ACT FAQs
Answers to more than 75 frequently asked questions about the ACT, including the 2025–2026 Enhanced ACT changes, registration, scoring, optional sections, test day, and more.
ACT Basics
The ACT is a standardized college admissions test used by colleges and universities across the United States. It measures readiness for college-level coursework in English, Math, and Reading, with optional Science and Writing sections. Scores are reported on a 1–36 scale.
The core ACT (English, Math, Reading) takes approximately 2 hours and 5 minutes of testing time. Adding optional Science adds 40 minutes. Adding optional Writing adds another 40 minutes. A 10–15 minute break is scheduled after the Math section.
The maximum ACT score is 36. Each section is scored on a 1–36 scale, and the Composite score is the average of English, Math, and Reading, rounded to the nearest whole number.
No. There is no penalty for wrong answers on the ACT. Your score is based only on the number of correct answers. You should answer every question, even if you need to guess.
There is no limit to how many times you can take the ACT. Most students take it 2–3 times. On average, students who initially score between 13 and 29 increase their Composite by about one point when they retest.
There is no official minimum age. The test is designed for high school students, but younger students sometimes take it for academic talent search programs.
The three required sections are English (grammar, punctuation, rhetorical skills), Math (algebra, geometry, trigonometry, statistics), and Reading (comprehension, inference, analysis). Science (data interpretation, reasoning) and Writing (argumentative essay) are optional.
2025–2026 Changes
The ACT underwent its biggest redesign in decades. The test is now shorter with fewer questions and more time per question. Science became optional and no longer counts toward the Composite score. Math answer choices were reduced from 5 to 4. The Composite is now based on English, Math, and Reading only. The dedicated experimental section was removed.
Yes. The core ACT is now about 2 hours and 5 minutes (125 minutes of testing), down from approximately 2 hours 55 minutes under the classic format. The question count dropped from 215 core questions to 131.
The Enhanced ACT launched in April 2025 for national Saturday online test-takers. In September 2025, it became the standard for all national Saturday test administrations, both online and paper.
Students get approximately 18–27% more time per question, depending on the section. Reading saw the largest increase — from about 53 seconds per question to 67 seconds (a 27% increase).
The reduction to 4 answer choices simplifies the elimination process and aligns the ACT more closely with other standardized tests. However, with only 45 questions, each question now carries more weight in the scoring.
The dedicated 20-minute experimental section was removed. Field-test items are now embedded directly within the scored sections — 5 in English, 4 in Math, and 9 in Reading. Students cannot tell which questions are unscored, so it's important to answer every question with full effort. Of the 131 core questions you'll see, only 113 count toward your score.
No. The Enhanced ACT embeds unscored field-test (experimental) questions within each section. These questions are being evaluated for future tests and do not affect your score. You cannot tell which questions are experimental and which are scored, so answer every question with full effort. Of the 131 core questions given, only 113 are scored: 45 in English, 41 in Math, and 27 in Reading.
Students have more time per question, which reduces time pressure. However, the test has fewer easy "warm-up" questions, and the remaining content may lean slightly more toward higher-order analysis. The scoring is equated so that scores across formats remain comparable.
Registration
Create a free MyACT account at my.act.org/account/create. From there, select a test date, choose your test center and format, add optional sections if desired, upload your photo, and pay the registration fee.
The core ACT (English, Math, Reading) costs $68. Adding the optional Writing section is $25. Adding optional Science is $4. Late registration incurs a $40 fee. Test date or center changes cost $48. Four score reports are included in registration.
Register at least 5–6 weeks before your test date to secure your preferred test center and avoid late fees. Popular test centers fill up quickly.
The photo upload deadline is typically the Monday before the Saturday test date. You must upload a clear, current portrait — full face and shoulders, plain background, no filters or emojis. Failure to upload an acceptable photo results in cancellation without a refund.
Yes. You can change your test date, test center, or format through your MyACT account for a $48 change fee. This is usually more cost-effective than cancelling and re-registering.
