ACT

Information adapted from Gruber's Complete ACT Guide 2013.

Test Information

There are four sections on the ACT test: English, math, reading, and science, in addition to an optional writing section. All questions on the ACT are multiple choice except the student-produced essay in the optional writing section.

You can use a scientific, graphing, or four-function calculator. Check the ACT website for the complete list of calculator guidelines for the ACT.

Scoring Information

For each of the four main sections of the ACT, the number of questions you answered correctly is converted to a scaled score from 1–36. You will receive four sub-scores: English, math, reading, and science. You’ll also get a composite score, which is the average of the four sub-scores. There is no penalty for wrong answers, so you should always guess if you're not sure of the answer.

The results of the optional writing test will not affect your other sub-scores or your composite score. If you take the writing test, you will receive two additional scores: a combined English and writing score on a scale of 1–36 and a sub-score in writing on a scale of 0–12. An image of your essay will be sent to your high school and to the college(s) that receive your score reports.

Total time:

     ACT only: 2 hours 55 minutes, plus one 10-minute break

     ACT plus writing: 3 hours 25 minutes, plus one 10- and one 5-minute break

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