The ACT 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.

ACT Basics

ACT Length

  • Core test (English, Math, Reading): 125 minutes
  • With Science or Writing: 165 minutes
  • With Science and Writing: 205 minutes

 

ACT Sections

  • English
  • Math
  • Reading
  • Science (optional)
  • Writing (optional)

 

Cost

ACT exam (English, Math, Reading): $68.00

Writing add-on fee: $25.00

Science add-on fee: $4.00

 

About the ACT

The ACT 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 ACT 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 ACT and/or SAT, the more options for attending and paying for college will be available to you.

Source: Princeton Review ACT Information