Many students fresh out of high school aim to pursue higher education. One college entrance exam prospective undergraduate students may encounter is the ACT.
So, what is the ACT all about? It is a college admissions exam administered by ACT and used by universities to evaluate undergraduate applicants. According to ACT, all four-year universities in the U.S. and more than 200 universities outside the U.S. accept and value the ACT. The current ACT includes English, math, and reading sections, with optional science and writing sections. A strong ACT score can help you stand out to colleges and may help you qualify for merit-based scholarships.
With our help, you can prepare for the ACT and show colleges that you are ready for the challenge. Start preparing today and read on!
When and Where Should I Take the ACT?
If you are interested in taking the ACT, check the official ACT website for current test dates and locations. For non-U.S. test-takers, ACT’s published 2026-2027 international schedule lists seven testing windows from September through July. Session availability may vary by test center, and you must create a free MyACT account to register.
First, consider your schedule, responsibilities, and application deadlines. ACT recommends taking the test at least two months before your earliest college or scholarship application deadline. Choose a test date that gives you enough time to prepare without feeling pressured. Test centers can fill up, so register early if you have a preferred location. Lastly, do not wait until the last minute to begin preparing. Starting two to three months in advance can help you build confidence before test day.
Recommended ACT Score
As an important part of this guide, it is time to discuss the recommended ACT score. The ACT Composite score is reported on a scale of 1-36 and is currently based on the English, math, and reading sections. For the 2025 U.S. graduating class, ACT reported a national average Composite score of 19.4. Scoring above that average is a good benchmark, but your target score should depend on the colleges you plan to apply to.
For highly selective schools, including Ivy League universities, applicants generally need much higher scores to stand out. Princeton University’s 2025-2026 Common Data Set reports ACT Composite 25th-75th percentile scores of 34-35 for enrolled first-year students who submitted scores. Harvard University’s latest Common Data Set reports an ACT Composite 25th-75th percentile range of 34-36. These ranges show the level of scores commonly submitted by enrolled students at these institutions, but they are not automatic admission cutoffs.
Remember not to feel overwhelmed. An impressive ACT score is only one part of the college application. Many universities also review your transcript, GPA, essays, recommendations, extracurricular involvement, and other achievements as part of the admissions process.
Cost of Taking ACT and Additional Fees
| Service | Fee | Details |
|---|
| The ACT Test | $188.50 | Includes the English, math, and reading sections. Pricing includes reports for you and up to four colleges if codes are provided when you register. |
| The ACT Test with Science | $198.50 | Includes English, math, reading, and science. Pricing includes reports for you and up to four colleges if codes are provided when you register. |
| The ACT Test with Writing | $213.50 | Includes English, math, reading, and writing. Pricing includes reports for you and up to four colleges if codes are provided when you register. |
| The ACT Test with Science and Writing | $223.50 | Includes English, math, reading, science, and writing. Pricing includes reports for you and up to four colleges if codes are provided when you register. |
| Writing Add-On Fee | $25.00 | Can be added or removed through the late deadline. |
| Science Add-On Fee | $10.00 | Can be added or removed through the late deadline. |
| Late registration | $42.00 | Applies to registration or test date changes made during the late period. |
| Change fee | $49.00 | Includes making a test date change or test center change. |
| Score reports to 5th and 6th college choices | $20.00 | Request online before the test date. Refundable on written request if you do not test. |
| Additional Score Reports | $20.00 | You can request additional score reports online after registration. |
You can check current fees and availability on the ACT website.
General Overview of ACT
1. English Section
The first milestone on your path to mastering the ACT is the English section. This 35-minute section has 50 questions, including 40 scored questions. It assesses your ability to revise and edit short texts and essays in different genres. Questions focus on grammar, usage, punctuation, sentence structure, rhetorical skills, and effective language use.
Mastering these skills and managing your time effectively are key to conquering this crucial part of the ACT. Practice answering official questions by using ACT test prep resources and other reliable study materials.
