Exam prep·United States· 6 min read

The Enhanced ACT, Explained

A plain-language guide to the current ACT — its sections, optional Science and Writing components, the recent shorter format, and what to expect. Volatile specifics (fees, dates, score ranges) are deferred to the official ACT source.

Key facts

Conducting body: ACT, Inc.
Core sections: English, Mathematics, Reading (these three form the composite score); Science is an optional add-on with a separate score
Optional sections: Science (optional add-on; does not affect composite score — generates a separate Science score and a STEM score); Writing (optional essay; also does not affect composite)
Scoring: Composite score (average of the three required section scores — English, Mathematics, Reading); each section scored 1–36
Recent change: Enhanced ACT (April 2025+): Science is now an optional add-on; the composite is based on the three required sections (English, Math, Reading). Verify the current format options on act.org
Fees and dates: Verify current fees and test dates on act.org

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, Inc., an independent nonprofit organisation. It has historically been popular in the Midwest and South, but is now accepted at virtually every US college. 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: 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. In some of these format options the Science section may be offered differently or be optional. 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 official preparation resources including sample questions, full practice tests, and ACT Academy (a free online learning platform). Third-party prep resources are also widely available.

Register: act.org
Free prep: ACT Academy at act.org/the-act/test-preparation/act-academy
Check current fees, format options, and test dates on act.org before registering

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to take the ACT Writing (essay) section?

Not necessarily. The ACT Writing section is optional, and many colleges do not require or use it in their admissions review. Check the specific requirements of each college you plan to apply to. The Writing section is a separate section taken after the required sections and generates a separate score that does not affect your composite ACT score.

Is the ACT or the SAT better?

Neither test is universally better. All US colleges that accept either test accept both equally. The best choice depends on individual strengths — students who perform more strongly on one test in practice often prefer that test. See the SAT vs ACT comparison guide for a neutral breakdown of the differences.

How is the ACT composite score calculated?

The ACT composite score is the rounded average of the three required section scores (English, Mathematics, and Reading), each scored on a 1–36 scale. The Science section is an optional add-on and does not affect the composite — students who take it receive a separate Science score. The Writing score is also separate and does not affect the composite. Verify the current scoring methodology on act.org.

Official sources

This guide explains the process and is for guidance only. Eligibility, dates, fees and rules change every year — always confirm the current details on the official site before you act.

Verified against: ACT, Inc. — The ACT Test.

Last verified: 2026-06-09.