The Enhanced ACT, Explained

What is the ACT?

The ACT is a standardised college admissions test accepted by all US colleges that accept the SAT. It tests English, Mathematics, and Reading through three required sections, with an optional Science reasoning section available as an add-on. The composite score is based on the three required sections. An optional Writing (essay) section is also available.

The ACT is produced by ACT (ACT Education Corp.). It has historically been popular in the Midwest and South. Students may take either the SAT or the ACT (or both) — the choice depends on personal strengths and target colleges.

Sections and structure

The enhanced ACT consists of three required sections that form the composite score: English (grammar, rhetoric, and usage), Mathematics (pre-algebra through trigonometry and some statistics), and Reading (comprehension of prose passages across various disciplines). Science reasoning — data interpretation, experimental analysis, and reasoning (no advanced science knowledge required, just analytical skill applied to scientific scenarios) — is available as an optional add-on section; students who take it receive a separate Science score and a STEM score (average of Math and Science), but it does not affect the composite.

An optional Writing section (essay) is a separate, timed section offered after the required sections. Not all colleges require or consider the Writing score; check each college's admissions requirements individually.

• English: grammar, mechanics, and rhetorical skills
• Mathematics: through basic trigonometry and statistics
• Reading: reading comprehension across several passage types
• Science (optional add-on): data and experimental analysis (not advanced science content)
• Writing (optional essay): available but not required by most colleges

Recent format changes

ACT has introduced a shorter testing option that reduces total test time. Science is now an optional add-on that does not affect the composite score. ACT has also expanded digital testing at some test centres.

Because the ACT continues to evolve its format options, it is important to verify the current structure — including which sections are offered and required in each format — directly on act.org before you register.

Scores and what they mean

Each section is scored on a scale of 1 to 36. The composite ACT score is the rounded average of the three required section scores (English, Mathematics, and Reading), also on a scale of 1 to 36. Students who take the optional Science section receive a separate Science score and a STEM score, which do not affect the composite. ACT publishes national norms (percentile tables) so you can see how a given score compares to other students.

What counts as a competitive ACT score depends entirely on the colleges you plan to apply to. Check each college's reported score ranges on its official admissions page. Verify the current score scale and national norms on act.org.

Registering and preparing

Students register for the ACT at act.org. National test dates are offered several times per year; some states administer the ACT to all high school juniors as part of the school day (check whether your state participates). International students should check the international testing pages on act.org for test centres and registration procedures.

ACT offers free official preparation resources on act.org, including full-length practice tests, sample questions for every section, and study guides. Third-party prep resources are also widely available.

• Register: act.org
• Free prep: official practice tests and resources on act.org
• Check current fees, format options, and test dates on act.org before registering