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ACT Test: Duration, Sections, and Tips to Prepare

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ACT Test Sections and Scoring Explained
The ACT is a college admissions test that measures readiness for college-level work. The test changed in 2025, so students should prepare for the current format.

The ACT is a college admissions test that measures readiness for college-level work. The test changed in 2025, so students should prepare for the current format.

The Enhanced ACT has three required sections: English, Math, and Reading. The English section has 50 questions in 35 minutes and tests grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure. The Math section has 45 questions in 50 minutes and covers algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. The Reading section has 36 questions in 40 minutes and tests comprehension of passages from different subject areas.

Science and Writing are now optional. The Science section has 40 questions in 40 minutes and tests scientific reasoning, such as reading data and evaluating experiments. The Writing section is one essay in 40 minutes. Students can add one or both sections when they register. Check each college’s requirements first, since some schools or programs still want to see Science or Writing scores.

Scores run from 1 to 36 on each section. The composite score is the average of the English, Math, and Reading scores. There is no penalty for wrong answers, so answer every question.

Preparation works best with a plan. Use official ACT practice materials, since they match the real test most closely. Take timed practice tests to build speed, and review mistakes to find weak spots. Learn the format of each section so nothing on test day feels new.

On test day, bring your admission ticket, an acceptable photo ID, number 2 pencils, a permitted calculator, and a watch or timer without an alarm. Leave textbooks, notes, and phones out of the testing room. Arrive early, dress in layers, and eat before you go. During the test, keep moving: do not spend too long on any one question, and guess rather than leave blanks.

More preparation help is in the guide to standardized test study strategies and the companion article on the ACT essentials. Students also compare the test with the SAT exam, and STEM tutoring can help with the Math section.

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