ACT

According to ACT, Inc., the ACT is designed to measure student achievement, not IQ, in English, math, reading, science, and writing. It assesses students’ educational development and ability to complete college level work. Much like the SAT, the ACT also measures how good a student is at taking standardized tests.

Structure and Format
The ACT has 4 sections, each testing a different subject. There is also an optional writing section. Total testing time is 2 hours and 55 minutes without the essay and 3 hours and 25 minutes with the essay.

English
Length: One 45 minute section
Content: Punctuation, grammar and usage, sentence structure, and organization
Questions: 75 multiple choice

Math
Length: One 60 minute section
Content: Pre-algebra, algebra I, algebra II, geometry, and trigonometry
Questions: 60 multiple choice

Reading
Length: One 35 minute section 
Content: Reading comprehension and understanding of words, phrases, and statements
Questions: 40 multiple choice

Science
Length: One 35 minute section
Content: Data representations, research summaries, and conflicting viewpoints
Questions: 40 multiple choice

Writing (optional)
Length: One 30 minute essay
Content: Grammar and usage, word choice and organization, and clear expression of ideas
Questions: One persuasive essay

For information on registering for the ACT, visit their website at www.actstudent.org.