\n- Production of Writing <\/li>\n
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- Knowledge of Language <\/li>\n
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- Conventions of Standard English<\/li>\n
\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n| Math<\/td>\n | \n\n- Pre-Algebra<\/li>\n
<\/p>\n - Elementary Algebra<\/li>\n
<\/p>\n - Algebra\/Coordinate Geometry<\/li>\n
<\/p>\n - Plane Geometry<\/li>\n
<\/p>\n - Trigonometry<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n| Reading<\/td>\n | \n\n- Social Sciences<\/li>\n
<\/p>\n - Sciences<\/li>\n
<\/p>\n - Arts<\/li>\n
<\/p>\n - Literature<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n| Science<\/td>\n | \n\n- Physical Sciences<\/li>\n
<\/p>\n - Biology<\/li>\n
<\/p>\n - Chemistry<\/li>\n
<\/p>\n - Physics<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
<\/p>\n And finally, how long is each test?<\/p>\n \n- The ACT English Test<\/a> has 75 test questions and takes 45 minutes.<\/li>\n
- The ACT Math test<\/a> has 60 questions and takes 60 minutes.<\/li>\n
- The ACT Reading Test<\/a> has 40 test questions and takes 35 minutes.<\/li>\n
- The ACT Science test<\/a> has 40 test questions and takes 35 minutes.<\/li>\n
- The ACT Writing test<\/a> (optional essay) has 1 test question and takes 40 minutes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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\n<\/a><\/p>\nMore Information About ACT Scores<\/h2>\nHow is the ACT test scored?<\/h3>\nThe highest possible score that you can get on the ACT is 36. The lowest possible score is 1. This is a scaled score\u2014to scale your practice test<\/a> scores, be sure to use our official raw to scaled score chart<\/a>. ACT scoring is fairly complicated, but we have a comprehensive guide to ACT scores that can help you out.<\/p>\nThe ACT scores<\/a> each test (except Writing) from 1-36, and then averages these test scores for your composite score (overall score).<\/p>\nOf course, there are fewer than 36 problems in some sections and more than 36 problems in others. That\u2019s why your final, 1-36 score (your scaled score) isn\u2019t the same thing as the number of questions you got right (your raw score). Check out how to convert your raw ACT score to a scaled score<\/a>.<\/p>\nWhat is a good ACT score?<\/h3>\nA good ACT score is the one that helps you get into the college of your dreams! For most high school students, scoring above average, 20 or higher, is a good ACT score. For those applying to elite colleges, scores in the 93rd percentile (30+) or even the 98th percentile (33+) are good ACT scores.<\/p>\n For a more detailed answer to this question, check out ACT Score Range: What Is a Good ACT Score?<\/a> for info about the top 100 U.S. colleges\u2019 average scores, scores for scholarships, scores for the Ivy League, and more. <\/p>\nTo stand a good chance of getting into your dream school, aim for an ACT score that falls between the colleges\u2019 25th-75th percentiles for admitted students. The higher, the better!<\/p>\n If you have a school of choice in mind (or even schools), or just want to get a general sense of things, you can find the average ACT scores<\/a> for the top 100 U.S. colleges here.<\/p>\n<\/a>
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\n<\/a><\/p>\nACT Versus SAT<\/h2>\nWhat is the difference between the ACT and the SAT?<\/h3>\nSAT vs ACT<\/a> \u2014 Which Exam Is Best for You?<\/p>\nThe ACT and the SAT more closely resemble each other after recent changes, but they still have their differences! You can find out more in ACT vs SAT: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Test<\/a>. <\/p>\nIs the ACT or SAT harder?<\/h3>\nIt depends on what kind of thinker you are. No, really\u2014many schools accept both tests, which they wouldn’t give equal weight to if one were objectively easier! Very generally speaking<\/em>, the SAT is more of a reasoning test, while the ACT is more content-based. Get a sense of which one would be easier for you with Magoosh\u2019s ACT vs SAT infographic<\/a>. <\/p>\nShould I take the ACT or the SAT or both?<\/h3>\nMost colleges that require admissions tests will accept either the ACT or the SAT (even Harvard doesn’t have a preference!), so determining which test you\u2019ll perform better on is key. Students tend to score in a higher percentile on one test or the other. Take the one you’re scoring higher on in practice!<\/p>\n Still not sure, or scoring in similar percentiles on both tests? Take the SAT or ACT<\/a> quiz.<\/p>\n<\/a>
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\n <\/p>\nTaking the ACT Test<\/h2>\nWhen is the ACT test?<\/h3>\nThe ACT is offered seven times a year: in February, April, June, July, September, October, and December. The July dates are not available in New York or internationally.<\/p>\n Choosing an ACT test date<\/a> can seem overwhelming at first, but there are some guidelines to follow to make choosing when to take the ACT<\/a> easier! <\/p>\nFor a brief peek at recent and future test dates, here are the ACT test dates for 2021 and 2022:<\/p>\n \n\n\n| Test Date<\/th>\n | Deadline<\/th>\n | Late Deadline<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n | \n\n| September 6, 2025<\/td>\n | August 1<\/td>\n | August 19<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n| October 18, 2025<\/td>\n | September 12<\/td>\n | September 30<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n| December 13, 2025<\/td>\n | November 7<\/td>\n | November 24<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n| February 14, 2026<\/td>\n | January 9<\/td>\n | January 23<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n| April 11, 2026<\/td>\n | March 6<\/td>\n | March 24<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n| June 13, 2026<\/td>\n | May 8<\/td>\n | May 29<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n| July 11, 2026*<\/td>\n | June 5<\/td>\n | June 24<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n <\/p>\n *Test date excludes New York and international locations.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/a>
\n <\/p>\nWhat is the best month to take the ACT test?<\/h3>\nWhen should you take the ACT exam? Whenever is best for you. Honestly, no matter which test date you choose, it\u2019s all the same test. Yes, different versions of the ACT will appear on different dates, yet these differences have no impact on students\u2019 final scores. ACT spends a lot of money vetting its questions so that the standardized tests it offers are, you know, standardized. So it really doesn\u2019t matter which Humanities passage you read on the Reading Test, or which equations you tackle on the Math Test; you should get around the same score on any test date.<\/p>\n <\/a>
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\n <\/p>\nPreparing for the ACT<\/h2>\nHow should I study for the ACT test?<\/h3>\nStart your ACT preparation off on the right foot by taking an ACT diagnostic test<\/a>. Once you know what your strengths and weaknesses are, you can set an ACT study schedule<\/a> that fits your needs. Take a look at any or all of the following for inspiration!<\/p>\n |
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