The ACT is an assessment tool taken by colleges and universities across the world to assess whether high school graduates are adequately prepared for higher education. The ACT provides a standardized benchmark for comparing applicants, ensuring fair admissions decisions across diverse educational backgrounds. In 2024, 1,374,791 students took the ACT out of which only 20% showed college readiness. Moreover, the average ACT score was 19.4 for the Class of 2024. Widely recognized for admissions, ACT exam also offers resources to support students’ educational and career goals. 

This guide covers all the details on the ACT: format, syllabus, dates of the exams, registration, and much more! In addition, these results establish the ACT as a standardized standard for measuring crucial academic skills, thus helping students prepare to succeed in college and career.

Also Read, SAT Exam. 

What is the ACT Exam?

The ACT (American College Testing) is a college entrance exam used in the US to assess students' readiness for higher education. It covers four core subjects: English, Math, Reading, and Science, with an optional writing section. The test evaluates critical skills such as grammar, problem-solving, comprehension, and scientific reasoning. The exam lasts for a total of 2 hours 55 minutes. However, it takes 3 hours 35 minutes to complete the exam, including breaks and if you take the optional ACT Essay as per the duration of the exam is concerned. While good ACT scores help colleges compare applicants, they are considered alongside GPA, coursework, recommendations, extracurriculars, interviews, and essays. Some institutions weigh ACT scores more heavily than others in the admissions process.

Did You Know? 

ACT’s learning resources, assessments, research, and work-ready credentials are trusted by students, job seekers, educators, schools, government agencies, and employers in the US and around the world to help people achieve their education and career goals at every stage of life.

• According to the ACT National Report for the Class of 2024, 1,374,791 students took the ACT, out of which only 20% showed college readiness. This means they met the benchmark ACT scores. And 3% completed less than three years of math, with 11% college-ready. 
• Among those who took Algebra I, II, and Geometry (7%), just 9% met readiness. However, 44% of students who took advanced math beyond these courses were college-ready. Early Algebra preparation before 9th grade boosts the chances of taking higher-level math and improving college readiness.

ACT Benchmark Scores for College Readiness

According to the ACT National Report for Graduating Class of 2024 shows the benchmark scores for each section which reveals the students are completely college ready. The ACT sets benchmark scores to indicate college readiness in various subjects as given below:

• English: A score of 18 in English shows students are ready to succeed in English Composition.
• Mathematics: A score of 22 shows students are well prepared for Algebra.
• Reading: A score of 22 shows readiness for most Social Science classes.
• Science: 23 IS the Score which indicates one is prepared to succeed in the college Biology classroom.
• STEM: 26 score displays a high strength and readiness in the areas of science as well as Math.
• ELA: Score of 20 shows that students are proficient with the combination of English, reading, and writing.

How to Use ACT Scores for College Applications?

ACT scores are a key factor in college admissions, helping universities assess academic readiness. The exam consists of four sections—English, Math, Reading, and Science—each scored from 1 to 36, with a Composite score as their average. Some colleges also consider the optional Writing score. Refer the steps below to use the ACT scores effectively:

• Check College Requirements: Research the ACT score range for your target colleges to see if your scores align or if you need a retake.
• Score Submission: Send scores directly through the ACT website. Some schools accept superscoring (considering your highest section scores from multiple attempts). ! Students who test with an ACT fee waiver may also request a Waiver or Deferral of College Admission Applications Fee. To have a college application fee waived, you must submit your fee waiver directly to the college to which you are applying (not to ACT).
• Highlight Strengths: If there is a section that aligns with your intended major, highlight it in your application.
• Scholarship & Placement Benefits: Higher grades qualify students for merit scholarships and higher courses placement.

• Application Impact: Many colleges do trend scoring, so consistent improvement can help your application.

Strong ACT scores improve the chances of admissions and may also be used in determining some aspects of financial aid, academic placement, and career guidance. In general, the ACT is a versatile tool that colleges can use for admissions and academic planning.

ACT Exam Dates & Deadlines

The ACT test is becoming more flexible and less time-consuming, and will offer even more choice for students to tailor their test experience! ACT Registration for the April, June, and July test dates is expected to open in early December. Be sure to sign up to be notified when registration opens to secure your spot! The table below provides the ACT exam dates for the upcoming exam registration for 2025-26 for US and international: 

Expected Dates for ACT 2025-26

National ACT exam dates are for the United States, US territories, and Puerto Rico. If you missed the regular registration deadline for a test date, you can still register by the late registration deadline for an additional fee. If you did not register for a test date by the late registration deadline, you may be able to request standby testing for an additional fee. Deadlines occur at midnight Central Time. If you are unable to test on a Saturday test date for religious reasons, there may be options available to you. Here are the upcoming ACT test dates and photo upload/standby deadlines:

ACT Registration Process 2025

International students based out of the USA, its territories, and Puerto Rico need to access the non-US ACT exam dates. To begin registration for the ACT exam 2025-26, one must set up a free My ACT account. 

Note: Accommodation requests, along with appeals, must be submitted by the school official through the Test Accessibility and Accommodations (TAA) system before the late registration deadline. Here’s a streamlined guide for registering for the ACT exam:

Step 1: Create a MyACT Account

Firstly, create your MyACT account first by going to the official ACT website. Enter your information and make a profile. You will receive an email with your ACT registration details after registering.

Step 2: Register for the ACT Exam

After this, you will have to log in to your MyACT account. Further, select the option to register for the ACT. Follow the on-screen instructions to proceed with the application process.

Step 3: Review Instructions and Select Preferences 

Carefully read the instructions provided and collect all materials needed for registration. Choose your testing preferences: test date and location. Indian students may already have some of these options pre-selected.

Step 4: Choose Test Date and Centre

Choose a convenient test date and center. Make sure to register in good time, three to four weeks before the test date. Crosscheck your choices so that you will not need changes later.

Step 5: Complete the Application Form

Access the ACT application form and complete the following six steps:

• Upload a recent headshot photograph.
• Enter your educational details and those of your parents.
• Select up to four colleges to receive your ACT scores.
• Choose how you want to send your scores to the selected colleges.
• Finalize the application form and submit any required documentation.

Step 6: Pay the Exam Fee 

Complete your registration by paying the exam fee. The standard fee is USD 186.50 for the ACT without the writing section, or USD 211.50 if you opt for the writing section. Payment can be made using a debit/credit card or through an online transaction.

ACT Registration Fees

The ACT exam fee depends on the options selected by the students. The cost varies based on whether students choose to include the writing test or not. The table below outlines the overall ACT application fees associated with different options for the ACT exam registration:

ACT Cancellation & Late Registration Fees

Here is the table summarizing the additional fees for the ACT exam considering the ACT exam registration:

Note: Fees may be updated if changes are made; original fees are refunded and the current price is charged.

ACT Admission Ticket 

The ACT Admission Ticket is an important document that one requires to get into the test centre on the respective ACT exam dates. It consists of information regarding you, your test date, the location, reporting time and whether you are taking the test with or without the writing section. Therefore you are required to carry it with you along with a photo id. 

Get your ticket by registering to ACT and uploading a passport-type photograph that meets the requirements of ACT. Then log in to the account, check the details, and print out the ticket. If you lost it, you may just log in to your ACT account to reprint it. Make sure you bring the printed ticket and an ID to get into the test center without issues.

ACT Score Calculator 

The ACT Score Calculator is an indispensable tool for those planning to sit for the ACT, as it gives them an approximate score by taking the raw Score in the English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science sections and bringing them into scale score format between 1 and 36. 

• Section scores are further averaged to generate a composite ACT score, and that is very critical in any college admissions decision. 
• Entering raw scores enables students to compute their composite Score and find out their Superscore, which pools together their highest section scores from different test dates. 
• The score deemed "good" is subjective and depends on the school, with 20-24 average, 25-30 competitive, and 30+ strong for selective universities. 

Frequent use of the ACT calculator will help students set achievable goals, monitor their progress, and make improvements in their study approach to attain their desired results. Also, Read ACT Score Calculator Policy.

When Should You Take the ACT?

Most students take the ACT in the spring of their junior year or fall of their senior year to ensure scores are ready for college applications. Planning ahead allows time for retakes to improve scores if needed. 

The ACT is offered nationally in September, October, December, February, April, June, and July, providing multiple opportunities to take or retake the test.

Who Can Give the ACT?

The ACT is a flexible exam designed to assess college readiness and career potential, accessible to people of all ages and grade levels. It caters to high school juniors, seniors, younger students (grades 6–9), graduates, and adults. It helps young students evaluate their readiness at an earlier age for superior college courses. Graduates and adults need the ACT in order to show their academic capability in colleges or to schools' admissions or qualification needed. The flexibility is why this tool is valuable in matching one's diverse educational or career pursuits. Bring the following to the test site on test day:

• Admission Ticket: Print from MyACT once you have uploaded your photo.
• Acceptable Photo ID: Must be accepted at the test center; verify it meets ACT guidelines.
• No. 2 Pencils: Bring sharpened pencils with good erasers, not mechanical pencils or pens.
• Watch or Timing Device: You may wear a watch; it must have no alarm and must remain visible on your desk throughout the test.
• Calculator: Allow an approved calculator during the mathematics test.
• Snacks: A snack can be taken to and consumed outside of the testing room.

How is the ACT Exam Structured?

The ACT test consists of four multiple-choice sections—English, mathematics, reading, and science—with an optional writing section. Some colleges and universities require or accept ACT writing scores, so you may consider taking the writing section. Here is a table summarizing the ACT test sections, including the number of questions and the time allocated for each section, as well as information about the optional writing section:

Additional Note: After the Science test, there will be a shorter, multiple-choice test covering one of the previous subject areas. The results of this additional test are used for developing future test questions and will not be included in your final scores.

What Is on the ACT Exam?

The ACT exam assesses a range of academic skills through its comprehensive ACT syllabus, designed to measure your readiness for college. It consists of four core sections, English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science, each targeting different aspects of your academic abilities. Additionally, there is an optional Writing section that some colleges may require or accept. Understanding what each section entails will help you focus your preparation and approach the test with confidence.

• English
• Mathematics
• Reading
• Science

ACT Superscores

This score is the average of your top scores in any one subject over multiple test sittings, never lower than the lowest Composite you have achieved. In effect, this overall Score reflects the best performances possible from you in any one setting, making these skills more pronounced. Presenting your superscore allows you to showcase your highest academic capabilities. This can also increase your college admissions competitiveness as well as your odds of winning merit-based scholarships.

In conclusion, the ACT test is an important college admission tool, but it is only a part of the whole process. Stay true to your strengths, prepare with care, and go into that test with a positive attitude to leave feeling relieved.