ACT: Another Option
ACT, Complete Guide | LoSimplifica← Exam guides
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By LoSimplifica · Updated June 2026 · 10 min read
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Always verify with your test center. Exam formats, dates, fees, and requirements change regularly. This guide is for reference only — confirm current details directly with the official exam body before registering.
Cost
$68 USD
+$4 Science · +$25 Writing (optional)
Register with
What's changed, 2025 format update
- Science is now optional, As of April 2025 for national dates (spring 2026 for school-day testing), the Science section is no longer mandatory. You add it for just $4 extra. Most colleges still expect it, check before skipping.
- Math answer choices reduced, Math questions now have 4 answer choices instead of 5. Slightly different strategy for elimination, but same content.
- Bring Your Own Device (BYOD), You can now take the ACT on your own laptop or tablet at test centers that support it. Paper and center-provided computer options also remain available.
- Shorter core test, Without Science, the core ACT (English, Math, Reading) takes 2 hours 5 minutes. With Science, 2 hours 45 minutes.
In this guide
- What is the ACT?
- ACT vs. SAT, which one to take
- Format and sections
- Scoring and Superscore
- What colleges require
- Test dates and scheduling
- Planning your test date
- Cost and registration
- Official and third-party prep resources
1. What is the ACT?
The ACT (American College Testing) is a standardized exam administered by ACT, Inc. used for undergraduate college admissions in the United States. It is accepted by 100% of US colleges and universities, the same as the SAT, and is also recognized internationally.
The ACT measures academic skills in English, Math, Reading, and optionally Science and Writing. It is designed to assess college readiness and is used alongside GPA and extracurriculars in the holistic admissions process.
Most students take the ACT in the spring of their junior year (11th grade), with the option to retake in the fall of senior year. There is no age requirement, international students and adults can register. ACT scores are valid indefinitely, though colleges typically prefer recent scores.
Scholarship access: A strong ACT score unlocks access to more than 10,000 score-based scholarships. Many state universities also automatically award merit scholarships based on ACT scores, check your target schools' scholarship pages early.
2. ACT vs. SAT, which one to take
All US colleges accept both the ACT and the SAT equally. The best exam for you depends on your strengths and learning style.
| ACT | SAT | |
|---|---|---|
| Duration (core) | 2h 5min (without Science) | 2h 14min |
| Score range | 1–36 composite | 400–1600 |
| Science section | Yes (optional, +$4) | No |
| Math weight | ~25% of composite | ~50% of total |
| Reading pace | Fast, less time per question | More time per question |
| Calculator | Allowed for entire Math section | Built-in Desmos throughout |
| Format | Paper, computer at center, or BYOD | Digital only (adaptive) |
| Adaptive | No, fixed difficulty throughout | Yes, section-level adaptive |
| Cost (core) | $68 | $68 |
Best approach: Take a full-length official practice test for both. Many students score noticeably better on one than the other. The ACT rewards faster readers and strong science students; the SAT rewards methodical problem-solvers who prefer more time per question. Let your practice scores guide your choice.
3. Format and sections
The ACT consists of four scored sections, with two optional add-ons. Unlike the SAT, the ACT is not adaptive, every student gets the same difficulty level throughout. See the official ACT format page for full details.
| Section | Questions | Time | Score range | Optional? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English | 75 | 45 minutes | 1–36 | No |
| Math | 60 | 60 minutes | 1–36 | No |
| Reading | 40 | 35 minutes | 1–36 | No |
| Science | 40 | 35 minutes | 1–36 | Yes (+$4) |
| Writing (Essay) | 1 essay | 40 minutes | 2–12 | Yes (+$25) |
Core test (without Science): 2 hours 5 minutes + 15-minute break.
With Science: 2 hours 45 minutes.
With Science + Writing: approximately 3 hours 25 minutes.
What each section tests
- English: Grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and rhetorical skills. 75 questions on five prose passages. Tests editing and improving written text, not knowledge of grammar rules in isolation.
