The ACT (American College Testing) is a standardized college entrance exam that is required by many colleges and universities in the United States. The ACT measures college readiness in four key academic areas: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science.
The ACT is a timed test, and the total testing time is 3 hours and 30 minutes (210 minutes). The test is divided into four sections, each with its own time limit:
- English: 45 minutes
- Mathematics: 60 minutes
- Reading: 35 minutes
- Science: 35 minutes
In addition to the four scored sections, the ACT also includes an optional Writing section, which is 30 minutes long. The Writing section is not scored on the ACT composite score, but it is used by some colleges and universities for admissions decisions.
What to Expect on the ACT
The ACT is a challenging test, but it is also a fair test. The ACT is designed to measure college readiness, and it does this by testing students on the skills and knowledge that they will need to succeed in college.
The ACT is a multiple-choice test, and the questions are designed to be challenging. However, the ACT is not a guessing game. The questions are fair, and they can be answered if you have the necessary skills and knowledge.
The ACT is a timed test, and the time limits are strict. However, the time limits are fair, and they are designed to give students enough time to answer the questions.
How to Prepare for the ACT
The best way to prepare for the ACT is to take practice tests. Practice tests will help you get familiar with the format of the test, and they will help you identify your strengths and weaknesses.
There are many different ways to prepare for the ACT. You can take practice tests on your own, or you can enroll in a test prep course. You can also find many free resources online that can help you prepare for the ACT.
Test Day Tips
On test day, it is important to arrive at the testing center on time and be prepared to take the test. Here are some tips for test day:
- Get a good night’s sleep before the test.
- Eat a healthy breakfast on test day.
- Bring a few snacks to eat during the test.
- Bring a water bottle to the test.
- Bring a pencil and eraser to the test.
- Bring a calculator to the test (for the Math section).
- Relax and take your time. The ACT is a challenging test, but it is also a fair test. If you have prepared for the test, you will be ready to do your best.
ACT Timing Breakdown
| Section | Time |
|---|---|
| English | 45 minutes |
| Mathematics | 60 minutes |
| Reading | 35 minutes |
| Science | 35 minutes |
| Optional Writing | 30 minutes |
| Total | 3 hours and 30 minutes (210 minutes) |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not preparing enough. The ACT is a challenging test, and it is important to prepare for it. Take practice tests, enroll in a test prep course, and use online resources to help you prepare for the test.
- Guessing wildly. The ACT is not a guessing game. The questions are designed to be challenging, but they can be answered if you have the necessary skills and knowledge.
- Rushing through the test. The ACT is a timed test, but the time limits are fair. Take your time and answer the questions carefully.
- Not checking your work. After you have answered a question, take a moment to check your work. This will help you avoid careless mistakes.
Additional Resources
How long is the ACT testing?
The ACT testing is 3 hours and 30 minutes long.
What is the time limit for each section of the ACT?
The time limits for each section of the ACT are as follows:
- English: 45 minutes
- Mathematics: 60 minutes
- Reading: 35 minutes
- Science: 35 minutes
- Optional Writing: 30 minutes
How many questions are on the ACT?
There are 155 scored questions on the ACT. The English section has 75 questions, the Mathematics section has 60 questions, the Reading section has 40 questions, and the Science section has 40 questions.
What is the ACT composite score?
The ACT composite score is a single score that is calculated by averaging the four section scores (English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science). The ACT composite score ranges from 1 to 36.
What is a good ACT score?
A good ACT score is a score that is high enough to meet the admission requirements of the colleges and universities that you are interested in. The average ACT composite score for the class of 2023 was 20.6.
How can I improve my ACT score?
There are many ways to improve your ACT score. You can take practice tests, enroll in a test prep course, and use online resources to help you prepare for the test. You can also improve your score by improving your reading comprehension, math skills, and writing skills.