You can request Standby Testing through your MyACT account. You pay the standby fee ($72) plus the registration fee. Admittance is not guaranteed — it depends on whether the test center has extra seats and materials.
Your registration fee includes four free score reports, provided you list the college codes when you register or by the Thursday following the test date. Additional reports cost $20 each.
Basic registration fees are non-refundable. If you decide not to test, requesting a test date change ($48 fee) to a future date is generally more cost-effective than a total loss.
Scoring & Superscoring
The Composite is the average of your English, Math, and Reading scores, each on a 1–36 scale. Science and Writing do not affect the Composite — they are reported separately.
A superscore is the average of your best individual section scores across multiple ACT test dates. The ACT automatically generates a superscore on your official transcript after you take the test more than once.
Here’s how it works: If you take one test, you have one score. If you take two tests, you have three scores — Score 1, Score 2, and the Superscore (which combines your highest English, Math, and Reading from either sitting).
When sending scores to colleges, you can choose to send scores from a specific test date OR your superscore. Be careful: you do not want to send a superscore to a college that only accepts single-administration scores. Many state universities fall into this category. Always check each college’s score policy before sending.
Here’s how it works: If you take one test, you have one score. If you take two tests, you have three scores — Score 1, Score 2, and the Superscore (which combines your highest English, Math, and Reading from either sitting).
When sending scores to colleges, you can choose to send scores from a specific test date OR your superscore. Be careful: you do not want to send a superscore to a college that only accepts single-administration scores. Many state universities fall into this category. Always check each college’s score policy before sending.
Most colleges accept superscores, but not all. Some institutions, including a few highly selective schools, have stated they will not superscore across the classic and Enhanced ACT formats. Check each college's admissions testing policy.
The national average Composite is typically around 19–20. A score of 30 or above is competitive for many selective schools. Top-tier and Ivy League institutions generally look for scores between 33 and 36.
Multiple-choice scores are typically posted 10–14 days after the test date. If you took the Writing section, the full report takes an additional 2 weeks. Nearly all scores are available within 8 weeks.
Yes. ACT offers Score Choice — you decide which test date's scores to send, or you can send your official Superscore Report. Colleges will see your section scores alongside the dates they were earned.
Your raw score (number of correct answers) is converted to a 1–36 scaled score using a conversion table specific to that test form. This process accounts for slight differences in difficulty between test versions.
Most colleges accept ACT scores for up to five years, though some prefer scores from within the last two years. Check with your target schools for their specific policies.
ACT My Answer Key (formerly called the Test Information Release, or TIR) lets you receive a copy of the test questions, your answers, the correct answers, and the scoring conversion table for that test date. It costs $34 if ordered at registration or $42 if ordered after the test. For the 2025–2026 testing year, it is available for the October, April, and June test dates. You can order it through your MyACT account at act.org. It is a valuable study tool if you plan to retake the test.
Optional Science & Writing
Yes. Since April 2025 for online test-takers and September 2025 for all national administrations, the Science section is optional. It is 40 questions in 40 minutes and costs an additional $4. It does not count toward the Composite score.
If you are applying to STEM programs — engineering, pre-med, computer science, or similar fields — taking Science is strongly recommended. It produces a standalone Science score and a STEM composite (average of Math + Science). At just $4, it's a low-cost way to demonstrate analytical ability. Always verify requirements with your target colleges.
The Science section primarily tests your ability to interpret graphs, tables, and experimental data. It assesses scientific reasoning — not memorized facts. Any necessary scientific context is provided in the passage. Think of it as a data analysis test, not a biology or chemistry exam.
If you take the optional Science section, your STEM score is the average of your Math and Science scores, reported on a 1–36 scale. It provides a specialized metric for STEM-focused college programs.
Generally, no — unless your specific target colleges require or strongly prefer it. Very few institutions still require the ACT essay. The Writing section costs $25 and does not affect your Composite score. Check each school's admissions testing policy before adding it to your registration.
