The weight placed on ACT scores varies from school to school. Other important factors that schools consider in their admissions decisions are your 1) high school GPA, 2) academic transcript, 3) letters of recommendation, 4) interviews, and 5) personal essays.
The ACT test is offered nationally every year in October, December, February, April, and June. It is also given in September in selected cities.
What specifically does the ACT test?
The ACT has 4 tests: English, Reading, Math and Science, as well as, an optional 30 minute essay. Some schools may require the essay, so be sure to ask before you take the test.
Should I take the SAT or the ACT?
Is one harder? Is one better? More prestigious? More useful? If only it were that simple. More about the SAT vs. the ACT.
How is the ACT scored?
You'll earn one ACT score (1 to 36) on each test (English, Math, Reading, and Science), and a composite ACT score, which is an average of these 4 tests. Usually, when people ask about your score, they're referring to your composite ACT score. The composite score falls between 1 and 36. The national average is about 21.
If, for example, you scored 31 on the English, 30 on the Math, 29 on the Reading, and 30 on the Science Test, your composite ACT score would be 30.
You'll receive sub-scores in English, Math, and Reading that range between 1 and 18. These scores provide you with more detail about your performance, but they are not actually used by colleges or universities.
The ACT includes an optional essay, known as the Writing Test. If you take the Writing Test, you will receive a Writing Test sub-score and a Combined English/ Writing score. Visit ACT.org for detailed information about how your ACT essay will be scored.
When should I take the ACT?
Students have traditionally taken the ACT in the spring of their junior year and, if necessary, again in the fall of their senior year. However, more and more students are choosing to take their first ACT earlier, such as during the fall of their junior year. This gives them more flexibility to retake the ACT test one or more times, or to take the SAT or SAT Subject Tests.
How do I register?
Registration deadlines fall approximately five weeks before each test date. You can get registration materials from your school's guidance counselor, or call ACT, Inc. at 319–337–1270 and they'll send you a registration packet. You can also register online at ACT.org.
How can I prepare?
We can help. We have prep solutions for every student and every budget.
ACT is a registered trademark of ACT, Inc., which is not affi liated with The Princeton Review.
Colleges will accept either the SAT or ACT. So which should you take?
It's all about the numbers. Some students end up scoring substantially higher on the SAT- others do better on the ACT. The Princeton Review ME offers a free assessment to help you determine which test is best for you.
Since the March 2016 redesign of the SAT, there are fewer differences between the SAT and ACT. The 3 main differences are here:
ACT questions tend to be more straightforward.
ACT questions are often easier to understand on a first read. On the SAT, you may need to spend time figuring out what you're being asked before you can start solving the problem.
The ACT has a Science section, while the SAT does not.
You don't need to know anything about amoebas or chemical reactions for the ACT Science section. It is meant to test your reading and reasoning skills, based upon a given set of facts. But if science isn't your thing, the SAT might be a better fit.
The ACT requires you to work faster, while the SAT gives you more time.
Take a look at this graph below, which analyzes how much time you are given (on average) to answer a question on both tests:
|
SAT |
Time |
Questions |
Minutes Per Question |
|
Math |
80 minutes |
58 questions |
1 minute 22 seconds |
|
Reading |
65 minutes |
52 questions |
1 minute 15 seconds |
|
Writing and Language * |
35 minutes |
44 questions |
47 seconds |
|
ACT |
Time |
Questions |
Minutes Per Question |
|
Math |
60 minutes |
60 questions |
1 minute |
|
Reading |
35 minutes |
40 questions |
52.5 seconds |
|
English * |
45 minutes |
75 questions |
36 seconds |
|
Science |
35 minutes |
40 questions |
52.5 seconds |
* SAT Writing and Language is similar to the ACT English
You can see that the ACT expects you to answer almost everything in less than a minute, while the SAT always gives you more time.
College admissions officers care about how you did on each section of the SAT. On the ACT, they're most concerned with your composite score. So if you're weak in one content area but strong in others, you could still end up with a very good ACT score.
ACT is a registered trademark of ACT, Inc., which is not affi liated with The Princeton Review.
Attending a Princeton Review ME ACT free event is a great way for you to see our teachers in action and get a head start on success in college admissions.
Strategy Sessions for the ACT
Our Strategy Sessions offer you a general overview of the ACT and the role it plays in college admissions. You'll find out about the ACT, learn test-taking strategies, and receive tools for researching colleges and financial aid.
ACT Free Practice Test
This full-length practice SAT is given under simulated testing conditions. You'll learn about the endurance and skill needed to earn a strong score on the SAT. And you'll get a personalized score report from us.
Meet the Tutors
This intimate event is a great opportunity to both learn the details of our programs and to experience, first-hand, how these tutors' dynamic personalities and specialized knowledge help their students to meet and surpass their test scoring goals.
ACT is a registered trademark of ACT, Inc., which is not affi liated with The Princeton Review.