What Is The ACT Test? Know Important Facts For Your College Admission

What is the ACT test? The ACT test is a college entrance exam. It is used by majority of colleges and universities in the U.S. to make decisions about student admissions in their institutions. Scores in the ACT or the SAT are required by colleges as part of their admission process. If you want to apply to your preferred college, you therefore need to take the ACT to be able to acquire a score.

The body that administers the ACT test is the ACT, Inc. The test is a paper and pencil test and is comprised of multiple-choice questions. When your target colleges ask you about how ready you are to study in their institution, you metaphorically reply with your ACT score. That’s mainly because the ACT has been designed to measure the college-readiness of high school students. Admissions officers in accredited colleges review the standardized test scores of their applicants along with their GPA in high school. Additional requirements are your letters of recommendation, the high school classes that you attended, the extra curricular activities you took part in, your personal essay and your admissions interviews. The value imposed on ACT scores when it comes to college admissions vary from one school to another. However, it will be to your great advantage if you get a high score in the ACT so that you can avail of more options pertaining to your studies in college and paying for it.

When Is The Best Time To Take The ACT Test?

High school students typically opt to take the ACT and the SAT. They may take either or both during their junior year in spring, or on their senior year in fall. You must incorporate strategic planning for your college admission test by allowing time for you to retake it. You may need to raise your score according to the requirements of your chosen colleges. You can choose from the months of September, October, December, February, April, June or July to take the ACT test. It is offered nationwide every year. However, there are exceptions for the state of New York where the test is not available in February and July, and California where there is no ACT test date in July.

What Are The Different Sections Covered By The ACT Test?

There are four, and they are on the subjects of:

• English
• Math
• Science
• Reading

You have the option to take the 40-minute Writing test along with these. It depends on your goals or personal preference. Some colleges require their applicants to have an ACT Essay score, too. Primarily ask about the admissions policies of your target colleges about this matter. The ACT test is a strictly-timed test, with a total of 2 hours and 55 minutes to complete. If you take the Essay test, the whole time duration will be 3 hours and 35 minutes.

What Is The ACT Test Scoring System?

You’ll be scored on a scale of 1 to 36 points for each section of the test. Your composite score will be derived by computing the average of all your scores in each section, and this is measured on a scale of 1 to 36 points as well. If you took the ACT Writing test, your score on it will be measured separately.

How Do I Go About With My ACT Test Registration?

It makes sense to register early for your test. Deadlines are typically set 5 weeks before the scheduled ACT test date. Registration materials can be obtained from your school counselor, or you can register online by visiting the official ACT website.