ACT

The ACT (originally the American College Test) and SAT are the two standardized tests accepted by most colleges and universities for admissions purposes. The exam has a multiple choice section covering math, English, reading, and science. It also has an optional writing test in which examinees plan and write a short essay.

What Does the ACT Cover?

The ACT is made up of four sections plus the optional writing test:

ACT English Test: 75 questions related to standard English. Topics include rules of punctuation, word usage, sentence construction, organization, cohesion, word choice, style, and tone. Total time: 45 minutes. Students read passages and then answer questions related to sentences that have been underlined in those passages.

ACT Mathematics Test: 60 questions related to high school mathematics. Topics covered include algebra, geometry, statistics, modeling, functions, and more. Students can use an approved calculator, but the exam is designed so that a calculator is not necessary. The math test does not cover calculus. Total time: 60 minutes.

ACT Reading Test: 40 questions focused on reading comprehension. Test-takers will answer questions about both explicit and implicit meanings found in textual passages. Where the English Test is about proper language usage, the Reading Test digs in to ask about key ideas, types of arguments, differences between fact and opinion, and point of view. Total time: 35 minutes.

ACT Science Test: 40 questions related to the natural sciences. Questions will cover introductory biology, chemistry, earth science, and physics. The questions typically aren't highly specialized for any field, but more about the process of doing science—interpreting data, understanding research processes, and so on. Total time: 35 minutes.

ACT Writing Test (Optional): Test-takers will write a single essay based on a given issue. The essay prompt will provide several perspectives on the issue that the test-taker will need to analyze and synthesize and then present his or her own perspective. Total time: 40 minutes

Total time: 175 minutes without writing; 215 minutes with the writing test. There is a 10 minute break after the Math Test, and a five minute break before the optional Writing Test.