ACT
TypePaper-based and computer based standardized test
Developer / administratorACT, Inc.
Knowledge / skills testedEnglish, math, reading, science, writing (optional).
PurposeUndergraduate admissions (mostly in the US and Canadian universities or colleges).
Year started1959 (1959)
DurationEnglish: 45 minutes,
Math: 60 minutes,
Reading: 35 minutes,
Science: 35 minutes,
Optional writing test: 40 minutes.
Total: 3 hours and 35 minutes (excluding breaks).
Score / grade rangeComposite score: 1 to 36,
Subscore (for each of the four subject areas): 1 to 36.
(All in 1-point increments.)
OfferedUS and Canada: 7 times a year.
Other countries: 5 times a year.
Countries / regionsWorldwide
LanguagesEnglish
Prerequisites / eligibility criteriaNo official prerequisite. Intended for high school students. Fluency in English assumed.
FeeWithout writing: US$46.00.
With writing: US$62.50.
Outside the US or Canada: $47.50 surcharge in addition to the above amounts (Fee waivers are available for 11th or 12th grade students who are US citizens or testing in the US or US territories, and have demonstrated financial need.)
Scores / grades used byColleges or universities offering undergraduate programs (mostly in the US and Canada).
Websitewww.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act.html