ACT: Frequently Asked Questions

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 While you can technically take the ACT as many times as you'd like (click here for 2021-2022 dates), 

• only take one test if you reach your target score on the first try.
• most students take at least two tests with the goal of showing improvement. 
• try not to take more than three officially administered exams. Most colleges will only consider the highest composite score (unless they create a superscore from your best sections). Instead, take as many practice tests as you can. 

A good ACT score gets you accepted into your goal college or university. As a test-taker, start by researching the average ACT scores of incoming freshmen at the colleges you're applying to.  

The ACT Writing test is entirely optional. While most colleges no longer require an essay score, students with strong writing skills are encouraged to set their applications apart from others'.

Thankfully, not much. The ACT Science section more heavily consists of questions that test your ability to read charts and graphs (that range in difficulty) as well as your skill in interpreting data. While a few questions do require a preliminary understanding of science concepts, the majority do not. 

1. Both tests cost roughly $60 out of pocket without the essay sections and fee waivers exist for students who qualify. 
2. While both tests are each roughly 3 hours long without the essay sections, the ACT contains 61 more questions in total than the SAT. 
3. While SAT questions are more trickily worded, the ACT tests more advanced content in Math and Science. 
4. Both tests require heavily require the development of proper pacing and elimination strategies. 

 Start by taking a practice SAT test and a practice ACT test. Evaluate the percentiles of your scores (SAT and ACT) and where you feel more confident with content and pacing, and select the test that helps you put your best foot forward in your college applications! 

 It depends on two things: your starting score and your target score. The farther apart those two numbers are, the longer the necessary prep time! Have questions about building a study plan? 

Send us a message! 

Click here for an interactive tour through an official ACT score report. As you learn about each section of the report, click the "i" symbol for more information.