Overview of ACT Exams 2021

The full ACT consists of four multiple-choice sections—in English, mathematics, reading, and science—with an optional writing section. Some colleges and universities require or accept ACT writing scores, so you may consider taking the writing section.

Test	Questions	Minutes per Test
English	75	45
Mathematics 60 60	60	60
Reading 40 35	40	35
Science 40 35	40	35
Writing (optional) 1 essay 40	1	40

Test Formats for ACT National Testing

The full ACT is now offered nationally in both paper and online formats. Students who have taken the full ACT at least once in 2016 or later will be able to retake individual sections during any of the National test dates through ACT Section Retesting.

A section retest is an online only test option that offers a way to help you focus on individual ACT sections. Students can take up to 3 sections during one testing date and can choose in which order the sections are taken.

ACT tries out questions on National test dates to develop future tests. Your test may include questions that will not count towards your score.

These questions may be blended in with the questions that do not count towards your score or will be presented in a 5th test that will not be reflected on your reported scores. Please try your best on these questions. Your participation can help shape ACT’s future.

With blended questions, your time will be extended to allow for the additional questions.

Test	Questions	Minutes per Test
English	90	55
Mathematics 60 60	65	65
Reading 40 35	50	45
Science 40 35	47	45
Writing (optional) 1 essay 40	1	40

Test Strategies for the ACT

Each multiple-choice section contains questions with either four or five answers from which you are to choose the correct, or best, answer.

The ACT measures the knowledge, understanding, and skills you have acquired throughout your years in school.

Because of this, it is unlikely that a “cram” course can improve your scores. However, it is a good idea to do some test preparation to be familiar with the tests and what to expect on test day.

Here are three strategies to help you prepare for the ACT:

Get familiar with the content of the sections.

Review the information in this booklet. Note which content areas make up a large proportion of the sections. The topics included in each content area are examples of possible topics; they do not include all possibilities.

Update your knowledge and skills in the content areas.

Review content areas that you have studied but are not fresh in your mind. Refresh your knowledge in the content areas that make up large portions of the test.

Study content areas you are not familiar with.

If some content areas of the ACT are unfamiliar to you, consider taking coursework in those areas before you take the test.

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