LEARN ABOUT THE ACT TEST
What is the ACT?
| Section | Number of questions | Time (minutes) | Score Range | Average score (2021) | College Readiness Benchmark | Content |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| English | 75 | 45 | 1–36 | 19.6 | 18 | Usage/mechanics and rhetorical skills |
| Mathematics | 60 | 60 | 1–36 | 19.9 | 22 | Pre-algebra, elementary algebra, intermediate algebra, coordinate geometry, geometry, elementary trigonometry, reasoning, and problem-solving |
| Reading | 40 | 35 | 1–36 | 20.9 | 22 | Reading comprehension |
| Science | 40 | 35 | 1–36 | 20.4 | 23 | Interpretation, analysis, evaluation, reasoning, and problem-solving |
| Optional Writing Test (not included in composite score) | 1 essay prompt | 40 | 1–12 | 6.3 | Writing skills | |
| Composite | 1–36 | 20.3 | Average (mean) of all section scores except Writing |
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Additional Information for Registration
As part of your registration process and ACT test security requirements, you will be asked to provide a recent photo of yourself.
Before you register, learn more about the process to request accommodations or English Learner (EL) supports.
Consider choosing a test date at least two months ahead of the application deadlines of all the colleges and scholarship agencies you might want to apply to.
Multiple-choice scores are normally reported within 2–8 weeks after the test date. If you take the ACT with writing, scores will be reported only after all of your scores are available, including writing, normally within 5–8 weeks after the test date.
Search for an ACT test center near you.
You may not receive scores from more than one test date during a scheduled national (Saturday, non-Saturday, or rescheduled test date arranged by ACT). If you are admitted and allowed to test a second time, we will report only the scores from the first test. The second or third set of scores will be cancelled without refund.
You may not receive scores from more than one test date per state administration (initial or makeup) if your school participates in ACT State and District Testing. If you are allowed to test more than once, we will report only the scores from the first test. The second set of scores will be cancelled.
