Q: What's the best way to register for the ACT?
A: Online via the ACT website (international students must register online, but American students have a paper registration option).
Q: When and where is the ACT offered?
A: In the U.S. and Canada, there are seven test dates per academic year, between September and July. The test is given five times per year internationally.
Q: What ACT scores will I need for university acceptance?
A: It depends on where you apply. The average total ACT score is about 21, but selective schools usually expect scores that are much higher. Learn more about your preferred schools' ACT standards by visiting their websites.
Q: What are the chances that the ACT will be accepted at the university I want to attend?
A: If it's in the United States, then the chances are close to 100%. International ACT acceptance varies by institution and by country.
Q: I'm not a native English speaker. Do I need to be fluent in English to take the ACT?
A: The test assumes fluency in English, but ACT does offer support for English language learners. See the ACT website for more information.
Q: What types of questions will appear on the ACT?
A: The English, Math, Reading, and Science questions are entirely multiple choice. All questions have four answer choices, except for those in the Math section, which have five. The Writing test includes a single essay.
Q: How much does it cost to take the ACT?
A: The testing fee is between $46 and $120, depending on whether or not the writing test is included and where you take the test. There are no other required fees, but there are services for which ACT charges (such as extra score reports).
Q: What preparation options are available?
A: You may prepare for the ACT by taking a group or individual prep course, or through self-study with books, videos, and online materials. We strongly encourage professional instruction.
Q: How many sections are there on the ACT?
A: There are four multiple-choice sections on the ACT: English, Math, Reading, and Science. There is also a separate Writing section that is optional.
Q: How is the ACT scored?
A: The scale for the four multiple-choice sections is 1 to 36 each. The ACT total score is calculated by adding up all of these section scores and dividing the total by four, producing a composite score that is also between 1 and 36. Writing test scores do not count toward the total score, and these are reported from 2 to 12.
Q: How long after the test will I receive my scores?
A: According to ACT, multiple-choice scores are usually released about two weeks after the test, and essay scores about two weeks after that. However, score reporting may take up to eight weeks in some cases.
Q: Are there any available accommodations for students with disabilities?
A: Yes, but the request process must be initiated by an official at your high school. You must also provide appropriate documentation of your disability.
Q: I didn't do well the first time, so I'd like to take the ACT again. Is this allowed?
A: Yes, any student may take the ACT up to 12 times. ACT research shows that about 57% of test-takers improved their composite score the second time around, while the rest either stayed the same or did worse.
