ACT: Complete Parent Guide
The ACT is a college admissions test administered by ACT, Inc. It is accepted at all major US colleges and universities, and for many students it’s a better fit than the SAT. Understanding the ACT’s format, scoring, and what makes it different from the SAT helps you help your child make informed decisions.
What Does the ACT Test?
The ACT has four required sections and one optional section:
- English: Grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and rhetorical skills (75 questions, 45 min)
- Mathematics: Pre-algebra through trigonometry, statistics, and some pre-calculus (60 questions, 60 min). Calculators are permitted throughout.
- Reading: Comprehension of prose passages across literary, social science, humanities, and natural science genres (40 questions, 35 min)
- Science: Interpretation of data, research summaries, and scientific reasoning (40 questions, 35 min). Prior science knowledge is minimal — this is a reasoning test, not a content test.
- Writing (optional): One 40-minute essay. Many colleges no longer require the Writing score.
How Is the ACT Scored?
Each of the four required sections is scored on a scale of 1–36. The composite score is the average of all four sections, also on a 1–36 scale. For help reading your child’s score report, see How to Read an ACT Score Report.
What Is a Good ACT Score?
| Composite Score | Approximate Percentile |
|---|---|
| 33–36 | 99th |
| 28–32 | 88th–98th |
| 24–27 | 73rd–87th |
| 20–23 | 50th–72nd |
| Below 20 | Below 50th |
The national average composite score is typically around 20–21. Look up the middle 50% range for each college your child is considering to understand what score is competitive for that institution.
When to Take the ACT
Like the SAT, most students take the ACT for the first time in spring of 11th grade. ACT tests are available in September, October, December, February, April, June, and July. Some states administer the ACT to all 11th graders free of charge during the school day.
ACT Accommodations
Students with documented disabilities can apply for accommodations through ACT, Inc. The process requires documentation from the school, and accommodations must be in use at school currently. Apply well in advance of the test date. See IEP and 504 Accommodations for more on documentation requirements.
How Does the ACT Differ from the SAT?
The key differences are that the ACT includes a Science section, allows calculators throughout Math, uses a 1–36 scale instead of 400–1600, and has a faster pace (more questions per minute). Students who are strong in science reasoning or who prefer calculator-available math often do better on the ACT. For a full comparison, see SAT vs. ACT: Which Should Your Child Take?