Two graders independently score your essay across four domains: Ideas and Analysis, Development and Support, Organization, and Language Use. Each domain receives a score of 1–6 from each grader. The domain scores are combined to produce a final Writing score on a 2–12 scale.
No. The Writing score is reported separately and has no impact on the Composite score (which is based only on English, Math, and Reading).
If you skip Science and Writing, your score report includes your Composite (average of English, Math, Reading) and individual section scores. You will not have a STEM score, ELA score, or Writing score — but your core Composite is unaffected.
Yes. You can add or remove optional sections through your MyACT account until the late registration deadline for your test date.
Test Day
Bring your printed admission ticket, a valid hard-plastic photo ID matching your registration, No. 2 pencils (for paper testing), an approved calculator, and a snack/water for the break. Leave your phone in your bag or car — it should be completely off during testing.
A valid, hard-plastic photo ID such as a driver's license, passport, or school-issued ID card. The name and photo must match your registration information and uploaded photo.
Plan to arrive by 7:30 a.m. Doors close once testing begins. If you arrive late and the test has started, you will not be admitted.
Yes. A 10–15 minute break is scheduled after the Math section. You must stay in the designated supervised area — you cannot leave the building. Snacks and water are consumed during the break, outside the testing room.
You will likely be dismissed immediately. Your test will not be scored, and your fees will not be refunded. Make sure your phone is completely powered off and stored away.
Most graphing and scientific calculators are permitted during the Math section only. On school-day digital ACT administrations, a Desmos graphing calculator is provided on screen — but on national Saturday test dates (both digital and paper), no calculator is provided, so you must bring your own. Prohibited calculators include those with built-in Computer Algebra Systems (CAS), QWERTY keyboards, or noise-making/wireless capabilities. The TI-84 Plus CE is the most popular choice. Calculators with "CAS" in the model name (TI-89, TI-Nspire CAS, HP Prime) are not allowed.
No. For paper testing, you must use standard No. 2 pencils. Mechanical pencils are not permitted.
For digital testing, scratch paper is provided at the test center — you may not bring your own. For paper testing, no scratch paper is provided or allowed. Instead, you can write directly in your test booklet — use the margins and blank spaces for notes, calculations, and working through problems.
The week before the test, focus on light review rather than intensive studying. Get a good night's sleep, prepare your materials (ID, ticket, pencils, calculator, snack), and familiarize yourself with the route to your test center. Avoid cramming — rest and confidence matter more at this point.
Online vs. Paper
Yes. The ACT offers a digital format at select test centers. It is not a home test — you must take it at an authorized testing site. Some centers offer Bring Your Own Device (BYOD); others provide computers.
No. Unlike the digital SAT, the ACT remains linear. Every student receives the same set of questions in the same order, regardless of their performance.
It depends on the testing context. On school-day ACT administrations (taken at your school during the school day), the digital platform includes a built-in Desmos graphing calculator on screen. On national Saturday test dates, the digital ACT does NOT include any built-in calculator — you must bring your own approved physical calculator. In all cases, you are permitted to bring your own approved graphing or scientific calculator. Prohibited calculators include those with Computer Algebra Systems (CAS), QWERTY keyboards, or wireless connectivity.
Often, yes. Digital test-takers may receive scores within 2–3 business days, while paper test-takers typically wait 2–8 weeks.
Yes. The scoring is equated to ensure that a 30 on the digital test is equivalent to a 30 on the paper test. Content and difficulty are the same across both formats.
Yes. ACT offers full-length digital practice tests on their website to help students familiarize themselves with the interface, tools, and pacing before test day.
No. The test center provides the computer for you. You do not need to bring your own laptop or device to take the digital ACT. Just bring your admission ticket, photo ID, an approved calculator (optional, since one is provided on screen), and any other required materials.
Retakes & Planning
Yes. There is no limit on how many times you can retake the ACT. Most students who retake the test see a score increase, especially if they review their previous results and focus preparation on weaker areas.