2. Mathematics Section
After the English section, the next challenge in your ACT journey is the Mathematics section. The current Math section has 45 questions in 50 minutes, including 41 scored questions.
The Mathematics section of the ACT is a crucial and challenging segment. According to ACT’s section guide, about 57%-60% of the content focuses on Preparing for Higher Math, including algebra, functions, geometry, statistics and probability, and number and quantity. About 40%-43% focuses on Integrating Essential Skills, such as rates, proportions, averages, and measurement in real-world contexts. Modeling appears throughout the section. Practicing both fundamental concepts and advanced problem-solving techniques will help you navigate this section successfully.
3. Reading Section
With the longer sections now complete, it is time to focus on the Reading section of the ACT. This 40-minute section has 36 questions, including 27 scored questions. It measures how well you understand and analyze passages similar to those used in first-year college courses.
The passages include literary and informational texts, and some questions may ask you to compare paired passages. You will answer multiple-choice questions about main ideas, details, relationships, an author’s purpose or perspective, claims, evidence, and reasoning. Swiftly grasping the main ideas, supporting evidence, and the author’s purpose is essential to excel.
4. Science Section
The Science section of the ACT is now an optional add-on. It has 40 questions in 40 minutes, including 34 scored questions. This section evaluates your scientific reasoning and data analysis skills by presenting scientific information in graphs, tables, and passages for you to analyze and interpret.
Students can expect scientific reasoning questions across subjects such as biology, chemistry, Earth and space sciences, and physics. Advanced knowledge in these areas is not required. Instead, the focus is on your ability to interpret data, understand scientific investigations, evaluate models, and draw conclusions from the information provided.
5. Writing Section (Optional)
The Writing section of the ACT is optional and is typically taken when your preferred universities require or accept it as part of their admissions process. For this section, you will be given a prompt describing a complex issue and three different perspectives. Your task is to develop your own position and analyze its relationship to one or more of the other perspectives in 40 minutes.
The Writing section tests your ability to develop a clear argument, support it with relevant evidence, organize your ideas, and use effective language. Your writing score does not affect your ACT Composite score, so check each college’s policy before deciding whether to add it.
Tips on How to Prepare for ACT
1. Eliminate and Skip to Save Time
During the ACT, time is of the essence, and using the strategy of eliminating and skipping can be a game-changer, especially in the Math section. With 45 questions to answer in 50 minutes, time management is vital.
Start by quickly scanning the answer choices and eliminating obviously incorrect options to narrow down your possibilities. If you encounter a challenging problem, do not get stuck; instead, skip it and tackle easier questions first. For example, if you face a complex algebraic equation, skip it and answer simpler arithmetic questions first. By strategically managing your time, you increase your chances of answering more questions accurately, ultimately improving your overall ACT performance.
2. Take Timed Practice Tests
To improve your ACT performance, incorporate timed practice tests into your preparation routine. Simulate the actual testing environment and set time limits for each section to reflect actual test conditions. After you finish each section, review your answers and identify where you missed questions. This will help you understand your strengths and weaknesses and focus your studying on the areas that need the most work.
Taking timed practice tests not only introduces you to the format and pace of the exam but also trains you to use your time effectively throughout the test. Next time you are preparing for the ACT, be sure to include timed practice tests in your study routine.
3. Stay Relaxed and Don’t Give Up!
As test day approaches, it is natural to feel nervous and overwhelmed. However, staying relaxed and confident can positively impact your performance. Prioritize self-care, get enough rest, and trust your preparation. During the test, if you encounter a difficult question, take a brief pause and move on to the next one.
Take your time, stay focused, and do not give up. Keep your determination high, and tackle the ACT with tenacity and self-belief.
We hope this Complete Guide to ACT article has been informative, especially for first-time undergraduate students. Make sure to also check out our Scholarships Page and Available Courses for International Students for more information.
