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ACT
ACT preparation tailored to your learning style, personal strengths, weaknesses, and passions.
Elite guidance on your schedule
Available online and in person
Custom curriculum
Full-length practice tests
Expert materials and strategies
Overview
The ACT was originally conceived in 1959 as an alternative to the SAT.
Like the SAT, the ACT is a multiple-choice test that measures a high school student's readiness for college. It is a pen-and-paper test in the U.S., but since 2019 international administrations have been on a computer. Most students first take the test in their Junior year of high school, but we recommend preparation begin Sophomore year.
SAT/ACT scores are the second most important factor in admissions. They can help Admissions Boards sieve through thousands of applications and identify the most qualified applicants.
However, a great SAT/ACT score does not guarantee admission, just like a very low score does not mean an automatic rejection. Colleges also look at your high school GPA, letters of recommendation, extracurricular activities, admissions interviews, and personal essays. Still, it is fair to say that the higher you score on one of these tests, the better you will stand out from the rest of the application pile.
Length
plus 40 minutes if taking ACT with writing. Alternative arrangements are available for students qualifying for extra time.
Cost
US
$67 if taking ACT with writing
International
$166 if taking ACT with writing
Scores
Highest Score
Average Score
Sections
English
Math
Reading
Science
Essay (optional)
2019 - 2020 Dates
Upcoming ACT® dates are listed below.
Registration
Test Day
Scores Release
August
September
September
August
September
TBD
August
September
TBD
August
October
TBD
August
October
TBD
August
October
November
August
October
TBD
August
December
December 22
January
February
February
March
April
April
May
June
June
Common Questions
When should I start preparing for the ACT?
Ideally, you should start preparation in the spring semester of 10th grade. You should at least take a first pass at the test at that point, to understand where your knowledge gaps are and explore how you can improve over the coming year. Many students wait to start prep until halfway through 11th grade, but that can be a bit stressful to balance with school work and leaves them in trouble if unanticipated scenarios arise (we're look at you, 2020). Take it from us: the earlier you look at this, the better.
We sometimes work with students who come to the process very late. For example, students who decide to apply to US colleges at the start of their senior year. While this is very far from ideal, it is not impossible to tackle. We are always open to discussing with you about your circumstances, to advise on what would be best for you.
SAT or ACT?
Most universities will accept scores from either the SAT or ACT. Choosing the right test for you is an important first step in the preparation process. While we recommend taking a full-length diagnostic exam to compare the two, this breakdown will help you decide between the SAT and ACT.
Pen-and-paper in the US and internationally
Paper-and paper in the US. Computer-based internationally
65 minutes for 52 questions
35 minutes for 40 questions
(No Calculator)
35 minutes for 44 questions
45 minutes for 75 questions
(No Calculator)
25 minutes for 20 questions
–
(Calculator)
55 minutes for 38 questions
60 minutes for 60 questions
(Optional) Essays are scored separately and don’t heavily factor into admissions decisions, so they should not factor into your testing decision.
50 minutes
40 minutes
Does not have a science section, but “Analysis in Science” skills are tested throughout all sections of the test.
More colleges and universities superscore the SAT than they do the ACT.
Offered the same day as SAT Subject Tests, which limits testing opportunities for students that want or need to take those tests in order to apply to top-tier U.S. colleges and universities.
ACT dates do not overlap with SAT Subject Test dates.
*Superscoring is when a college or university takes the highest section scores across all test dates to form a higher score than a student might have obtained on any single test date. Each school’s superscoring policy can be found on its admissions website.
Upcoming SAT® dates are listed below. To register, visit College Board or call 866-756-7346. Students with learning differences should call 609-771-7137 for testing accommodations and requirements.
Registration
Test Day
Scores Release
Jul
2020
Aug
2020
AAA
2020
Sep
2020
Oct
2020
AAA
2020
Oct
2020
Nov
2020*
AAA
2020
Nov
2020
Dec
2020
AAA
2020
*Date not available for International testing, only for US-based tests