The ACT Exam

The ACT, a test administered to high school students, is designed to assess a potential college student's academic progress and to determine their ability to perform college level work. The ACT is a multiple choice test. There are 4 required parts to the ACT Test.

• Math: There are 60 multiple choice questions to this section. You have 60 minutes to complete this part of the exam.

• English: There are 75 multiple choice questions. You have 45 minutes to complete this section.

• Reading: There are 40 multiple choice questions on this section. You must complete this section in 35 minutes.

• Science: There are 40 multiple choice questions. The time allotted for this part of the test is 35 minutes.

• Writing - OPTIONAL: The ACT Plus is the test that contains the writing exam. This test consists of writing a short essay. You have 30 minutes to complete this test. 

Here are some ACT facts. All of this information is based on 2007 school year data, as this year's data has not yet been compiled.

A perfect score on the ACT is 36. This score does not include the writing test. For the 2007 school year 1 in every 4,000 students achieved a perfect score. It is not an easy task to accomplish.

There are 5 test dates every year. They are October, December, February, April and June.

Most students take the ACT twice. Once in their junior year and once as a senior.

Of those who took the test more than once in 2007; 55% of increased their test scores, 22% saw no change, and 23% had a lower score.

The ACT is the most widely taken exam particularly in the Midwest and South. Its popularity is due to the fact that the test is based on the standard high school curriculum. All of the Ivy League Schools accept the ACT. In addition, if price is a factor, it is the least expensive of the college admission exams. In addition, your college counseling should include a broad test preparation schedule. Be sure to check with the admissions office or with your college counselor.

Top Test Prep has private ACT Tutoring and private tutoring to help you on the ACT Exam.  Contact them today at (800) 501-PREP.  

More about us on our admissions blog.