Complete Guide to the ACT Exam: A Beginner’s Handbook
The ACT (American College Testing) is a standardized test widely used in the United States to assess high school students’ academic abilities and serves as an important reference for college admissions.
Since its first administration in 1959, the ACT has become one of the most common standardized tests for college applications, alongside the SAT.
Structure of the ACT
The ACT consists of four core sections and an optional Writing section:
- English: Tests grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and rhetorical skills. (35 minutes, 50 questions)
- Mathematics: Covers algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. (50 minutes, 45 questions)
- Reading: Assesses reading comprehension. (40 minutes, 36 questions)
- Science (Optional): Tests reasoning and analysis skills in natural sciences. (This section becomes optional starting in 2025.)
- Writing (Optional): Requires students to write an essay evaluating their ability to develop and argue a thesis.
The ACT composite score ranges from 1 to 36, calculated as the average of English, Mathematics, and Reading scores. Students who take the Science section will receive an additional Science score, and a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) score will still be reported.
Latest ACT Changes (Effective 2025)
To better meet students’ needs, the ACT organization has announced several changes:
- Shorter Test Duration: The total number of questions is reduced by 44, and the test duration is shortened from 195 minutes to 125 minutes.
- Science Section Becomes Optional: From 2025, students can choose whether to take the Science section. If omitted, the composite score will be based on English, Mathematics, and Reading only.
- Fewer Answer Choices in Math: Multiple-choice options in the Math section are reduced from 5 to 4, making the test more efficient.
- Flexible Test Modes: Students can choose between paper-based or online testing, depending on their preference.
Test Duration & Scheduling
ACT test timing is as follows:
- For students taking only English, Math, and Reading (excluding Science and Writing), the total test duration is 2 hours and 5 minutes:
- English: 35 minutes (50 questions, about 42 seconds per question)
- Math: 50 minutes (45 questions, about 1 minute 7 seconds per question)
- Reading: 40 minutes (36 questions, about 1 minute 7 seconds per question)
- Students who choose to take the Science section will have additional test time.
- Students who opt for the Writing section will have an extended test duration.
There will be short transition periods between test sections. Students who do not take Science or Writing may leave the test early.
Should You Take the Science Section?
According to official recommendations, students should consider taking the Science section if they:
- Plan to major in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics).
- Have taken science courses in high school and want a more comprehensive test score.
- Need a Science score for college admissions or scholarships.
Even though Science is now optional, the ACT will still provide a STEM composite score, which can be valuable for students applying to STEM-related programs.
ACT Test Dates & Registration
International Test Dates
| Test Dates | Regular Registration Deadline | Late Registration Deadline | Photo Upload Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13-14 September 2024 | 16 August | 30 August | 6 September |
| 25-26 October 2024 | 27 September | 11 October | 18 October |
| 13-14 December 2024 | 15 November | 29 November | 6 December |
| 7-8 February 2025 | 10 January | 24 January | 31 January |
| 4-5 April 2025 | 7 March | 21 March | 28 March |
| 13-14 June 2025 | 16 May | 30 May | 6 June |
| 11-12 July 2025 | 13 June | 27 June | 4 July |
U.S. Test Dates
| Test Dates | Regular Registration Deadline | Late Registration Deadline | Photo Upload & Standby Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 14, 2024 | August 9 | August 25 | September 6 |
| October 26, 2024 | September 20 | October 7 | October 18 |
| December 14, 2024 | November 8 | November 22 | December 6 |
| February 8, 2025 | January 3 | January 20 | January 31 |
| April 5, 2025 | February 28 | March 16 | March 28 |
| June 14, 2025 | May 9 | May 26 | June 6 |
| July 12, 2025* | June 6 | June 20 | July 4 |
*No test centers are scheduled in New York for the July test date.
In the February 2025 ACT exam, the Science section will be included and counted toward the composite score. In April, June, and July 2025, for online testing only, the Science section will be optional and will not be included in the composite score.
- February: Science section required (counted toward the composite score)
- April: Science section optional (online testing only)
- June: Science section optional (online testing only)
- July: Science section optional (online testing only)
Candidates must visit the official ACT website to register and select the appropriate test date and location.
ACT Test Fees
Standard Fees (Through July 2025)
| Item | Fee | Details |
|---|---|---|
| ACT Test | $65.00 | Includes English, Math, and Reading sections. |
| Writing Add-On Fee | $25.00 | Optional Writing section. Can be added/removed before the deadline. |
| Science Add-On Fee | $4.00 | Optional Science section. Can be added/removed before the deadline. |
Note: The option to include or exclude the Science section is only available for online testing in April, June, and July 2025. If a candidate chooses the paper-based test, the Science section will be automatically included in the exam.
All fees include score reports, which will be provided to the test taker, their high school, and up to four colleges (college codes must be provided at the time of registration).
Additional Fees (Through July 2025)
| Item | Fee | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Late registration | $38.00 | Applied when registering after the regular deadline. |
| Standby testing | $69.00 | Refundable if admission is denied due to missing photo ID. |
| Change Fee | $44.00 | Covers test date, format, or test center changes. |
| Score reports to 5th and 6th college choices | $19.00 | Request online before the test date. Refundable on written request if you do not test. |
| Additional Score Reports | $19.00 | Requested after test registration. |
| ACT My Answer Key (TIR) | $32.00 | If the order is placed before the test begins. |
| ACT My Answer Key (TIR) | $40.00 | If the order is placed after the test. |
| Score Verification | $61.00 | Verification of multiple-choice scores. |
| Score Verification | $61.00 | Verification of Writing scores. |
| Score Verification | $122.00 | Verification of both multiple-choice and Writing scores. |
ACT Study Tips
- Understand the test structure – Familiarize yourself with the sections and time limits.
- Practice with official tests – Use ACT’s practice materials to improve speed and accuracy.
- Master time management – The ACT is a fast-paced test, so practice under timed conditions.
- Use official resources – The ACT provides free and paid study materials to help students prepare.
FAQs
Q1：Will the new ACT changes affect college admissions?
No, the ACT has worked with colleges to ensure these changes will not impact admission decisions.
Q2：How is the ACT score calculated if I don’t take Science?
Your composite score will be based on the average of English, Math, and Reading. If you take Science, it will be reported separately.
Q3：What’s the difference between online and paper-based testing?
Both formats have the same content, but the test-taking experience differs. Choose the format you are most comfortable with.
Q4：Will the ACT still offer a STEM score?
Yes, even though Science is optional, the ACT will continue to provide a STEM composite score for students interested in science and technology fields.
Final Thoughts
The ACT remains a critical part of the U.S. college admissions process. With the 2025 changes, students have more flexibility in selecting test sections. Proper preparation and strategic practice will help you achieve your desired ACT score and increase your chances of getting into your dream college.
