All About the ACT
All About the ACT: What You Need to Know
The ACT is one of the most common entrance exams for college admissions, widely used by universities across the U.S. It’s a multiple-choice test administered by ACT, Inc. and is completed with pencil and paper. If you’re thinking about college, you’ve probably heard of it!
The primary goal of the ACT is to measure how ready you are for college-level work. It gives colleges a standardized way to compare applicants, making it easier to evaluate students from different schools and backgrounds. But your ACT score is just one piece of the puzzle. Admissions officers will also look at other factors like your high school GPA, the difficulty of your courses, recommendation letters, extracurricular involvement, interviews, and personal essays. Some schools weigh ACT scores more heavily than others, but in general, a higher score can open more doors—both in terms of where you can go and the scholarships you can get.
So, while it’s just one part of the application, a strong ACT score can definitely make a big difference in your college options and financial aid opportunities.
When Should You Take the ACT?
Most students take the ACT in the spring of their junior year or early in their senior year. This timing gives you a chance to retake the exam if you aren’t satisfied with your initial score. Since many colleges have application deadlines in the fall or early winter, it’s a good idea to plan ahead and leave room for a second or even third attempt if needed. The ACT is offered several times a year—typically in September, October, December, February, April, June, and July. Keep in mind that some test dates fill up fast, so register early, especially if you’re targeting a specific test date.
What Does the ACT Cover?
The ACT is divided into four sections: English, Reading, Math, and Science. Each section is designed to test different skills you’ll need for college. There’s also an optional Writing section, which is a 40-minute essay. Some colleges require the Writing section, so it’s a good idea to check the specific requirements for the schools you’re interested in applying to.
The English section focuses on grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and rhetorical skills. In Reading, you’ll analyze passages and answer comprehension questions. Math covers algebra, geometry, and some trigonometry, while the Science section tests your ability to interpret and analyze data, rather than specific scientific knowledge.
How Long is the ACT?
Without the Writing section, the ACT takes about 2 hours and 55 minutes to complete. If you opt to take the Writing section, that adds another 40 minutes, bringing the total test time to 3 hours and 35 minutes. It’s a long exam, so pacing yourself is key. Many students find the test to be a marathon of focus, which is why practice and preparation are so important.
Scoring the ACT
Each section of the ACT is scored on a scale of 1 to 36. Your composite score, which is the one most colleges will look at, is the average of your four section scores. If you take the Writing section, that’s scored separately and won’t affect your composite score. A higher score gives you more options when it comes to choosing colleges, and it can also help qualify you for scholarships.
ACT vs. SAT: Which Should You Take?
Many students wonder whether they should take the ACT, the SAT, or both. The good news is that most colleges accept both, so you aren’t locked into one option. There’s no clear preference from colleges, and changes to the SAT in recent years have made it more similar to the ACT in terms of structure and content. Because the two tests now have many overlaps, some students choose to prepare for both. This strategy can work well, especially if you’re not sure which one plays to your strengths. To help decide, try taking a full-length practice test for each. How you feel about time limits, question formats, and pacing will give you a good sense of which exam suits you better.
How to Register for the ACT
You’ll need to register for the ACT about five weeks before the test date you choose. You can get registration materials from your high school counselor, or, more conveniently, you can sign up online on the ACT website. The site will also provide you with test prep resources, updates, and additional information on what to expect on test day.
The Evolving ACT: What’s New?
Big changes are coming to the ACT starting in April 2025. One of the most exciting updates is the increased flexibility for students who choose to take the test online. The online version will be shorter, giving students more time per question, and offering a quicker testing experience. Starting in September 2025, all Saturday test-takers—whether online or on paper—will benefit from these improvements. By spring 2026, schools and districts will also have access to these updates.
These changes are part of ACT’s goal to continuously improve the test, making it more student-friendly and adaptable to modern testing standards. The enhancements are designed to help students perform their best on test day, giving them a fair chance to showcase their skills and increase their college opportunities. Flexibility and choice are key themes, as the ACT strives to let students decide how they want to take the test and tailor their experience based on their individual strengths and goals.
What’s Staying the Same?
Even with these changes, many things about the ACT will remain unchanged. The test will still be closely aligned with what you’ve learned in high school, and the scoring scale will remain 1 to 36. Students will continue to have the option of taking the test either on paper or online. The reliability and validity of the ACT, which colleges have trusted for over 65 years, will also stay the same. If you’ve already taken the test before the new changes roll out, don’t worry—your previous scores won’t be affected. The ACT will still be a valuable tool for determining college readiness, scholarship opportunities, and placement in college courses.
Conclusion
The ACT is a significant step in the college admissions process, but it’s not something to be feared. With proper preparation, you can approach the test with confidence and turn it into an opportunity to boost your college applications. Whether you take the ACT, the SAT, or both, remember that this is just one part of your academic journey. It’s important, but it’s not the only measure of your potential. Take advantage of the resources available, stay on top of deadlines, and focus on doing your best. After all, the ACT is just a stepping stone toward the future you’re building for yourself.