- Math: Pre-algebra, elementary algebra, intermediate algebra, coordinate geometry, plane geometry, and trigonometry. A calculator is permitted throughout. 60 questions, now with 4 answer choices (down from 5 in 2025).
- Reading: Four passages from literary narrative, social science, humanities, and natural science. 40 questions testing comprehension, inference, and main idea. Pace is the challenge, 40 questions in 35 minutes is fast.
- Science (optional): Data interpretation and reasoning in biology, chemistry, Earth science, and physics. Critically: it does not test science knowledge directly, it tests your ability to read graphs, tables, and research summaries. Strong readers often do well even without a science background.
- Writing (optional): A 40-minute essay responding to a complex issue from multiple perspectives. Scored separately (2–12) and not included in your composite. Fewer colleges require it, check before adding it.
Should you take Science? Almost certainly yes, it costs only $4 and most colleges expect to see it. Without a Science score, your application may appear incomplete. Skip it only if every school on your list explicitly does not require or consider it.
For non-native English speakers: The Reading section's pace (35 min for 40 questions) is the biggest challenge. Practice timed passage reading extensively. The Science section, despite its name, rewards data interpretation skills over language skills, it can actually be a strength for analytical thinkers from non-English backgrounds.
4. Scoring and Superscore
| Section | Score range | Composite score | Score delivery |
|---|---|---|---|
| English, Math, Reading, Science | 1–36 each | Average of 4 sections (1–36) | 2–8 weeks after test |
| Writing (optional) | 2–12 | Not included in composite | ~2 weeks after MC scores |
Your composite score is the average of your four multiple-choice section scores, rounded to the nearest whole number. There is no penalty for wrong answers, answer every question. A blank is always wrong; a guess might be right.
ACT Superscore
Many colleges now calculate an ACT Superscore: they take your highest section score from each section across all ACT sittings and combine them into your best possible composite. This means every retake can only help you, there is no risk to your existing scores.
Not all schools Superscore the ACT. Unlike the SAT (where Superscoring is nearly universal), ACT Superscoring varies by school. Check each college's testing policy, many top schools including MIT, Harvard, and most Ivies do Superscore the ACT. Always submit all your scores to Superscore-friendly schools.
Score ranges at competitive colleges
| ACT composite | Competitive for |
|---|---|
| 34–36 | MIT, Harvard, Stanford, CalTech, top Ivies |
| 32–34 | Most Ivy League, Duke, Northwestern, Johns Hopkins |
| 29–32 | Top 25–50 universities (UCLA, UMich, Georgetown) |
| 25–29 | Top 50–100 universities |
| 20–25 | Most 4-year colleges |
| Below 20 | Community colleges; test-optional schools |
5. What colleges require
The ACT is accepted by 100% of US colleges. Testing policies (required vs. optional) vary by school and have shifted significantly since 2020. Always verify each school's current policy directly.
| School | Policy (2025–2026) | Median ACT |
|---|---|---|
| MIT | Required | ~35 |
| Yale | Required | ~35 |
| Dartmouth | Required | ~34 |
| Stanford | Test-optional | ~35 (middle 50%: 34–36) |
| Harvard | Test-optional through 2026 | ~35 (middle 50%: 34–36) |
| UC System (UCLA, Berkeley) | Test-free (permanently) | N/A |
6. Test dates and scheduling
The ACT is offered 7 times per year on fixed Saturday dates. See the official ACT calendar for exact dates and deadlines. Registration typically closes 5 weeks before each test date.
| 2026–2027 test dates | Registration deadline | Score release |
|---|---|---|
| September 19, 2026 | ~August 14 | ~2–4 weeks after |
| October 24, 2026 | ~September 18 | ~2–4 weeks after |
| December 12, 2026 | ~November 6 | ~2–4 weeks after |
| February 6, 2027 | ~January 2 | ~2–4 weeks after |
| April 17, 2027 | ~March 12 | ~2–4 weeks after |
| June 12, 2027 | ~May 7 | ~2–4 weeks after |
| July 10, 2027* | ~June 4 | ~2–4 weeks after |
*July test date not available in New York.
