The ACT (American College Testing) is a standardized, prerequisite test. It is implemented to assess and measure the academic skills of high school students. It is organized by a non-profit organization of the same name and is most commonly used in the admissions process for universities and colleges located in the United States and Canada.
The ACT is an annual examination, held periodically in September to December, February, and April to June. The total score for the exam is 36 points; every correct answer earns one point, and incorrect answers do not deduct points. Scores are calculated for each section of the test, and the final score is an average of the total points:
The exam is structured into 4 compulsory multiple-choice parts, each reflecting a different academic discipline, and 1 optional question.
English: 75 questions to be completed in 45 minutes.
Math: 60 questions covering algebra, geometry and trigonometry to be completed in 60 minutes.
Reading Comprehension: 4 passages accompanied by 40 questions related to the text to be completed in 35 minutes.
Science: 40 questions to be completed in 35 minutes.
Essay Writing (optional): to be completed in 30 minutes. Although optional, completing this portion is highly advised. Many universities/colleges now require this portion of the exam to calculate the final admission score.
