What it is
The ACT is a standardized college-admissions test accepted by every U.S. college, on the same footing as the SAT. In 2025 it was overhauled into the "Enhanced ACT" — the biggest change in its history: shorter, with more time per question, and with the Science section now optional. Unlike the digital SAT, the ACT is linear (not adaptive) and is offered in both digital and paper formats.
Format & structure
The Enhanced ACT has three required core sections plus two optional ones. The core runs about two hours (roughly 125 minutes, 131 questions):
- English50 questions, 35 minutes — grammar, usage, and rhetoric with shorter passages
- Math45 questions, ~50 minutes — algebra through some precalculus; now four answer choices instead of five
- Reading36 questions, 40 minutes — comprehension across shorter passages
- Science (optional)40 questions, 40 minutes — data interpretation and scientific reasoning; scored separately
- Writing (optional)One essay — scored separately, unchanged
Fewer questions than the old test (131 core vs 215) means ~20% more time per question — but each question carries more weight.
How it's scored
Every section is scored 1–36. The key 2025 change: the Composite score (1–36) is now the average of English, Math, and Reading only. If you take Science, you get a separate Science score plus a STEM score (average of Math and Science); Writing is also reported separately. Scores typically arrive in 2–8 weeks. As with the SAT, there's no passing score — compare to your target colleges' ranges.
Registration & cost
Register at act.org with a free MyACT account. The fee varies with the options you choose — a lower price for the core test, more if you add Science and/or Writing (ACT lowered the base cost as part of the overhaul; verify the current fee). Fee waivers are available for eligible U.S. students. Choose your format (digital or paper), test center, and optional sections at registration.
Test dates & timing
The ACT is offered on seven national dates a year (typically September, October, December, February, April, June, and July), plus state and district school-day administrations (which moved to the Enhanced format in spring 2026). Registration deadlines fall about 4–5 weeks before each date, with late registration for an added fee.
Timing tip: like the SAT, most students test in junior spring and retake in the fall if needed — leave a buffer before application deadlines.
How to prepare
Prep with official, current-format materials:
- ACT's official practiceFree official questions and full practice tests in the Enhanced format (older materials use the retired 215-question test — use updated ones)
- Diagnostic with and without ScienceTake a full practice test both ways to see whether adding Science helps or hurts your day
- Target the shorter timingPractice at the new, faster pace so test day feels familiar
- Focus your weakest core sectionThe Composite rides on English, Math, and Reading — shore those up first
Strategies & tips
- Decide on Science earlyTake it if your colleges recommend it or you're strong in it (great for STEM applicants); skip it to shorten the day if it's a weakness
- Note the 4-choice MathOne fewer wrong option — but manage the faster pace
- No guessing penaltyAnswer every question; never leave a blank
- Watch the clock per sectionIt's linear — budget time and don't get stuck
- Consider superscoringMany colleges combine your best section scores across dates
How scores are used
Colleges treat the ACT and SAT equally — submit whichever is stronger for you. Many are test-optional, but a strong ACT can aid admission, placement, and merit scholarships. Note that the Composite now excludes Science; some colleges (and STEM programs) still recommend or value a Science score, so check each school. Most colleges superscore the ACT across dates. About 90% of tracked colleges are making Science optional in their requirements — but always verify.
Accommodations & support
Students with documented disabilities can request accommodations (extended time, breaks, and more) through ACT's process, typically coordinated with your school and requested well ahead of your test date. English-learner supports are also available. See act.org for eligibility and steps.
Frequently asked questions
- Should I take the optional Science section?Take it if a target college recommends it or you're applying to STEM and science is a strength; otherwise skipping it shortens the test.
- Is the Enhanced ACT easier because it's shorter?Not necessarily — fewer questions means each one counts more, and many easy items were removed.
- Digital or paper?Both are offered with the same content and timing — choose what suits you.
- Is the ACT adaptive like the digital SAT?No — it's linear; every test-taker sees the same questions.
- ACT or SAT?Colleges accept both equally; pick the one your practice scores favor.
Key facts
- WhatCollege-admissions test (ACT)
- 2025 changeEnhanced ACT — shorter, Science optional
- CoreEnglish · Math · Reading (~2 hrs, 131 Q)
- OptionalScience · Writing (scored separately)
- Score1–36 (Composite = avg of core 3)
- FormatDigital or paper, linear
Where to learn more
Always confirm the latest details on the official sites: