ACT EXAM

Exam:

American College Testing Exam

Industry:

Education

Country:

Global (primarily US-based)

Website:

https://www.act.org/

Overview

The ACT (American College Testing) Exam is a standardized test used for college admissions in the United States. It assesses students’ academic readiness for college in four subject areas: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science. The ACT also offers an optional Writing Test.

Test Format

Section	Number of Questions	Time Allotted (minutes)
English	75	45
Mathematics	60	60
Reading	40	35
Science	40	35
Writing (Optional)	1 essay	40

Scoring

Each subject area is scored on a scale of 1-36.
The composite score is the average of the four subject area scores, also ranging from 1-36.
The optional Writing Test is scored separately on a scale of 2-12.

Test Dates and Registration

The ACT is offered seven times per year: September, October, December, February, April, June, and July.
Students can register online at the official ACT website.
Registration deadlines are typically about 5-6 weeks before the test date.

Preparation Resources

The ACT website offers various resources to help students prepare for the exam, including:

Free study guides and practice questions
Official ACT Prep Guide book
Online prep program (ACT Online Prep)
ACT Academy (free personalized learning path)

Score Reporting

Scores are typically available online within 2-8 weeks after the test date.
Students can send their scores to up to four colleges for free when they register for the test.
Additional score reports can be sent for a fee.

Who Should Take the ACT?

The ACT is suitable for high school students who are planning to apply to colleges and universities in the United States. It is widely accepted by almost all colleges and universities in the country. Students typically take the ACT during their junior or senior year of high school.

Comparison with the SAT

The ACT is often compared to the SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test), another widely used college admissions exam in the US. While both exams assess students' readiness for college, there are some key differences:

The ACT includes a Science section, while the SAT does not.
The SAT has a stronger emphasis on vocabulary and critical reading.
The ACT Math section includes trigonometry, while the SAT does not.
The optional ACT Writing Test is essay-based, while the SAT includes a Reading and Writing section with multiple-choice questions.

Using ACT Scores for College Admissions

ACT scores are used by colleges and universities as part of their admissions process. Admissions officers consider ACT scores along with other factors such as:

High school GPA
Extracurricular activities
Essays
Letters of recommendation

Each college has its own criteria for evaluating applicants, and the importance of ACT scores may vary from one institution to another.

ACT Scores and Scholarships

In addition to being used for college admissions, ACT scores can also be a factor in determining eligibility for scholarships. Many colleges and universities offer merit-based scholarships that take ACT scores into account. Higher ACT scores may increase a student's chances of receiving scholarships and financial aid.

More Info:

https://www.act.org/