Quick Facts About ACT
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | American College Testing |
| Total Time | 2 hours 55 minutes (without essay) |
| Essay Time | Optional 40 minutes |
| Sections | English, Math, Reading, Science, Writing (optional) |
| Score Range | 1-36 (composite score) |
| Cost | $68 (without essay), $85 (with essay) |
2024 ACT Test Dates & Deadlines
| Test Date | Registration Deadline | Late Registration | Scores Released |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 10, 2024 | January 5 | January 19 | February 21 |
| April 13, 2024 | March 8 | March 22 | April 23 |
| June 8, 2024 | May 3 | May 17 | June 18 |
| July 13, 2024 | June 7 | June 21 | July 23 |
| September 14, 2024 | August 9 | August 23 | September 24 |
| October 26, 2024 | September 20 | October 4 | November 5 |
| December 14, 2024 | November 8 | November 22 | December 24 |
Test Format Breakdown
English (45 minutes)
| Content Area | Questions | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Usage/Mechanics | 40 | 55% |
| Rhetoric Skills | 35 | 45% |
| Total Questions | 75 | 100% |
Key Topics:
- Punctuation
- Grammar & Usage
- Sentence Structure
- Rhetorical Skills
- Writing Strategy
Math (60 minutes)
| Content Area | Questions | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Algebra | 14 | 23% |
| Elementary Algebra | 10 | 17% |
| Intermediate Algebra | 9 | 15% |
| Coordinate Geometry | 9 | 15% |
| Plane Geometry | 14 | 23% |
| Trigonometry | 4 | 7% |
| Total Questions | 60 | 100% |
Reading (35 minutes)
| Passage Type | Questions |
|---|---|
| Prose Fiction | 10 |
| Social Science | 10 |
| Humanities | 10 |
| Natural Science | 10 |
| Total Questions | 40 |
Science (35 minutes)
| Format | Number |
|---|---|
| Data Representation | 2-3 passages |
| Research Summaries | 3-4 passages |
| Conflicting Viewpoints | 1 passage |
| Total Questions | 40 |
Optional Writing (40 minutes)
- One essay prompt
- Tests analysis and argument skills
- Scored on scale of 2-12
Scoring System Explained
Score Ranges
| Section | Score Range |
|---|---|
| Each Section | 1-36 |
| Composite | 1-36 (average) |
| Writing | 2-12 |
Typical Score Requirements
| College Type | Typical Score Range |
|---|---|
| Highly Selective | 31-36 |
| Selective | 27-31 |
| State Schools | 22-27 |
| Less Selective | 17-22 |
Study Timeline
3-Month Study Plan
| Time Frame | Focus Areas | Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Months 3-2 | Content Review | • Take practice test • Identify weak areas • Study core concepts |
| Month 2-1 | Practice & Strategy | • Section-specific practice • Timing exercises • Strategy development |
| Final Month | Test Preparation | • Full practice tests • Review mistakes • Fine-tune timing |
Quick Tips for Each Section
English Tips
✅ Read the entire passage first
✅ Look for common grammar errors
✅ Check punctuation carefully
✅ Consider context for rhetoric questions
Math Tips
✅ Memorize key formulas
✅ Practice with calculator
✅ Draw diagrams when needed
✅ Check work quickly
Reading Tips
✅ Skim passage first
✅ Read questions before details
✅ Mark key information
✅ Watch the clock (8-9 mins per passage)
Science Tips
✅ Focus on graphs/tables first
✅ Look for patterns
✅ Read questions before details
✅ Don’t get caught up in technical terms
Test Day Checklist
What to Bring
✅ Admission ticket
✅ Valid photo ID
✅ Several #2 pencils
✅ Approved calculator
✅ Watch (no smart watches)
✅ Snack for break
✅ Water bottle
What Not to Bring
❌ Phone
❌ Smart watches
❌ Study materials
❌ Unapproved calculators
❌ Other electronic devices
Costs and Fees (2024)
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| ACT (No Writing) | $68 |
| ACT (With Writing) | $85 |
| Late Registration | +$36 |
| Test Date Change | $40 |
| Test Center Change | $40 |
| Score Reports (5th & 6th) | $16 each |
Free Study Resources
- ACT.org official practice
- Online study guides
- School counseling resources
- Library prep books
- Study groups
Preparing for Success
Practice Test Strategy
- Take full-length tests
- Time each section
- Review all mistakes
- Track progress
- Focus on weak areas
Week Before Test
- Take final practice test
- Review key strategies
- Get plenty of sleep
- Plan test day logistics
- Prepare test day materials
Test Day Tips
- Arrive 30 minutes early
- Eat a good breakfast
- Wear comfortable clothes
- Bring water and snacks
- Stay calm and focused
After the Test
Score Timeline
- Multiple choice: 2-8 weeks
- Writing scores: 2 additional weeks
- Online scores available first
Next Steps
- Review scores
- Decide if retaking
- Send scores to colleges
- Update college applications
- Plan next steps
Common FAQ
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How many times can I take the ACT? | No limit |
| Can I cancel scores? | Yes, but fees aren’t refunded |
| How long are scores valid? | No expiration |
| Can I choose which scores to send? | Yes, through Score Choice |
Last updated: October 2024
Pro Tip: Register early to get your preferred test center!
Need more help? Visit ACT.org or talk to our school counselor.
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