ACT: syllabus, pattern, fees, scores and preparation
American College Testing, run by ACT, Inc. Used for undergraduate admission in the us; accepted alongside or instead of sat.
What the ACT is
American College Testing (ACT) is a undergraduate admission test run by ACT, Inc. It is used for undergraduate admission in the us; accepted alongside or instead of sat.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Sections | English, Math, Reading, plus optional Science and Writing |
| Duration | About 2 hours 5 minutes core (longer with optional sections) |
| Score range | 1 to 36 |
| Fee | US$69 plus international fee, about US$180 to US$200 in total |
| Results | 2 to 8 weeks |
| Validity | No official expiry; most universities accept 5 years |
| Formats | Online at international centres |
Types of ACT
ACT (core)
English, Math and Reading; Science optional from 2025 for the enhanced ACT.
ACT with Writing
Adds an optional 40-minute essay required by a few universities.
Who can take it
No minimum qualification or age. International students register online and test at authorised centres on about five dates a year. A passport is required.
Not sure which test your course accepts?
Requirements differ by university and by visa route. We check before you book.
Talk to a counsellorSyllabus
| Section | What it tests | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | Grammar, punctuation, rhetorical skills | 50 | 35 minutes |
| Math | Pre-algebra to trigonometry; calculator allowed | 45 | 50 minutes |
| Reading | 4 passages: prose fiction, social science, humanities, natural science | 36 | 40 minutes |
| Science (optional) | Data interpretation, experiments, conflicting viewpoints | 40 | 40 minutes |
Exam pattern
The enhanced ACT from 2025 is shorter, with fewer questions, more time per question and an optional Science section. The composite score averages English, Math and Reading. International testing is online at centres.
How to register
- Create an ACT account
- Choose an international test date and centre
- Pay the fee including the international surcharge
- Practise with the free official ACT practice test
- Receive scores online; send reports to universities
Scores explained
| Score | Level | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| 33 to 36 | Top 1 to 3 percent | Most selective universities |
| 29 to 32 | Top 10 percent | Highly selective universities |
| 25 to 28 | Top 25 percent | Selective universities and scholarships |
| 21 to 24 | Around average | Most universities |
| Below 21 | Below average | Consider retake or test-optional routes |
Sit it once, with coaching
Small-group courses with weekly mock tests and one-to-one feedback.
See IELTS classesHow to prepare
- Take a full practice test to decide between ACT and SAT
- Work on pace: the ACT has historically been about speed
- Practise the Science section's data interpretation even if you are strong in science
- Drill grammar rules for English
- Review trigonometry basics for the Math section
Books and resources
- The Official ACT Prep Guide: Real past tests with explanations.
- ACT Online Prep: Adaptive practice from ACT itself.
- Free official practice test: One full test at act.org.
Detailed guides
ACT pattern and syllabus
Sections, timing and content of the enhanced ACT.
ACT dates and fees
International test dates and total cost.
ACT scores
How the composite works and what universities expect.
ACT to SAT conversion
Concordance table between the two tests.
ACT registration
Booking an international ACT step by step.
Questions about the ACT
ACT or SAT?
US universities accept both equally. Try a practice test of each; students who like faster pacing and science data often prefer the ACT.
Is the Science section still required?
From 2025 it is optional on the enhanced ACT; check whether your universities want it.
How is the ACT scored?
Each section is scored 1 to 36 and the composite is the average.
Is the ACT accepted outside the US?
Yes by some universities in Canada, the UK, Australia and Europe, mainly for US-curriculum applicants.
How many times can I take the ACT?
Up to 12 times.
Fees, formats and dates are as published by ACT, Inc. for 2025/26 and change; confirm on the official site before booking.
Preparing for the ACT?
Tell us your target score and date. We match you with coaching or point you to the free resources that work.