ACT STUDY GUIDE
ACT Info & Overview
Your complete guide to the Enhanced ACT — format, scoring, test dates, strategies, and expert prep tips from Victory Prep Tutors.
Digital & Paper Options
2h 55m with Writing
1–36 Score Scale
Optional Science & Writing
THE TEST FORMAT
Enhanced ACT 2025: Step by Step
ENG
English
50 questions
35 minutes
Grammar, punctuation & rhetoric
35 minutes
Grammar, punctuation & rhetoric
MATH
Math
45 questions
50 minutes
Calculator allowed on all questions
50 minutes
Calculator allowed on all questions
READ
Reading
36 questions
40 minutes
Four passages, comprehension & analysis
40 minutes
Four passages, comprehension & analysis
SCI
Science
40 questions
40 minutes
Data analysis & reasoning Optional
40 minutes
Data analysis & reasoning Optional
WRITE
Writing
1 essay
40 minutes
Argumentative essay, scored 2–12 Optional
40 minutes
Argumentative essay, scored 2–12 Optional
Core Test Time (English, Math, Reading): 2 hours 5 minutes (125 min)
With Science: 2 hours 45 minutes (165 min)
With Science & Writing: 2 hours 55 minutes (175 min)
Format: Digital or paper options available
Composite Score: 1–36 (average of English, Math, Reading)
Science & STEM Scores: Reported separately if Science is taken
Calculator: Allowed on all Math questions
Guessing Penalty: None — answer every question!
With Science: 2 hours 45 minutes (165 min)
With Science & Writing: 2 hours 55 minutes (175 min)
Format: Digital or paper options available
Composite Score: 1–36 (average of English, Math, Reading)
Science & STEM Scores: Reported separately if Science is taken
Calculator: Allowed on all Math questions
Guessing Penalty: None — answer every question!
Linear — Not Adaptive
The ACT is the same for everyone. No adaptive modules — your section order and question set are fixed.
Flexible Structure
Choose whether to add Science and/or Writing. Take the test digitally or on paper at your preferred location.
Quick Facts
— No penalty for guessing
— Calculator allowed for all math
— Scores available ~2 weeks after test
— Calculator allowed for all math
— Scores available ~2 weeks after test
PLAN AHEAD
2025–2026 ACT Test Dates
| ACT Test Date | Registration Deadline | Late Registration Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| September 13, 2025 | August 8, 2025 | August 22, 2025 |
| October 25, 2025 | September 19, 2025 | October 3, 2025 |
| December 13, 2025 | November 7, 2025 | November 24, 2025 |
| February 14, 2026 | January 9, 2026 | January 23, 2026 |
| April 11, 2026 | March 6, 2026 | March 24, 2026 |
| June 13, 2026 | May 8, 2026 | May 29, 2026 |
| July 11, 2026 | June 5, 2026 | June 24, 2026 |
Deadlines expire at 11:59 p.m. CT. Late registration incurs an additional fee. Visit ACT.org for the most current dates and to register.
DEEP DIVE
A Closer Look: Enhanced ACT Structure
Five passages with 10 questions each. Tests grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and rhetorical skills. Average pace: about 42 seconds per question. The English section evaluates your ability to produce clear, concise, and correct writing — not just grammar rules in isolation.
Tip: Focus on comma usage, subject-verb agreement, pronoun clarity, and conciseness. These are the most commonly tested concepts!
45 questions covering pre-algebra, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and basic statistics. Calculator allowed for all questions. Questions generally increase in difficulty. The Enhanced ACT now uses only 4 answer choices per question (reduced from 5), making it faster to navigate.
Did you know? The ACT Math includes more geometry and trigonometry than the SAT — great for students with strong spatial reasoning!
Four passages (literary narrative, social science, humanities, natural science) with 9 questions each. Tests reading comprehension, main ideas, details, and inference. The Enhanced ACT has shorter passages and a faster pace than the old ACT — about 65 seconds per question.
Quick Fact: Reading fast is key! Practice active reading strategies and look for main ideas before diving into questions.
Seven short passages featuring graphs, charts, data tables, and experiment descriptions. Focuses entirely on data analysis, interpretation, and scientific reasoning — not memorized science facts. Starting in 2025, the Science section is optional for most students. Check whether your target colleges or intended major require or recommend it.
