education: It’s open to anyone planning to apply to a college or university.
Nationality: The ACT is open to both US and international students.
Retakes: You can take the ACT up to 12 times in total. Most students take it two or three times to improve their score.

Registration process and deadlines

You register for the ACT online. Here’s how it works:

Create an account at act.org.
Choose your test date and test centre location (or choose the online version, if available).
Upload a photo that will be used for identification.
Pay the registration fee online.
Print your admission ticket, which you’ll need on exam day.

Key dates to remember:

Registration deadline: Usually about 5–6 weeks before the test date.
Late registration: Available for about 2 extra weeks with an added fee.
ACT test dates: Held 7 times a year (mostly between February and December).
Results: Typically available 2–8 weeks after the test.

ACT exam costs and additional fees

Here’s a breakdown of current ACT costs (as of 2025):

ACT (no writing): $68
ACT with writing: $93

Other possible fees include:

Late registration: $38
Test date or centre change: $44
Additional score reports: $18 per report
Rescheduling (if missed): Must pay full test fee again

Fee waivers are available for US students from low-income families. They cover the full registration fee and some extras (like sending scores to colleges). International students usually need to pay the full amount.

What’s on the ACT?

The ACT includes four required sections and one optional section. Each part tests a different set of skills that universities use to evaluate how ready you are for academic study.

Section	Number of Questions	What It Tests
English	75	Grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, writing style
Mathematics	60	Algebra, geometry, trigonometry
Reading	40	Comprehension of texts from various subjects

Exam duration and format

The ACT takes just under 3 hours without the Writing section and just over 3.5 hours with it. Most students take the paper-based version, but a digital format may be available in some test centres. The structure is the same in both formats.

Without Writing: 2 hours 55 minutes
With Writing: 3 hours 35 minutes

Exam pattern and schedule

Here’s how the ACT is scheduled on test day:

Section	Time Limit	Questions
English	45 minutes	75
Mathematics	60 minutes	60
Reading	35 minutes	40
Science	35 minutes	40
Writing (optional)	40 minutes	1 essay

You’ll get a 10-minute break after the Math section.

If you’re taking the Writing test, there’s an extra 5-minute break before it begins.
All sections follow a fixed order and pace, helping you plan your time in advance.

This layout covers the ACT pattern and daily test schedule, helping you know exactly what to expect.

Score range and difficulty

The ACT is scored on a scale from 1 to 36. You get a score for each of the four main sections (English, Math, Reading, and Science), and these are averaged to form your composite score. If you take the optional Writing test, it’s scored separately on a scale of 2 to 12, but it does not affect your composite score.

Lowest ACT score: 1
Highest ACT score: 36
Average ACT score: Around 20–21

Your score also comes with a percentile ranking, which tells you how you did compared to other test-takers. For example, if you score 25, you’re in roughly the 78th percentile, meaning you scored better than 78% of students.

What is a good ACT score?

A “good” ACT score depends on the universities you’re applying to. Here’s a general guide:

Top universities (Ivy League, Stanford, MIT, etc.): 32–36
Competitive public universities: 25–30
Most colleges: 20–24
Minimum for admissions: Some institutions may accept scores as low as 17–19, but this varies.

There is no official passing or failing score on the ACT, but a higher score improves your chances of getting into selective programmes and qualifying for scholarships. If you’re aiming for top schools, you’ll need to be well above the national average.

How hard is the ACT?

The ACT can be challenging, especially under time pressure. Each section tests different skills:

English and Reading require strong comprehension and quick reading speed.
Math includes some advanced topics like trigonometry.
Science is often tricky—not because of the science itself, but because it tests your ability to interpret charts, graphs, and experiments.

Students often say the time limits are the hardest part. You need to answer many questions in a short amount of time, which means pacing is key.

How many times can you take the ACT?

You can take the ACT up to 12 times in your life. Most students take it two to three times to try and improve their scores.

No waiting period between attempts, but tests are only held on scheduled dates.
You can choose which scores to send to universities through ACT Score Choice, although some schools may request all your scores.

This means you have several chances to reach your target score, but it’s smart to plan your test dates early in your application timeline.

How to prepare for the ACT

Study plan and timeline

How long to study for the ACT depends on your current skill level and target score. Most students prepare over a period of 2 to 3 months, with more intensive preparation if aiming for top universities.

Here’s a simple plan:

2–3 months before: Take a practice test to see where you stand. Focus on weak areas.
1–2 months before: Follow a structured weekly plan (e.g. 1–2 hours a day, 5 days a week).
Last month: Focus on full-length timed tests and review your mistakes.

Preparation resources and practice tests

There are lots of resources available to help you study for the ACT. Some of the most popular and effective ones include:

Official ACT website: Offers free sample questions and full practice tests
ACT Official Prep Guide: A book with practice questions and test strategies
Online platforms: Websites like Khan Academy, Magoosh, and Kaplan offer structured courses
Mobile apps: Useful for quick practice and vocabulary building

Many free ACT practice tests and sample questions are available online, so you don’t have to spend much to get started. Using timed practice tests is especially important for building confidence.

How to improve your ACT score?

These tips help you prepare smart and give yourself the best chance at boosting your ACT score:

Focus on time management: Practise answering questions under time limits, especially in Reading and Science.
Target your weak spots: Don’t just study everything equally. Spend more time on the sections where your scores are lowest.
Use process of elimination: If unsure of an answer, remove the wrong ones first to boost your odds.
Review mistakes: Always go over wrong answers in practice tests to understand where you went wrong and how to avoid it next time.

ACT exam guide

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

1. Where can I take the ACT?

The ACT is offered at hundreds of test centres in the US and internationally. You can choose your nearest location when you register. Some students may also have the option to take the ACT online, but this depends on the country and test centre availability.

2. How long does it take to get ACT results?

You’ll usually receive your multiple-choice scores within 2–8 weeks after the test date. The Writing (essay) score, if you took it, may take an extra 1–2 weeks to be released.

3. How long are ACT scores valid?

ACT scores are valid for five years. After that, most universities will ask you to retake the test if you're reapplying.

4. Which is better: ACT vs SAT?

Nearly all US universities accept both the ACT and SAT. The ACT includes a Science section and has slightly different timing and question style. If you want a detailed comparison, read our full article on ACT vs SAT.