The ACT

The ACT, or American College Testing, is a standardized test that plays a big role in college admissions in the U.S. It’s been around since 1959, offering an alternative to the SAT. The test measures your readiness for college by covering four main areas: English, Math, Reading, and Science, with an optional Writing section.

Colleges use ACT scores to get a sense of how prepared you are for college-level work. A high score can really boost your application, showing that you’ve got the skills needed to succeed in higher education. Plus, the ACT helps colleges decide on admissions, scholarships, and even course placements. Understanding how the ACT works and why it matters can make a big difference as you prepare for your college journey.

Format

The ACT is structured into four main sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science, with an optional Writing section. The English section tests grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and rhetorical skills. The Math section covers concepts from algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. The Reading section assesses reading comprehension through passages from prose fiction, social science, humanities, and natural science. The Science section evaluates your ability to interpret, analyze, and problem-solve using information from biology, chemistry, physics, and Earth/space sciences. The optional Writing section involves writing an essay to measure your writing skills. Each section aims to gauge your readiness for college-level coursework.

Registering to take the test

To register for the ACT test, visit the registration page on the official ACT website. From there, you can choose your test date and select a nearby test center. Make sure to pick a test center that is convenient and easy for you to navigate to on the test day to reduce any potential stress or confusion. During registration, you'll also have the option to add the Writing section if needed. Complete the registration process by paying the exam fee and printing your admission ticket, which you'll need to bring with you on test day.

Admission requirements

To get a sense of the ACT score percentiles for your target school, look up "(name of your target school) act score prepscholar", and read through the first link.

Here's an example of a search:

Here's the ACT score section page:

One of the great features is that you'll also see a list of reach, safety, and similarly competitive schools based on the one you searched for.