Most students take the ACT for the first time in the spring of their junior year. This allows time to evaluate scores and retake the test in the fall of senior year if needed.
Only if your target schools typically expect scores above 32. If your score is already within or above the middle-50% range for your target schools, your time may be better spent strengthening other parts of your application.
Aim for at least 4–5 full-length, timed practice tests to build endurance and develop pacing strategies. Space them out over your preparation period rather than taking them back-to-back.
No. New York does not schedule test centers for the July test date. New York students who want to test in July must travel to a center in another state.
No. You cannot retake individual sections of the ACT. Each time you test, you take the full exam (English, Math, and Reading, plus any optional sections). However, you can build a superscore over multiple attempts by combining your highest section scores from different test dates.
Often, yes. Even a one-point improvement on your Composite can affect scholarship eligibility and admissions competitiveness. Research from the ACT shows that students who initially score between 13 and 29 tend to gain about one point on average when they retest. If your target schools have a narrow score band, that single point could matter.
Students retake the ACT for many reasons: they may have had test-day problems (forgot a calculator, didn’t understand directions), were feeling sick or tired, didn’t prepare as much as planned, experienced test anxiety, believe they can improve based on their score report, or have simply learned more in school since their last attempt. All of these are valid reasons to test again.
Review your previous score report to identify your weakest sections and question types. If available, purchase ACT My Answer Key for a detailed look at exactly which questions you missed. Build a focused study plan around those areas rather than re-studying everything equally. Consider taking timed practice tests under realistic conditions to build endurance and refine your pacing.
No. Colleges do not penalize students for taking the ACT multiple times. With Score Choice, you control which test date’s scores or superscore colleges see. Many admissions offices encourage retesting and will consider your highest scores.
Yes. If you took the ACT through your school’s district testing and also took a national Saturday ACT, both sets of scores appear in your MyACT account and can be combined into a superscore. Make sure to use the same MyACT account for all registrations so your scores are linked.
Accommodations
Your school's Test Accommodations Coordinator (TAC) must submit a request through the Test Accessibility and Accommodations (TAA) system. You will need documentation of your disability, such as an IEP or 504 plan, and a history of receiving the requested accommodations in school.
This is the most common ACT accommodation, giving a student 1.5 times the standard time for each section. It is classified as "National Extended Time."
Yes. If you have a documented disability from a doctor, you can apply using an "Exceptions Statement Form" that explains your need. However, having an IEP or 504 plan significantly strengthens the request.
Typically 10–14 business days. Complex cases can take up to 6 weeks. Start the process at least 6–8 weeks before your test date to allow for review time and any necessary appeals.
Yes. You can submit a "Reconsideration" request with additional supporting evidence if your initial accommodation request is denied.
Yes. Qualified English Learners (EL) can receive up to 50% extended time, small-group testing, and use of an approved word-to-word bilingual dictionary (without definitions) on national test dates.
College Admissions
Many colleges adopted test-optional policies after 2020, but a growing number of selective institutions — including some Ivy League schools — have reinstated testing requirements. Even at test-optional schools, strong ACT scores can strengthen your application and improve merit scholarship eligibility.
Neither test is objectively easier — they test different skills in different ways. The ACT has a straightforward, linear format and includes optional Science. The SAT uses an adaptive digital format with shorter passages. The best way to decide is to take a full practice test of each and see which format suits your strengths. Both are accepted equally by nearly all colleges.
Currently, nearly all Ivy League schools have made the Writing section optional. However, policies change, so always verify directly with each school's admissions office or testing policy page.
It won't help your core Composite score, but a strong Science score can still demonstrate analytical and data-reasoning skills. Whether colleges consider it depends on their policies — check with your target schools.
Rarely. Most merit-based scholarships focus on the core Composite score. A few writing-intensive programs may consider it, but this is uncommon.
Yes — if you do not list any college codes when you register. This lets you see your scores first and decide whether to send them. However, sending scores after the fact costs $20 per additional report beyond your initial four free reports.