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ACT Digital Guide

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ACT 2025: Step-by-Step Overview

English
50 questions
35 minutes
Grammar, punctuation, clarity, and rhetoric
10 field test questions (unscored)
Math
45 questions
50 minutes
Algebra, geometry, trigonometry
4 answer choices per question
Reading
36 questions
40 minutes
Four passages, comprehension & analysis
9 field test questions (unscored)
Science (Optional)
40 questions
40 minutes
Data analysis, interpretation, evaluation
6 field test questions (unscored)
Writing (Optional)
1 essay
40 minutes
Argumentative essay, planning & coherence
Total Core Test Time: 125 minutes (English, Math, Reading)
With Science: 165 minutes
With Science & Writing: 205 minutes
Test Format: Digital & paper options
Composite Score: 1–36 (English, Math, Reading only)
Science & STEM Scores: Separate if Science is taken
Shorter, Less Stressful
44 fewer questions, more time per question, streamlined for clarity
Flexible Test Structure
Choose Science and/or Writing
Take online or on paper
Scoring
Composite: English, Math, Reading
Optional: Science & STEM scores
No penalty for guessing

2025–2026 ACT Test Dates

ACT Test Date Registration Deadline Late Registration Deadline
September 6, 2025 August 1, 2025 August 19, 2025
October 18, 2025 September 12, 2025 September 30, 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

A Closer Look: ACT Structure

English: 50 Questions, 35 Minutes

Five passages with 10 questions each. Focuses on grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and rhetorical skills. Average pace: 42 seconds per question.

Tip: Brush up on common grammar rules and practice editing for clarity and conciseness!
Math: 45 Questions, 50 Minutes

Covers algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and basic statistics. Calculator allowed for all questions. Questions increase in difficulty. Now only four answer choices per question.

Did you know? The ACT Math section now has fewer answer choices, making it less complex to navigate!
Reading: 36 Questions, 40 Minutes

Four passages (literary narrative, social science, humanities, natural science) with 9 questions each. Tests reading comprehension, main ideas, details, and inference.

Quick Fact: The pace is fast—about 65 seconds per question!
Science (Optional): 40 Questions, 40 Minutes

Seven short passages with graphs, charts, and experiments. Focuses on data analysis and scientific reasoning—not memorization. The Science section is now optional for most students; check if your colleges or intended major require it.

Tip: STEM applicants are strongly encouraged to take the Science section and submit scores to showcase scientific reasoning skills.
Optional Writing: 1 Essay, 40 Minutes

Analyze a complex issue and develop an argument. Scored separately (2–12). Not required by most colleges.

Note: Check if your colleges require the ACT Writing section before signing up!

What is a Good ACT Score?

  • National Average (2024): 0
  • Above Average: 22+
  • Competitive: 28+ (top 10%)
  • Excellent: 32+ (top 5%)
  • Ivy League: 34–36
92% of colleges accept ACT/SAT
Tip: A "good" ACT score is one that meets or exceeds the 75th percentile at your target colleges!
2024 ACT Stats:
Average English: 19.0 | Average Math: 19.3
1.4 million students took the ACT in 2024

College ACT Score Requirements

College/University Average ACT Score
Harvard University34
MIT35
Stanford University34
Princeton University34
Yale University34
University of Chicago34
Rice University (TX)35
Vanderbilt University34
UCLA31
UC Berkeley32
NYU32
University of Michigan33
USC32
University of Florida30
Texas A&M University (TX)28
UT Austin (TX)31
Southern Methodist Univ. (TX)32
Trinity University (TX)31
Baylor University (TX)29
Texas Christian Univ. (TCU, TX)28
Texas Tech University (TX)25
University of Dallas (TX)28
University of Houston (TX)25
Rutgers29
University of Georgia30
Georgia Tech33
Arizona State University26
Colorado State University25
University of Washington30
Boston University32
University of Wisconsin–Madison30
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign30
Indiana University Bloomington28
University of Minnesota28
Florida State University29
University of Maryland31
University of Pittsburgh29
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 scholarships.

ACT vs SAT: Which Test Fits You Best?

ACT
ACT
  • Format: Paper & Digital
  • Length: 2h 55m (plus optional essay)
  • Sections: English, Math, Reading, Science (+ Essay)
  • Calculator: Allowed on all math
  • Best for: Fast readers, science lovers, like straightforward Qs
SAT
SAT
  • Format: Digital (as of 2024)
  • Length: 2h 14m
  • Sections: Reading & Writing, Math
  • Calculator: Allowed on all math
  • Best for: Strong readers, prefer digital, algebra/data analysis
Feature ACT SAT
Format Paper & Digital Digital, adaptive by section
Length 2h 55m (+ optional essay) 2h 14m
Sections English, Math, Reading, Science (+ Essay) Reading & Writing, Math
Science Section Yes (dedicated section) No (science in Reading & Writing)
Math Content More geometry/trig, straightforward math More algebra/data analysis, some advanced math
Reading Style Longer passages, several Qs per passage Short passages, one per question
Scoring 1-36 per section, averaged for composite (36 max) 400-1600 (800 Math, 800 Reading & Writing)
Guessing Penalty None None
Best for Fast readers, science lovers, like straightforward Qs Strong readers, prefer digital, algebra/data analysis
Reading Intensity
ACT
SAT
Science Emphasis
ACT
SAT
Math Focus
ACT
SAT

Quick Quiz: Which Test Might Suit You?

Which describes you best?
Take the Full ACT vs SAT Quiz

How to Raise Your ACT Score

Simulate real test conditions by taking full-length, timed ACT practice exams. This helps you build endurance, identify strengths and weaknesses, and get comfortable with the format. Review your mistakes after each test to target your study.
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. The ACT is fast-paced—practice to improve speed without sacrificing accuracy.
After each practice session, review your incorrect answers and determine the reason for each mistake. Identify patterns in your errors and target those topics in your study sessions. This focused approach leads to faster improvement.
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.
Personalized guidance can make a huge difference. Our expert tutors help you create a custom study plan, master test strategies, and stay accountable.
Contact Us for ACT Tutoring

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.
Register online at ACT.org. Choose your test date and location, and pay the registration fee.
Many colleges are test-optional, but some have reinstated ACT or SAT requirements. Always check the admissions requirements for each school.
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 whether to take the Science section.
Each core section (English, Math, Reading) is scored 1–36. Your composite is the average of the three. The optional Science and Writing sections are reported separately. If you take Science, you will also receive a STEM score (average of Math and Science).
Yes, for all math questions. Bring an approved calculator (see ACT.org for details).
Practice tests, targeted review, and working with a tutor or prep program are highly effective.