STEM Tip: STEM applicants are strongly encouraged to take the Science section. It generates a STEM score (average of Math and Science) that is valuable for STEM college admissions.
One argumentative essay prompt. You analyze a complex issue and develop a clear, well-supported argument. Scored on a 2–12 scale (two raters each score 1–6) across four domains: Ideas and Analysis, Development and Support, Organization, and Language Use. The Writing score is reported separately and does not affect your composite.
Note: Most colleges do not require the ACT Writing section. Always check your target schools’ policies before registering — you can add Writing when you sign up.
Each core section (English, Math, Reading) is scored on a scale of 1–36. Your composite score is the average of all three core sections, rounded to the nearest whole number (maximum 36). If you take the optional Science section, you also receive a STEM score (average of Math and Science). The optional Writing score (2–12) is reported separately and never affects your composite.
Quick Fact: No penalty for guessing — always answer every question! A blank answer and a wrong answer score the same (zero), so educated guessing can only help.
BENCHMARKS
What is a Good ACT Score?
- National Average 19.5 — Class of 2024
- Above Average 22+
- Competitive 28+ (top 10%)
- Excellent 32+ (top 5%)
- Ivy League 34–36
Tip: A “good” ACT score is one that meets or exceeds the 75th percentile at your target colleges. Use our college score table below to set your goal!
2024 ACT Stats:
Average English: 19.0 | Average Math: 19.3
Average Reading: 20.1 | Average Science: 19.7
~1.4 million students took the ACT in 2024
Average English: 19.0 | Average Math: 19.3
Average Reading: 20.1 | Average Science: 19.7
~1.4 million students took the ACT in 2024
BY THE NUMBERS
College ACT Score Requirements
| College / University | Average ACT Score |
|---|---|
| Harvard University | 34 |
| MIT | 35 |
| Stanford University | 34 |
| Princeton University | 34 |
| Yale University | 34 |
| University of Chicago | 34 |
| Rice University (TX) | 35 |
| Vanderbilt University | 34 |
| Georgia Tech | 33 |
| University of Michigan | 33 |
| NYU | 32 |
| UC Berkeley | 32 |
| USC | 32 |
| Boston University | 32 |
| Southern Methodist Univ. (TX) | 32 |
| UCLA | 31 |
| UT Austin (TX) | 31 |
| Trinity University (TX) | 31 |
| University of Maryland | 31 |
| University of Florida | 30 |
| University of Georgia | 30 |
| University of Washington | 30 |
| University of Wisconsin–Madison | 30 |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | 30 |
| Florida State University | 29 |
| Rutgers | 29 |
| Baylor University (TX) | 29 |
| University of Pittsburgh | 29 |
| Texas A&M University (TX) | 28 |
| Texas Christian Univ. (TCU, TX) | 28 |
| University of Dallas (TX) | 28 |
| Indiana University Bloomington | 28 |
| University of Minnesota | 28 |
| Arizona State University | 26 |
| Texas Tech University (TX) | 25 |
| University of Houston (TX) | 25 |
| Colorado State University | 25 |
Comparison Tip:
Compare your ACT score to the averages for your target schools. Aim for the 75th percentile or higher for the best chance of admission and merit scholarships.
COMPARISON
Enhanced ACT vs Digital SAT (2025): Which Test Fits You Best?
