What to Expect on the ACT
Test Structure Information
Total Testing Time: 2 hours 14 minutes
Components:
1. Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
2. Math
3. Essay (optional)
Important Features:
– Focus on the knowledge, skills, and understandings that research has identified as most important for college and career readines and success
– Greater emphasis on the meaning of words in extended contexts and on how word choice shapes mearning, tone, and impact
– Rights-only scoring (no penalty for guessing)
Essay:
– Optional and given at the end of the SAT: Postsecondary institutions determine whether they will require the Essay for admission
– 50 minutes to write the essay
– Tests reading, analysis, and writing skills; students produce a written analysis of a provided source text
Score Reporting:
– Scale ranging from 400 to 1600
– Scale raning from 200 to 800 for Evidence-Based Reading and Writing; 200 to 800 points for Math; 2 to 8 on each of three dimensions for Essay
– Essay results reported separately
Subscore Reporting:
– Subscores for every test, providing added insight for students, parents, admission officers, educators, and counselors
Testing Length and Timing:
Reading and Writing: 64 minutes allotted with 54 questions/tasks
Math: 70 minutes allotted with 44 questions/tasks
Total: 134 minutes allotted with 98 questions/tasks