The ACT tests the following subject areas: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science.
Note: There is also an ACT Plus Writing test that includes a 30-minute essay. While all schools will accept the ACT, there are some schools that will require the ACT Plus Writing version. Be sure to check for the ACT requirements for each school that you are considering.
The ACT is available outside the US 5 times a year: October, December, February, April and June.
The ACT Plus Writing is NOT offered in February. The ACT is a multiple-choice test (215 questions) and, including breaks, will take 3.5 hours to complete (about 4 hours for the ACT Plus Writing).
The ACT has 5 sections:
1. English
2. Mathematics
3. Reading
4. Science
5. (Optional) Writing
The main four ACT test sections are individually scored on a scale of 1–36, and a composite score (the rounded whole number average of the four sections) is provided.
1. English
A 45-minute long test with 75 questions in all. The test focuses on:
- Usage & Mechanics: punctuation, grammar and usage, sentence structure;
- Rhetorical Skills: strategy, organization, style.
2. Mathematics
60-minutes long with 60 questions total. It covers the following 6 areas:
- Arithmetic (14 questions)
- Basic Algebra (10 questions)
- Intermediate Algebra (9 questions)
- Coordinate Geometry (9 questions)
- Plane Geometry (14 questions)
- Trigonometry (4 questions)
Note: Calculators are allowed for the test, but certain models are banned (TI-89, TI-92, calculators with computer algebra systems (CAS) like the TI-Inspire CAS).
3. Reading
35-minute, 40-question test on passage reading comprehension. There are 4 sections, each containing 1 long and 2 short passages. The passages focus on the following:
- Social Studies
- Natural Sciences
- Literature
- Humanities
4. Science
35-minute, 40-question test. The content includes biology, chemistry, physics and Earth sciences (including Astronomy). The test focuses less on science knowledge and more on reasoning, interpretation, evaluation and problem solving.
Calculators are not allowed.
5. (Optional) Writing
A 30-minute essay in which students present and defend a point of view on a selected topic. Students can adopt 1 of the 2 points of view presented in the prompt or present their own.