ACT Testing Guide - GeneralDiploma.com

What is the ACT?

The ACT is a standardized test used for college admissions, assessing high school students' general educational development and their ability to complete college-level work.

Purpose:

Measures college readiness across key subject areas.
Provides a standardized score for college comparison.
Often used for scholarship applications and course placement.
Focuses more on curriculum-based achievements compared to the SAT's focus on reasoning.

Registration & Dates

Register for the ACT through the official ACT website (act.org). The test is offered multiple times per year nationally and internationally.

Key Steps:

Create a MyACT account.
Select a test date and location.
Decide whether to take the optional Writing test.
Upload a photo for identification.
Pay the registration fee (fee waivers available for eligible students).
Note registration deadlines to avoid late fees.

Register for the ACT

ACT Test Structure

The ACT consists of four required multiple-choice sections and an optional Writing section.

Sections:

English: Usage/mechanics, rhetorical skills. (75 questions, 45 min)
Mathematics: Pre-Algebra through Trigonometry. (60 questions, 60 min)
Reading: Comprehension of passages (prose fiction, social studies, humanities, natural sciences). (40 questions, 35 min)
Science: Interpretation, analysis, evaluation, reasoning, problem-solving in natural sciences. (40 questions, 35 min)
Writing (Optional): Essay evaluating multiple perspectives. (1 prompt, 40 min)

Total time (without Writing): ~2 hours 55 minutes. Total time (with Writing): ~3 hours 35 minutes (plus breaks).

Understanding Scores

ACT scores range from 1 to 36 for each section and the composite score.

Score Components:

Section Scores: English, Math, Reading, Science (1–36).
Composite Score: Average of the four required section scores (1–36).
Writing Score (Optional): Scored separately (2–12).
Percentiles: Show how you rank compared to other test-takers.
No penalty for guessing.

Many colleges "superscore" the ACT, taking the highest section scores across multiple test dates.

Preparation Resources

Utilize official ACT resources and other tools to prepare effectively.

Key Resources:

Official ACT Prep Guide: Book with practice tests and explanations.
ACT Academy: Free online learning tool from ACT with personalized resources.
ACT Website (act.org): Sample questions, practice tests, test tips.
Prep Books: Kaplan, Princeton Review, Barron's provide ACT-specific materials.
Online Platforms: Khan Academy (Math/Grammar relevant), Magoosh, PrepScholar offer ACT prep.
Tutoring Services: Varsity Tutors, Chegg, Wyzant.

Official ACT Prep

ACT vs. SAT

While both are widely accepted, there are key differences.

Key Differences:

Science Section: ACT has a dedicated Science section; SAT incorporates science into other sections.
Math Focus: ACT includes Trigonometry; SAT Math focuses more on Algebra and Data Analysis. Calculator allowed throughout SAT Math; only on some parts traditionally for ACT (check current digital rules).
Structure: ACT generally has more questions in less time per question.
Scoring: ACT (1-36), SAT (400-1600).
Writing: Optional on ACT, not offered on digital SAT.

Consider taking practice tests for both to see which suits your strengths better.

Ace the ACT Test