Standardized Testing Information

The ACT is a widely used college entrance exam. It assesses high school students’ general educational development and their ability to complete college-level work. The score range is 1-36. The multiple-choice tests will cover four skill areas: English, math, reading and science. ACT offers an optional fifth test, writing, that measures skill in planning and writing a short essay. The essay cannot be taken separately. The writing portion of the exam might be required for admission, depending on the university. Registration is required for the National Testing Dates; students register at www.actstudent.org.

Who takes the ACT?

Is the ACT test optional or required?

The ACT School day test is a graduation requirement starting for students graduating in 2026. The ACT test is optional; however, college-bound students may need to take it as an admission requirement for most colleges and universities.

What areas does the ACT test cover?

The multiple-choice test will cover four skill areas: English, math, reading and science. ACT offers an optional fifth test, writing, that measures skill in planning and writing a short essay. The essay cannot be taken separately. The writing portion of the exam might be required for college admission, depending on the university. The score range is 1-36.

• English: Punctuation, Grammar and Usage, Sentence Structure, Strategy, Organization, and Style (45 minutes)
• Mathematics: Pre-Algebra, Elementary Algebra, Intermediate Algebra, Coordinate Geometry, Plane Geometry, and Trigonometry (60 minutes)
• Reading: Prose Fiction, Humanities, Social Sciences and Natural Sciences (35 minutes)
• Science: Data Representation, Research Summaries, and Conflicting Viewpoints (35 minutes)
• Writing (Optional): (30 minutes)

o What Colleges Have Decided about the ACT Writing Test: https://actapps.act.org/writPrefRM/

2024-25 Test Dates and Registration Deadlines