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ACT Exam Overview

The ACT (American College Testing) exam is a standardized test widely used for college admissions in the United States. It evaluates high school students’ academic readiness for college. The exam includes multiple-choice questions in four subject areas. There is also an optional writing test.

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Key Details

• Administered By: ACT, Inc.
• Duration:
  • Without Writing: 2 hours, 55 minutes.
  • With Writing: 3 hours, 40 minutes.
• Scoring:
  • Composite Score: 1–36 (average of the four sections).
  • Writing Score (optional): 2–12.
• Test Frequency: Offered 7 times a year in the U.S. (September, October, December, February, April, June, July).
• Cost:
  • Without Writing: ~$68 (as of 2024).
  • With Writing: ~$93.

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ACT Exam Format

The ACT consists of four mandatory sections and an optional writing section:

Section	Number of Questions	Time Allocated	Key Content
English	75	45 minutes	Grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and rhetorical skills.
Mathematics	60	60 minutes	Algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and problem-solving.
Reading	40	35 minutes	Reading comprehension from passages in prose, humanities, and science.
Science	40	35 minutes	Data interpretation, scientific reasoning, and experimental analysis.
Writing (Optional)	1 essay	40 minutes	Evaluate and analyze perspectives on an issue and present your own.

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ACT Section Breakdown

1. English Section

• Focus: Grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and rhetorical skills.
• Content:
  • Usage and mechanics (e.g., commas, verb agreement).
  • Organization and style (e.g., transitions, clarity).
• Tip: Practice editing and revising passages for conciseness and correctness.

2. Mathematics Section

• Focus: Problem-solving and understanding mathematical concepts.
• Content:
  • Pre-algebra (20–25%).
  • Algebra 1 and 2 (35–40%).
  • Geometry (25–30%).
  • Trigonometry (5–10%).
• Tip: Familiarize yourself with ACT-approved calculators and practice pacing.

3. Reading Section

• Focus: Comprehension of short passages.
• Content:
  • Prose fiction.
  • Humanities.
  • Social sciences.
  • Natural sciences.
• Tip: Practice skimming passages and answering questions efficiently.

4. Science Section

• Focus: Interpretation, analysis, and evaluation of scientific data.
• Content:
  • Charts and graphs.
  • Scientific summaries and conflicting viewpoints.
• Tip: Focus on analyzing data rather than recalling specific science content.

5. Writing Section (Optional)

• Focus: Evaluate an issue and write a persuasive essay.
• Content:
  • Analyze multiple perspectives.
  • Develop and support your own viewpoint.
• Tip: Organize your essay with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

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ACT Scoring

• Composite Score: Average of the four sections, rounded to the nearest whole number (1–36).
• Writing Score: Scored separately on a scale of 2–12 (not included in the composite score).
• Percentile Rank: Indicates how your score compares to other test-takers.
• Superscoring: Many colleges allow you to combine your highest section scores from different ACT attempts.

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ACT vs. SAT

Feature	ACT	SAT
Sections	4 (+1 optional)	2 (+optional Essay, phased out after 2021).
Duration	~3 hours, 40 minutes	~3 hours.
Scoring	1–36	400–1600.
Math Content	Includes trigonometry	No trigonometry.
Science Section	Yes	No (science concepts integrated).
Popularity	Equally accepted by colleges.	Equally accepted by colleges.

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Tips for ACT Success

1. Understand the Format: Familiarize yourself with the test structure and question types.
2. Practice with Timed Tests: Simulate real test conditions to improve pacing.
3. Use Official Prep Materials: Use practice tests and guides from ACT.org.
4. Focus on Weak Areas: Spend more time on sections where you score lower in practice tests.
5. Learn Calculator Skills: Practice using ACT-approved calculators for the Math section.
6. Develop Test-Taking Strategies: Learn techniques like eliminating wrong answers and guessing intelligently.
7. Take Care of Yourself: Ensure adequate rest, hydration, and nutrition on test day.

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Registration and Test Day

• Registration: Register at ACT.org.
• Test Day Tips:
  • Bring acceptable photo ID and admission ticket.
  • Use a permitted calculator.
  • Arrive early to the test center.