What is the ACT?
The ACT is a US college admissions test. The enhanced ACT, introduced in 2025, is about 50 minutes shorter than the old version. Its core is English, Math and Reading, and the composite score now averages only those three. Science and Writing are optional extras.
Who takes it
- High school students applying to US colleges
- Students who prefer direct, curriculum-style questions
- Students applying to programs that want a separate Science or STEM score
Official information: ACT website.
ACT format at a glance
| Section | Time | Questions | What it tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 35 min | 50 questions | Grammar, punctuation and rhetorical skills |
| Math | 50 min | 45 questions | Algebra, functions, geometry and statistics, four choices each |
| Reading | 40 min | 36 questions | Passages in literature, social science, humanities and science |
| Science (optional) | 40 min | 40 questions | Data interpretation and scientific reasoning |
How ACT scoring works
Composite is the average of English, Math and Reading
How to prepare for the ACT
Decide on Science early
Check whether your target colleges want a Science or STEM score. If not, the core test may be all you need.
Use the extra time per question
The enhanced ACT gives you more time per question than before. Train for steady accuracy, not speed.
Drill English rules
ACT English rewards a small set of grammar and punctuation rules. Learn them once and apply them every time.
Practise in your chosen format
You can test online or on paper. Prepare in the same format you will use.
A sample ACT study plan
Every plan we build starts from your diagnostic. This is a typical shape for a student starting from a solid base.
- Weeks 1–3Diagnostic, English rules and core math review
- Weeks 4–7Timed sections, reading strategy and an error log
- Weeks 8–10Full practice tests in your chosen format
How we coach the ACT
A plan for you
We start from your diagnostic, target score and test date, and plan your hours around them.
Live online sessions
Sessions focus on the ACT skills you need most, with practice and review.
Practice that counts
Timed practice and mistake reviews show exactly what to fix next.
Your rate depends on the plan you choose.
ACT FAQs
Is ACT Science still required?
No. On the enhanced ACT, Science is optional and does not count toward your composite score.
How long is the enhanced ACT?
The core test of English, Math and Reading takes about 2 hours 5 minutes. Adding Science or Writing adds 40 minutes each.
Should I take the SAT or the ACT?
Most US colleges accept either. Take a short diagnostic of each and choose the one that suits you better.
How is the ACT scored?
Each section is scored 1–36. The composite is the average of English, Math and Reading.
How much does ACT coaching cost?
BetterMyScores coaching costs $20 to $40 per hour, depending on your plan.
ACT guides
Should You Take the Optional ACT Science Section?
Science no longer counts toward the ACT composite. Whether you should still take it depends on your colleges.
Digital SAT Strategy: What Adaptive Modules Mean for You
The digital SAT adapts between modules. Understanding that one fact changes how you should prepare.
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