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The ACT is a standardized test that historically assessed problem-solving skills in four areas: English, Math, Reading, and Science. As of April 2025, the Science section is optional, comprising 40 questions to be completed in 40 minutes. If taken, the Science score will be reported separately and will not factor into the composite score, which is now calculated based only on the mandatory sections: English, Math, and Reading.

Typically taken by high school juniors and seniors, the ACT, similar to the SAT exam, is widely used for college admission and scholarship opportunities. An optional Writing section remains available for an additional fee, consisting of one essay to be completed in 40 minutes. Although technically not a required section, this essay is expected by some high schools and colleges. Be sure to check if it is necessary for your specific application requirements before opting out.

ACT Cost

As of the 2026-27 school year, the costs for the ACT are as follows:

ACT (English, Math, and Reading) $70
Add-on fee for Science: $5
Add-on fee for Writing: $25

When registering to take the ACT, be sure to include the college codes to receive a report for you, your school, and up to four colleges of your preference.

Sections of the ACT

English

You have 35 minutes to answer 50 questions during the English section of the ACT. You will be given essays or passages to read and asked a series of multiple-choice questions about each. Your task will basically be to find errors and the best choice of correction for these errors. Many questions include the choice “no change needed,” so you need to be secure in your knowledge of standard written English, as well as the tools authors use to write effectively.

Mathematics

The Mathematics section of the ACT contains 45 questions and is timed for 50 minutes. You will have access to a calculator for all of the questions in this section, but for only this section. The content covers math skills that are typically learned through the end of the eleventh grade. You will need to use these skills and your reasoning ability to find correct answers.

Reading

You will have 40 minutes to answer the 36 questions in the ACT Reading section. The questions assess your competency in reading and comprehending various types of reading passages. All the information you will need on the subject is in the passage, but not all the answers involve simple recall. You will also be required to combine information from two passages, as well as infer and analyze what you have read.

Science

The ACT Science section will require you to answer 40 questions in 35 minutes. The emphasis will be on reasoning, not how well you have memorized content. Generally, the questions are taken from core courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and the Earth and space sciences of geology, astronomy, and meteorology. No higher-level knowledge in any of these areas is needed, but basic understanding will be required. You will not have access to a calculator for this section.

What to Expect on Test Day

You’ll feel more comfortable and ready to perform your best on test day if you are prepared for what to expect. Here are some things to consider.

What to Bring

First of all, make sure you are on time. Most tests begin at 8 a.m., and you will not be allowed to take the test if you are late. Be sure to have a photo ID and your paper test ticket (if you can’t find yours, you can print another by logging into your ACT account). If you are taking the paper version of the test, bring two No. 2 pencils (with good erasers) to write with—no other types of writing utensils are allowed. You may bring a watch to keep track of time, but smart watches are not allowed. A calculator is allowed for the Math section of the test, but make sure to check if yours is an acceptable model first. Snacks and drinks are allowed during break time, but they are not allowed in the testing area.

What Not to Bring

Cell phones, smart watches, and any device with an alarm feature must be turned off. You may not bring highlighters, colored pencils, dictionaries, or scratch paper from home.

Best Ways to Study for the ACT

One of the great things about the ACT is that the format rarely changes, so with a little preparation you can feel confident about what you’ll be expected to know. Here are some ways you can study smarter so you do well on test day.

Check Out the ACT Before Your Test

Curious about what the actual ACT test will look like? What if we told you could see an official ACT test in its entirety, with answers? It’s not cheating! The ACT publishes previous versions of the test so you can see exactly how each section will appear when you take it. While the questions have all been retired and won’t appear on your exam (bummer!), they’re all similar in content, style, and difficulty level to what you’ll encounter on test day. It’s definitely worth checking out.

Take ACT Practice Tests

They say practice makes perfect, and when it comes to standardized testing, that’s definitely true. One of the best ways to get the score you want on the ACT is by taking practice tests before your real exam. ACT practice tests can help you get a feel for the types of questions you’ll encounter on test day so you feel more prepared knowing what to expect. They can also help you identify areas in which you might struggle so you can better focus on problem areas while you study.

Simulate the Testing Experience

The closer you’re able to replicate the actual test, the more comfortable you’ll feel when taking it. Here are two tips to help you simulate the ACT testing experience.

