ACT
The ACT is a standardized college admissions test in the United States evaluating high school graduates in English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science. Prepare for test day with our comprehensive study materials and practice questions.
Total questions
215
Duration
175 min
Options / question
4
Practice by question type
Curriculum
English
2223 questionsMathematics
1596 questionsReading
1184 questions- Literal Comprehension254 questions
- Main Ideas and Themes221 questions
- Relationships and Sequencing173 questions
- Vocabulary in Context146 questions
- Text Structure and Development114 questions
- Point of View and Purpose114 questions
- Arguments and Evidence83 questions
- Comparative Reading and Synthesis79 questions
About the exam
The ACT is a standardized test widely used for college admissions in the United States. Administered by ACT, Inc., it measures high school students' general educational development and their capability to complete college-level work. The exam consists of four mandatory multiple-choice sections: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science, along with an optional Writing section. Test takers encounter questions designed to evaluate critical thinking, problem-solving, numerical reasoning, and language usage across a structured time limit. High school juniors and seniors typically take the ACT to satisfy entrance requirements for four-year universities and colleges. Admissions boards evaluate ACT composite scores alongside high school GPAs, recommendation letters, and extracurricular achievements to make holistic admission decisions. Effective preparation involves familiarizing yourself with the test format, timing constraints, and core subject area content. Practicing under simulated testing conditions, reviewing targeted subject concepts, and utilizing sample questions can help improve timing, accuracy, and confidence on exam day.
Registration & key dates
Registration for the ACT is managed directly through the official ACT website by the testing organization ACT, Inc. National test dates are offered multiple times throughout the academic year, typically on Saturdays. Students register by creating an online profile, selecting a preferred testing location, choosing an available test date, and completing the required student profile information. Because registration deadlines, fee structures, accommodation requests, and test center availability change periodically, candidates should always refer directly to official ACT, Inc. announcements and guidelines when planning their exam schedule.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are on the ACT?
The ACT has 215 questions in total.
How long is the ACT?
The ACT lasts 175 minutes.
Where can I practice ACT questions for free?
Examkin offers 5556 free ACT practice questions with step-by-step explanations, plus timed mock exams.
What sections are on the ACT exam?
The core ACT exam consists of four required sections: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science. An optional Writing section featuring a single essay prompt is also available for test takers.
How is the ACT scored?
Each of the four required sections is scored on a scale from 1 to 36. Your total score is the composite average of these four section scores, rounded to the nearest whole number.
How long is the ACT test?
The standard multiple-choice test lasts 2 hours and 55 minutes without breaks. If you opt to take the optional Writing section, the total testing time increases to 3 hours and 35 minutes.
How many times can I retake the ACT?
Students can take the ACT up to 12 times in total. Many colleges allow score choice or superscoring, enabling applicants to submit their highest section scores across multiple test dates.
How should I prepare for the ACT?
Start by reviewing fundamental concepts in English grammar, algebra, geometry, reading comprehension, and data interpretation. Consistent practice with timed mock tests helps build test-taking endurance and speed.
Is the ACT difficult to pass?
The ACT is a competitive assessment without a single passing score; target scores depend on individual college admission requirements. Difficulty stems primarily from strict pacing, requiring efficient time management across all sections.