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About the ACT
What is the ACT
The ACT (American College Test) is a standardized entrance exam used by most colleges and universities in the United States to help make admissions decisions. It measures your "college readiness" by testing skills in four main areas: English, Math, Reading, and Science, with an optional Writing section.The ACT is designed to reflect what you’ve actually learned in your high school classes. Scoring well can not only help you get into your top-choice school but also qualify you for various merit-based scholarships.
What Sections are part of the ACT?
English
The English portion of the ACT includes a multiple-choice section where students are tested on their ability to revise and edit short passages for grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure. It focuses on rhetorical skills and usage mechanics, requiring students to improve the overall flow and clarity of the writing provided.Math
The Math portion consists of a 60-minute section where students solve multiple-choice problems covering topics ranging from basic algebra to trigonometry. It measures mathematical reasoning and the ability to apply standard formulas to solve practical, real-world problems.Reading
The Reading portion includes a multiple-choice section where students are tested on their comprehension of four distinct passages covering social studies, natural sciences, and literature. It requires students to identify main ideas, locate specific details, and interpret the author's tone or purpose.Science
The Science portion consists of a section where students analyze and interpret data presented in graphs, charts, and research summaries. It measures scientific reasoning and the ability to draw conclusions from experimental results or conflicting viewpoints rather than testing specific scientific facts.Writing (optional)
The Writing portion (optional) includes a performance task where students analyze three different perspectives on a complex contemporary issue. Students must write a full essay that explains their own position while utilizing and comparing the evidence provided in the prompt's perspectives.What does your ACT score mean?
In the ACT, each of the four main sections is scored on a scale of 1-36, and these are averaged together to create your COMPOSITE SCORE, which is the primary number most college admissions offices use.
Section and Composite Scores: The English, Math, Reading, and Science sections each generate a score from 1–36 based on the number of questions you answered correctly. Your Composite Score is the average of these four, rounded to the nearest whole number, representing your overall performance
College Readiness Benchmarks: The report includes specific benchmark scores for each subject (e.g., 18 for English, 22 for Math) that indicate a high probability of success in first-year college courses. Meeting or exceeding these benchmarks signals to universities that you likely won't need remedial classes in those areas.
National and State Ranks: These percentiles show how your performance compares to other students who took the test recently in your state and across the country. For example, a 75th percentile rank means you scored as well as or better than 75% of other test-takers
What is a good score?: Generally, a "good" score is one that meets or exceeds the national average (typically around a 20 or 21) and aligns with the median scores of the specific colleges you are targeting. For highly competitive universities, a score in the 30s is often considered the benchmark for a strong application.