You can take the ACT up to 12 times total. Most students take it 2–3 times. There is no mandatory waiting period between attempts, you can register for any upcoming date immediately after testing.
International students: Not all test dates are available internationally. Some countries have limited test center availability, book early and confirm which dates are offered near you before planning your timeline. Check the ACT international registration page for your country.
School-day testing
In 21 US states, the ACT is administered during the school day to all public school juniors, often for free. If your state offers school-day testing, this can be your first attempt at no cost, with the option to retake on a national date if needed. Check with your school counselor.
7. Planning your test date
The standard plan: First attempt in spring of junior year (April or June). If needed, retake in fall of senior year (September or October). ACT recommends taking it at least 2 months before your earliest college deadline.
Research your target scores
Find the middle 50% ACT range for each school on your list. Aim for the upper end (75th percentile). Decide whether each school requires, recommends, or is test-optional for the ACT.
Take a diagnostic test
Use an official ACT practice test to find your baseline. Compare against your SAT practice score, take whichever you perform better on. This decision is worth making before committing months of prep time.
Allow 2–4 months of prep
Most students improve 2–4 composite points with 2–3 months of focused practice. Reading pace and Science data interpretation are typically the highest-leverage areas to improve.
Account for score delivery
Scores typically arrive 2–4 weeks after test day (multiple choice). Writing scores take an additional 2 weeks. For Early Decision deadlines (Nov 1), take the ACT by September or October at the latest.
Use Superscore strategically
If your target schools Superscore the ACT, plan focused retakes on your weakest section. A 34 in Math + a 32 in English from different sittings is better than a 33/33 from one sitting at Superscore-friendly schools.
| Application deadline | Latest ACT date | Recommended first attempt |
|---|---|---|
| Early Decision / Early Action (Nov 1) | September / October | April – June (junior year) |
| Regular Decision (Jan 1) | October / December | April – June (junior year) |
| Rolling admissions | Varies | As early as possible |
8. Cost and registration
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| ACT core (English, Math, Reading) | $68 |
| + Science section | +$4 |
| + Writing section | +$25 |
| Core + Science + Writing (all sections) | ~$97 |
| Late registration fee | +$40 |
| Standby testing | +$72 |
| Test date change | $44 |
| Score reports (included: you, school, 4 colleges) | Free |
| Additional score reports | $20 per school per test date |
Fee waivers available. Eligible 11th and 12th grade US students can receive free ACT registration (including optional Science and Writing sections) through the ACT fee waiver program. Ask your school counselor, waivers are distributed through high schools and must be applied before registering.
How to register
- Create a MyACT account at act.org. Use your legal name exactly as it appears on your ID.
- Select your test date and choose whether to add Science and/or Writing. Check your target schools' requirements before deciding.
- Choose your test format: paper, computer at center, or BYOD (bring your own device).
- Select a test center and upload your photo, must be done at least 8 days before the test date or your registration will be canceled.
- Pay by credit/debit card. Print your admission ticket, required on test day along with a valid photo ID.
9. Prep resources: official and third-party
Official ACT resources
Official · Free
ACT Free Test Prep
Official free practice questions and a full-length practice test from ACT. Includes all sections. The most accurate simulation of the current exam, start here before buying any third-party materials.
Official · Paid
ACT Online Prep
Official adaptive practice platform from ACT. Personalized to your performance, includes additional full-length tests, and provides a score prediction. Good complement to third-party prep.
Third-party prep resources
Paid
Magoosh ACT
Video lessons, hundreds of practice questions, and a score predictor. Affordable self-study option updated for the 2025 format changes. Strong for Reading and Science strategy.
Paid
Princeton Review ACT
Comprehensive courses and books updated for the new format. Score improvement guarantees on some plans. Strong for strategy instruction across all sections.
Free
Khan Academy ACT Math
Free math concept review covering all ACT Math topics. Excellent for filling content gaps in algebra, geometry, and trigonometry, especially useful for international students who may have learned math in a different curriculum.
Free
r/ACT (Reddit)
Active community with score reports, study schedules, and section-specific tips from recent test-takers. Useful for finding out which prep materials work best for the current format.
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