Spotlight On: ACT

Name:

ACT - originally stood for “American College Testing” but was shortened as the test evolved 

Creator:

Everett Franklin Lindquist

When is the test administered?

September, October, December, February , April, June

Where to register:

http://www.actstudent.org

Who should take the test?

  • High school students preparing to enter college
  • If words aren't your thing, you may do better on the ACT
  • If you hate writing, the ACT writing section is optional.
  • If you're weak in one content area but strong in others, you could still end up with a very good ACT score so the ACT would be a better choice for you.

Test format:

  • English 75 questions in 45 minutes.
    • Measures standard written English and rhetorical skills
  • Math 60 questions in 60 minutes
    • Measures mathematical skills students have typically acquired in courses taken up to the beginning of grade 12
  • Reading 40 questions in 35 minutes
    • Measures reading comprehension
  • Science 40 questions in 35 minutes
    • Measures the interpretation, analysis, evaluation, reasoning, and problem-solving skills required in the natural sciences
  • Optional Writing Section 1 prompt in 30 minutes
    • Measures writing skills emphasized in high school English classes and in entry-level college composition courses

Fun Fact:

About .076% of test takers score a perfect 36. 

Source: http://blog.prepscholar.com/how-many-people-get-a-34-35-36-on-the-act-score-breakdown

Where can I learn more?

http://www.act.org

https://www.petersons.com/college-search/act-test.aspx