What is the ACT?
The ACT (American College Testing) is a standardized exam that was introduced as an alternative to the SAT used for college admission. The ACT consists of four sections: English, Reading, Math, and Science. There is also an optional Writing portion of the exam.
ACT Format
The ACT is a 3 hour and 30 minute exam consisting of four multiple-choice tests: English, Mathematics, Reading, Science, and a writing section. The breakdown of each section is as follows:
| ACT Test Section | # of Questions | Content | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
English |
75 questions | Punctuation Grammar and usage Sentence structure Rhetorical skills |
45 minutes |
Mathematics |
60 questions | Pre-Algebra/Elementary Algebra Intermediate Algebra/Coordinate Geometry Plane Geometry/Trigonometry |
60 minutes |
Reading |
40 questions | Social Studies Natural Sciences Prose Fiction Humanities |
35 minutes |
Science |
40 questions | Data Representation Research Summaries Conflicting Viewpoints |
35 minutes |
Optional Writing Test |
1 prompt | Ideas & Analysis Development & Support Organization Language Use & Conventions |
40 minutes |
ACT Test Dates
The ACT is offered 7 times annually in September, October, December, February, April, June, and July. It is always given on a Saturday. Students with credible religious obligations on a test date can request an alternate testing date (Visit http://www.actstudent.org for more details).
| 2018-2019 Test Dates | Registration Deadline | Late Registration Deadline | Online Score Release |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 8, 2018 | August 10, 2018 | August 26, 2018 | September 18, 2018* |
| October 27, 2018 | September 28, 2018 | October 14, 2018 | November 6, 2018* |
| December 8, 2018 | November 2, 2018 | November 19, 2018 | December 18, 2018* |
| February 9, 2019 | January 11, 2019 | January 18, 2019 | February 19, 2019* |
| April 13, 2019 | March 8, 2019 | March 25, 2019 | April 23, 2019* |
| June 8, 2019 | May 3, 2019 | May 20, 2019 | June 18, 2019* |
| July 13, 2019 | June 14, 2019 | June 24, 2019 | July 23, 2019* |
*estimated date based off ACT.org