Taking the ACT
The ACT is a standardized college entrance examination that measures knowledge and skills through multiple-choice questions covering the following:
- English
- Mathematics
- Reading
- Science reasoning
- Writing (optional)
You receive 12 separate scores:
- One composite
- Four subject scores
- Seven sub-scores
The composite, or scaled, score is the most important. Nearly half of test takers receive scores between 17 and 23. (The full range is 1–36.)
The ACT reports three additional scores to students who take the ACT Writing Test:
- The Writing Test score (2–12)
- English/Writing score (1–36)
- Comments about your writing
Registering for exams
- Contact your school counselor for registration materials.
- Call ACT at (319) 337-1270. Materials will be mailed for free.
Preparing for exams
Practice test
Visit ACTstudent.org to access sample tests. While taking the sample test, click on your answers to find out if you are correct. Explanations are given for each question.
Test structure
| Usage and Mechanics |
40 |
| Rhetorical Skills |
35 |
| Pre-Algebra |
14 |
| Elementary Algebra |
10 |
| Intermediate Algebra |
9 |
| Coordinate Geometry |
9 |
| Plane Geometry |
14 |
| Trigonometry |
4 |
| Prose Fiction |
10 |
| Humanities |
10 |
| Social Studies |
10 |
| Natural Sciences |
10 |
| Data Representation |
15 |
| Research Summary |
18 |
| Conflicting Viewpoint |
7 |
Reviewing scores
View your scores at ACT.org. For an $8 fee, you can see your scores two weeks before the official score report arrives by mail.