The ACT
College in your future? The ACT is your Key to Success!
The ACT
College in your future? The ACT is your Key to Success!
College applications on the mind? Let us help! The ACT is one of the most widely accepted college entrance exams in the U.S. Discover how to excel on the ACT so your college application stands out!
About the ACT
The ACT is a college entrance exam widely used by colleges and universities to assess a student’s readiness for college-level work. Administered by ACT, Inc., it plays a crucial role in the admissions decisions of many institutions.
While even high-achieving students may find the ACT challenging, understanding its structure and developing a tailored study plan can greatly improve performance.
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ACT Format
The ACT is offered in both paper-and-pencil and computer-based formats at designated testing centers across the country. The exam is divided into four mandatory sections—English, Math, Reading, and Science—along with an optional Writing section for students looking to go the extra mile. Each section tests specific skills to provide a comprehensive evaluation of a student’s college readiness.
Timing
The ACT is administered several times a year, typically in September, October, December, February, April, June, and July. Students can take the ACT multiple times, with the option to combine their best scores for each section to create a “superscore” of their best performances. Many students take the exam during the spring of their junior year or early in their senior year to meet college application deadlines. Take the test early so that you have the time to retake it before your critical deadlines roll around!
Upcoming ACT Updates!
Starting in Spring 2025, several changes will take effect, including making the Science section optional, reducing the number of questions, and shortening the test duration to around two hours. Both paper and digital formats will be available, although the digital version will not be adaptive and will still need to be taken at official test centers. These updates are designed to reduce time pressure and provide more flexibility to students.
Test Sections & Content
In its current format, the ACT has four mandatory sections alongside one optional writing section. After the Mathematics section, students are given one 15 minute break.
Each section has a designated time limit, and once time is called for a section, students must stop working on that section, even if they finish early. They are not permitted to return to previous sections or move ahead to upcoming sections.
| Number of Questions | Time Limit | Description |
| 75 | 45 Minutes | This section tests students on grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and rhetorical skills. Students are presented with passages to analyze and revise, ensuring proficiency in standard English. |
| Number of Questions | Time Limit | Description |
| 60 | 60 Minutes | Covering topics from pre-algebra to trigonometry, the Math section not only tests mathematical knowledge but also students’ problem-solving abilities. A calculator is permitted for all questions in this section. |
| Number of Questions | Time Limit | Description |
| 40 | 35 Minutes | In the Reading section, students must demonstrate their comprehension skills through questions about passages across various subjects, including fiction, social science, humanities, and natural science. |
| Number of Questions | Time Limit | Description |
| 40 | 35 Minutes | The Science section assesses skills in analysis, evaluation, and reasoning related to natural sciences. Students are presented with data sets and conflicting viewpoints, requiring them to interpret and draw informed conclusions. |
| Number of Questions | Time Limit | Description |
| 1 | 40 | The Writing section is an optional essay where students must develop and present a well-reasoned argument on a given issue. This section is scored separately and may be required by some colleges. |
| Number of Questions | Time Limit | Description |
| 75 | 45 Minutes | This section tests students on grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and rhetorical skills. Students are presented with passages to analyze and revise, ensuring proficiency in standard English. |
| Number of Questions | Time Limit | Description |
| 60 | 60 Minutes | Covering topics from pre-algebra to trigonometry, the Math section not only tests mathematical knowledge but also students’ problem-solving abilities. A calculator is permitted for all questions in this section. |
| Number of Questions | Time Limit | Description |
| 40 | 35 Minutes | In the Reading section, students must demonstrate their comprehension skills through questions about passages across various subjects, including fiction, social science, humanities, and natural science. |
| Number of Questions | Time Limit | Description |
| 40 | 35 Minutes | The Science section assesses skills in analysis, evaluation, and reasoning related to natural sciences. Students are presented with data sets and conflicting viewpoints, requiring them to interpret and draw informed conclusions. |
| Number of Questions | Time Limit | Description |
| 1 | 40 | The Writing section is an optional essay where students must develop and present a well-reasoned argument on a given issue. This section is scored separately and may be required by some colleges. |
ACT Scoring
The ACT is scored on a scale of 1 to 36 for each of the four main sections—English, Math, Reading, and Science—with the composite score being the average of these four. The optional Writing section is scored separately on a scale of 2 to 12 and does not affect the composite score, though it may be considered by some colleges.
Additionally, many institutions use superscoring, which combines the individual highest section scores from multiple test attempts to create a new, higher composite score.
Private ACT Tutoring
The ACT is a challenging exam that requires thorough preparation and practice. It demands that students demonstrate a solid understanding of high school-level English, math, reading, and science concepts. Because each student’s strengths and weaknesses are different, a personalized study plan is essential. Having a trusted guide (like The Tutorverse) to navigate the test preparation process can make all the difference.
The key to beginning your test prep journey is deciding on goals; what target scores do you need to reach to get into your desired schools? What areas are your strongest? What areas do you need to work on?
Once you've got an idea of where you're aiming, work with your tutor to develop a detailed and consistent plan of study. You've got your goals; how are you going to reach them?
This is the fun part—time to start studying! Work through your plan with a tutor and trusted adult, and when you're ready, take a practice test! See how you do and begin the process again. With this structure, the sky's the limit for your ACT score!
The key to beginning your test prep journey is deciding on goals; what target scores do you need to reach to get into your desired schools? What areas are your strongest? What areas do you need to work on?
Once you've got an idea of where you're aiming, work with your tutor to develop a detailed and consistent plan of study. You've got your goals; how are you going to reach them?
This is the fun part—time to start studying! Work through your plan with a tutor and trusted adult, and when you're ready, take a practice test! See how you do and begin the process again. With this structure, the sky's the limit for your ACT score!
While some test prep companies might suggest starting with a “cold read” diagnostic test, we recommend beginning with a few tutoring sessions to get familiar with the ACT’s format and question types. This approach helps students build confidence and make the most of their limited practice tests.
Our experienced tutors, teachers, and consultants are here to assess your student’s needs, create a customized study plan, and guide them through the preparation process. Let us help your student conquer the ACT to achieve their college dreams!
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