Enhanced ACT (2025+)
- Format: Digital or Paper, linear (not adaptive)
- Length: 2h 5m (core), up to 2h 55m (with Writing)
- Sections: English, Math, Reading (+ optional Science & Writing)
- Calculator: Allowed on all Math questions
- Best for: Fast readers, science lovers, like straightforward questions
Digital SAT
- Format: 100% Digital, adaptive by section
- Length: 2h 14m, 98 questions
- Sections: Reading & Writing (54 Qs), Math (44 Qs)
- Calculator: Allowed on all math (built-in Desmos)
- Best for: Strong readers, prefer digital, good at algebra/data analysis
| Feature | Enhanced ACT | Digital SAT |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Digital or paper, linear (not adaptive) | Digital, adaptive by section |
| Length | 2h 5m (core: English, Math, Reading) 2h 45m (with Science) 2h 55m (with Science & Writing) |
2h 14m (98 Qs) |
| Sections | English, Math, Reading Optional: Science, Writing |
Reading & Writing (2 modules), Math (2 modules) |
| Science Section | Optional, dedicated section | No (some science in Reading & Writing) |
| Math Content | Broader math, more geometry/trig, 4 answer choices | Algebra II, data analysis, some geometry/trig |
| Calculator | Allowed on all math questions | Allowed on all math (built-in digital Desmos) |
| Reading Style | Shorter passages than before, several Qs per passage | Short, one-question passages (25–150 words) |
| Scoring | 1–36 per section, averaged (composite 36 max) | 400–1600 (800 Math, 800 R&W) |
| Guessing Penalty | None | None |
| Best for | Quick readers, science lovers, prefer paper or digital | Strong readers, digital fans, algebra/data analysis |
STRATEGY
How to Raise Your ACT Score
Simulate real test conditions by taking full-length, timed ACT practice exams. The ACT is a marathon — building endurance matters. This helps you identify strengths and weaknesses, get comfortable with the format and pacing, and build the stamina needed to perform well across all sections. Review every mistake after each test to focus your study.
The ACT is notoriously fast-paced. Set time goals for each section and practice answering questions efficiently. Use a timer to ensure you are not spending too long on any one question. For English (~42 sec/question), Math (~67 sec), and Reading (~65 sec), targeted pacing practice is essential. Gradually reduce your target time per question to build speed without sacrificing accuracy.
After each practice session, review your incorrect answers and determine the reason for each mistake. Was it a knowledge gap, a careless error, or a pacing issue? Identify patterns in your errors and target those topics in your study sessions. This focused approach leads to faster improvement than reviewing everything equally.
Use official ACT practice tests and questions from ACT.org, as well as reputable prep books and online platforms. Quality practice is more effective than quantity — focus on realistic questions and thorough review. The ACT releases official free practice tests on its website that mirror the real test format perfectly.
The ACT Science section tests data analysis and reasoning — NOT memorized science facts. Practice reading graphs, tables, and experimental designs quickly. The key skills are: identifying trends in data, understanding experimental setups, and comparing conflicting viewpoints. You do not need to know biology, chemistry, or physics to score well on this section!
Personalized guidance can make a huge difference. Our expert ACT tutors help you create a custom study plan, master section-specific strategies, and stay accountable to your score goals.
Contact Us for ACT Tutoring
Contact Us for ACT Tutoring
ANSWERS
ACT Frequently Asked Questions
You can take the ACT as many times as you want. Most students take it two or more times to improve their score. Many colleges only look at your best single sitting score, and some will even superscore (take the highest section scores across multiple attempts).
Register online at ACT.org. Choose your test date and testing center, then pay the registration fee. You can add the optional Science and/or Writing sections when you register. Fee waivers are available for eligible students.
Many colleges are currently test-optional, but some schools have reinstated ACT or SAT requirements. Always check the current admissions requirements for each school on their official website. Even at test-optional schools, a strong ACT score can strengthen your application.
Starting in 2025, the Science section is optional for most students. However, some colleges — especially for STEM majors — may recommend or require it. Check your target schools’ policies before deciding. If you are applying to STEM programs, taking Science and highlighting your STEM score can be a significant advantage.
Each core section (English, Math, Reading) is scored on a scale of 1–36. Your composite score is the average of these three sections, rounded to the nearest whole number. If you take the optional Science section, you also receive a STEM score (average of Math and Science). The optional Writing score (2–12) is separate and never affects your composite score.
Yes, for all Math questions. You must bring an approved calculator (see ACT.org for the approved calculator list). Graphing calculators are generally allowed. No calculator is needed or allowed for any other section.
No! There is no penalty for wrong answers on the ACT. Your raw score is simply the number of correct answers. You should answer every single question — even if you have to make an educated guess. Never leave any answer blank.
A combination of official full-length practice tests, targeted section review, and working with an experienced tutor or prep program is most effective. Start with a diagnostic test to identify your weakest sections, then build a focused study plan. Consistency over time produces the best results.
The Enhanced ACT (2025+) has several key changes: the Science section is now optional (previously required), Math now has only 4 answer choices per question (reduced from 5), passages in Reading are shorter, and some questions have been reduced to make the test slightly leaner. The core format (English, Math, Reading) and 1–36 composite scoring remain the same.