The »ð±¬ÉçÇø is a standardized test used for college admissions and scholarship decisions across the United States. It measures students' academic readiness for college with required English, Math, and Reading sections, and optional Science and Writing.

»ð±¬ÉçÇø Basics

»ð±¬ÉçÇø Length
  • Core test (English, Math, Reading): 125 minutes
  • With Science or Writing: 165 minutes
  • With Science and Writing: 205 minutes
»ð±¬ÉçÇø Sections
  • English
  • Math
  • Reading
  • Science (optional)
  • Writing (optional)
Cost

US without Writing: $50.50 USD

US with Writing: $67.00 USD

Non-US without Writing: $150.00 USD

Non-US with Writing: $166.50 USD
Max. Score 36
Avg. Score 19.4

About the »ð±¬ÉçÇø

The »ð±¬ÉçÇø test measures a high school student's readiness for college by providing schools with one common data point that can be used to compare all applicants.

As part of the college admissions process, admissions officers will review your portfolio of documentation, including your test scores.

How important »ð±¬ÉçÇø scores are in the college application process varies from school to school. You can confirm each college's admissions policies on the school website or on our school profiles.

Overall, the higher you score on the »ð±¬ÉçÇø and/or SAT, the more options for attending and paying for college will be available to you.

When should I take the »ð±¬ÉçÇø?

Most high school students take the »ð±¬ÉçÇø, SAT, or both during the spring of their junior year or fall of their senior year. It's important to leave time to re-take the test if you need to raise your score before you apply to college.

The »ð±¬ÉçÇø exam is offered nationally every year in September, October, December, February, April, June, and July.  View all upcoming  »ð±¬ÉçÇø test dates.

  • No test centers are scheduled in New York for February or July.
  • No test centers are scheduled in California for July.

What is on the »ð±¬ÉçÇø?

There are three core »ð±¬ÉçÇø sections:  

  • English
  • Reading
  • Math
  • Science

There are also two optional sections, Science and a 40-minute Writing Test.

How long is the »ð±¬ÉçÇø?

The time spent taking the »ð±¬ÉçÇø depends on how many sections you're taking.

SectionTime# of Questions
English 45 min 75 questions
Math 60 min 60 questions
Reading 35 min 40 questions
Science 35 minutes 40 questions
Writing (Optional) 40 minutes 1 essay
TOTAL 175 minutes (215 minutes with Writing) 215 questions + 1 Essay
Total time:
  • Core test (English, Math, Reading): 135 minutes
  • With Science: 165 minutes
  • With Writing: 175 minutes
  • With Science and Writing: 205 minutes

Short transition periods and breaks are included between sections, making the overall time at the test center slightly longer.

How is the »ð±¬ÉçÇø scored?

Understanding how the »ð±¬ÉçÇø is scored can help you set clear goals and track your progress. Here's a quick overview of how section scores, the Composite score, and superscoring work.

  • Section Scores: Each »ð±¬ÉçÇø section—English, Math, Reading, and Science—is scored on a 1–36 scale.

  • Composite Score: The »ð±¬ÉçÇø Composite score is the average of your English, Math, and Reading scores. It ranges from 1 to 36.

  • Science Score: If you choose to take the optional Science section, it is scored separately and not included in your Composite score.

  • Average Score: The national average »ð±¬ÉçÇø score is 19.4.

  • Superscoring: Your »ð±¬ÉçÇø Superscore combines your highest English, Math, and Reading scores across multiple test dates to calculate the strongest possible Composite score.

»ð±¬ÉçÇø Updates for 2025 and Beyond

The »ð±¬ÉçÇø is introducing a series of student-first changes aimed at improving accessibility, relevance, and fairness. These updates are being rolled out starting in the 2024–2025 testing year:

  • Shorter Test: The enhanced »ð±¬ÉçÇø reduces the overall number of questions by 44 and shortens the test length. Students can now complete the core sections in 125 minutes, down from up to 195 minutes previously.

  • Updated Scoring: The Composite score will now be calculated from English, Math, and Reading. Science scores will be reported separately and, if taken, used for a STEM score. This change applies to online testers starting April 2025 and to all test formats in September 2025.

  • Expanded Tst Accessibility: In spring 2025, students will be able to take the »ð±¬ÉçÇø on their own devices (e.g., laptops or tablets) at approved testing centers.

  • Flexible Science Section: Students can choose whether to include the Science section when registering for the »ð±¬ÉçÇø National test. If you opt out, your Composite score will be based on English, Math, and Reading only. The Science section is still recommended for students interested in STEM fields.

Should I take the »ð±¬ÉçÇø or the SAT?

To determine which test is best for you, take free practice tests of both tests:

Since the content and style of the SAT and »ð±¬ÉçÇø are very similar, factors like how you handle time pressure and what types of questions you find most challenging can help you determine which test is a better fit.

Colleges accept both tests and do not favor one test over the other, but each test has a different format and focus. Understanding those differences can help you decide which plays to your strengths.

How do I register for the »ð±¬ÉçÇø?

  • Register online at act.org.
  • Registration deadlines are typically about five weeks before each test date.

»ð±¬ÉçÇø Fees

  • U.S. without Writing: $50.50
  • U.S. with Writing: $67.00
  • Non-U.S. without Writing: $150.00
  • Non-U.S. with Writing: $166.50

Fee Waivers

Fee waivers take care of the registration fee for up to four tests and are available for students who qualify based on need. Check your eligibility status to see if you qualify.

How can I prep for the »ð±¬ÉçÇø?

We can help. We have  »ð±¬ÉçÇø prep solutions  for every student and every budget.

Take a Free »ð±¬ÉçÇø Practice Test