Check the Clock

As you work through your practice test for the ACT, try answering questions in the same amount of time as you’ll actually have on test day. On the ACT, this works out to the following:

\[\begin{array}{|l|c|c|c|} \hline \textbf{ACT Section} & \textbf{Questions} & \textbf{Time Limit} & \textbf{Time per Question} \\ \hline \text{Reading Test} & 36 & 40 \text{ minutes} & 1 \text{ minute } 7 \text{ seconds} \\ \hline \text{English Test} & 50 & 35 \text{ minutes} & 42 \text{ seconds} \\ \hline \text{Mathematics Test} & 45 & 50 \text{ minutes} & 1 \text{ minute } 7 \text{ seconds} \\ \hline \text{Science Test (Optional)} & 40 & 40 \text{ minutes} & 1 \text{ minute } (60 \text{ seconds}) \\ \hline \end{array}\]

Are you able to complete the questions in the amount of time allotted, or do you find yourself always going over? It doesn’t do you any good to get a perfect score if it took you two hours to finish at home, but on the real thing you only have 35 minutes. So, only spend as much time as you’re given. If you get stuck on a problem, move on to the next. You can always circle back if you have extra time at the end.

Go for the Long Haul

The ACT isn’t a quick pop quiz, it’s up to a 3.5-hour stretch of intense testing with minimal breaks. While you might not have a full three hours to dedicate to taking a practice ACT exam, try setting as much time as possible aside to practice for an extended period. By building your testing stamina, you’ll be better prepared for the rigors of the actual test when the day arrives.

Alternative ACT Study Methods

Short on time? Can’t stand the sight of another practice test? We hear you. Sometimes, that never-ending multiple-choice format gets a little stale. While we still insist that practice tests are the best way to get a real-life ACT experience, study guides and flashcards can be helpful study tools as well. Feeling overwhelmed and not sure which study method is best? The makers of the ACT offer a free webinar to help you sort out the best study methods for you based on subject matter needs, cost, time, and preferred learning style format.

Tips and Tricks

Answer All Questions

The ACT does not mark you down for incorrect answers, so it’s in your best interest to select something, even if it’s just a shot in the dark. Start by answering questions you feel confident about, and come back to those you skipped once you’ve worked your way through the section.

Read the Directions Beforehand

Remember the official ACT practice test we shared? While the test questions won’t be the same as what you see, the directions should be verbatim. Take some time to look through the directions for each of the four sections before your test, so when the big day comes you can hit the ground running.

Bubble in the Right Way

Dream scenario: You ace the ACT. Nightmare scenario: You put the correct answers on your booklet, but then incorrectly transfer them to the Scantron answer sheet. The best way to avoid filling in the incorrect bubbles on the answer sheet is to transfer them as soon as you finish a page in your booklet. Transferring them after each question can make it easy to lose concentration, while waiting until you finish the entire test risks making a mistake that could affect every question you answer.

ACT FAQ

What’s a good ACT score?

Most students consider a good score to be above the average score, which is 21. If you are planning on going to an elite college, aim for a score of at least 30. The average ACT score for Ivy League schools is typically between 30 and 35.

Should I guess on the ACT?

In short: YES! You are not penalized for guessing on the ACT, so it is in your best interest to always select an answer. Even if you just guess blindly, you have a 25% chance of choosing the correct answer and boosting your overall score.

How long does the ACT take?

Without the Science section or the optional essay, the ACT clocks in at just over two hours (two hours and five minutes, to be exact). For the Science and Writing sections, add about 40 minutes each. If you factor in short breaks, the entire testing experience should take about three hours and 45 minutes.

What is the order of the ACT sections?

The ACT is always given in the same order: The English section is first, followed by Mathematics then Reading, with a short break between each section. Then, students can continue with either the optional Science or Writing section, or both, again with a short break between sections. If the optional Writing section has been selected, it will always be last.

Will all parts of the ACT be given in the same location?

Yes, there will be short breaks after the first three sections and between the fourth and fifth sections. These will be used for material collection, dismissal of students who have finished all the sections they selected, and a leg-stretching opportunity for the remaining students. The same test booklet is used for Science and you will be provided writing materials for the Writing section.

Can I retake the ACT?

Yes, you can retake the ACT up to 12 times. If you weren’t happy with your score the first time you took the test, it’s definitely worth giving it another try, especially since the ACT has introduced superscoring for any tests taken after September 2016. Superscoring allows you to keep your best subject score from each ACT attempt, so you don’t have to worry about getting a lower score on a section if you did well the first time.

Is the ACT computerized or paper-based?

Traditionally, the ACT has only been available in paper format, but as of February 2024 an online version is being tested in select areas. Check with your testing administrator to see if a computerized version is available at your ACT testing location.