American College Testing: What is the ACT exam?

What is the ACT?

The American College Test, also known as the American College Admission Test, is a standardised test used primarily within the United States for college admissions, but is also accepted by 225 universities outside of the US, including most UK universities. However, candidates should be aware that most UK and international universities that accept the ACT require Advanced Placement (AP) scores or other qualifications alongside it (as such, UK candidates are generally advised to follow mainstream British exam boards unless considering entry to US colleges). The AP is an internationally recognised programme delivering college level courses to high school students. Through the AP, American students are provided with the same learning environment and academic rigour as a first-year undergraduate course, and scoring highly often counts towards college credit and enhances a candidate’s overall college application.

Over 1.3 million candidates take the ACT annually, and while the ACT is not a mandatory requirement of college admissions, it is looked upon favourably by admissions teams and is highly recommended to improve chances of acceptance. It can further compensate for weaker areas of a candidate’s application, or to distinguish them from others.

A standardised test, the ACT claims to accurately compare students without being influenced by lifestyle, economic, or curriculum differences. It achieves this by providing a consistent and accurate measure of academic ability, whereas for example, a Grade Point Average (GPA) grade is open to subjectivity between regions and schools. However, it has been noted by Harvard that the ACT is a more accurate reflection of socioeconomic status than academic ability.

What does the test involve?

The American college testing assessment, lasting between 125-205 minutes (subject to optional extras), is made up of a multiple-choice exam, consisting of 3-4 sections scored individually on a score of 1-36, and an optional writing section scored on a scale of 2-12. In September 2025, the American college testing exam was shortened, with more time being offered per question.

The test now covers three core areas and two optional areas, each lasting between 35 and 50 minutes:

• English: 50 questions, 35 minutes
• Reading: 36 questions, 40 minutes
• Mathematics: 45 questions, 50 minutes

 

• (Optional) Scientific Reasoning: 40 questions, 40 minutes

Ideal for STEM candidates, to show their strengths and subject knowledge.

 

• (Optional) Writing: 1 essay, 40 minutes

Beneficial for humanities candidates and shows critical reasoning and communication skills – a requirement for many top colleges.

 

All candidates in the US, not just US citizens, have the option to test on paper or on a computer in registered US centres, but they must register according to this preference (this allowance is ideal if you are studying abroad or on a gap year). There is no penalty for choosing one format over the other, but changing will incur an additional fee.

Candidates are advised to practise the ACT on both formats and determine which one is best suited to them to help chances of success. Our team of ACT tutors have access to a vast library of resources and materials to help guide you on the best course of action – from what format to choose and to how to properly pace yourself, to how to prioritise certain aspects of the test to best show your skills and mitigate weaknesses. With their knowledge and skillset, we will ensure you excel in your ACT exam.

For candidates outside the US, the American College Test is only available online in registered centres – available in most countries, but candidates are urged to check during registration prior to paying a fee.

Cost

To book just the three core sections, the ACT costs $68, with the science option adding on $4, and the writing test adding on $25.

If testing outside of the US, the core test costs $186.50 going up to $221.50 for the full test.

The above base cost includes reports sent to the candidate, their school, and up to four college choices.

Candidates have the option to buy an answer key for their test date, allowing immediate access to answers after the test, and allows candidates to self-review for possible mistakes – useful for scheduling in possible retests.

 

Additional fees:

• If you register late
• Apply to be on a ‘standby’ list (applicable if you missed the late registration deadline), this list allows you to ‘walk in’ and test on the day to some centres if there is extra space available
• change your test (e.g. change day, centre, or from online to paper or vice versa)
• Request additional report copies
• Request score verification (request a remark)

Exam dates

There are typically seven test dates per academic cycle, with registration deadlines roughly a month prior to the test date. Exam dates can be found on the ACT website here.

For multiple-choice only tests, results are reported in two-eight weeks. If candidates registered for the writing test, results are reported in five-eight weeks.

When results are published, a composite score for the three core areas is provided, determined by the average score across each area. The optional sections are scored separately and not included in the composite score.

Alongside their composite score, candidates also receive STEM scores (averaging maths and science) and ELA scores (English Language Arts – averaging English, reading, and writing).

Can you retake the ACT

On average, candidates sit the ACT exam two to three times before achieving their goals. There is no limit to how many times candidates can take the ACT test and often initial tests are sat to highlight areas of weakness. Colleges do not penalise retests.

 

How to get the test results

Results are published online at 12:00 CST (18:00 GMT) at least two weeks after testing, but publishing time varies and could be up to eight weeks.

To access your ACT results, log into your MyACT account and select your test date to find the prompt to view your score.

If you’ve taken the test more than once, all your scores will be available in your ACT account by navigating to the applicable test date.

 

ACT Grade boundaries

While there is not a set grade boundary, scores are typically categorised as the following:

• 18-20: Accepted at many colleges, especially regional and open-admission institutions
• 20-23: Competitive at many mid-tier colleges
• 24-29: Strong score for more selective colleges and universities
• 30-36: Highly competitive for top-tier and highly selective institutions

ACT vs SAT

The ACT and the SAT are both used by American colleges in their admissions applications, with neither given more preference. There are a few important distinctions candidates should be aware of, however.

ACT	SAT
The ACT is typically more direct with its questions, allowing for fast testing.	The SAT demands more thought and grants more time per question.
The ACT is more mathematical heavy and features a dedicated science section	The SAT’s mathematics section is typically algebra and formula dense, but also provides a formula reference sheet.
ACT grants candidates the option to test on paper (US only) or online	The SAT is online only

 

 

 

How Simply Learning Tuition Can Help

Simply Learning Tuition offers expert, personalised support across all stages of American College applications and entrance exams. Services include:

• Academic tutoring in English, Mathematics, and Science
• ACT preparation and practice
• Guidance on university selection and application timelines

Enlisting the help of an experienced tutor can vastly improve chances of success in the exam. Simply Learning Tuition offers a range of tutors specialised in getting students a head start on their preparation, feeling confident to take on the ACT, and ultimately achieving their desired results. Our educational consultancy team can further guide you along every step of the US Admissions process, from choosing colleges through to passing interviews. We ensure you have the best chance of getting into your college of choice, and we are proud of the fact that 96% of our university placement students receive an offer from one of their top two choices.

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