Overview of the Current ACT

Here is the current structure of the Enhanced ACT as of the 2025–2026 testing year, including section details, timing, scoring, and format options.

Current Section Breakdown

Section	Total Questions	Scored Questions	Time	Answer Choices	Status
English	50	45	35 minutes	4	Required (core)
Math	45	41	50 minutes	4	Required (core)
Reading	36	27	40 minutes	4	Required (core)
Science	40	~34	40 minutes	4	Optional (+$4)
Writing	1 essay	—	40 minutes	—	Optional (+$25)

Total Testing Time

Core only: approximately 2 hours 5 minutes. With optional Science: approximately 2 hours 45 minutes. With Science + Writing: approximately 3 hours 25 minutes. A 10–15 minute break is scheduled after the Math section.

What Each Section Tests

English (50 questions, 35 min)

Tests grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, rhetorical strategy, and writing organization. Passages include various text types, and every question now includes an explicit question stem. One passage will be an argumentative essay.

Math (45 questions, 50 min)

Covers algebra, functions, geometry, statistics, and trigonometry. Calculator permitted throughout. 4 answer choices per question. Emphasizes college-level algebra and coordinate geometry, with fewer basic arithmetic problems than the classic format.

Reading (36 questions, 40 min)

Four passages (9 questions each): Literary Narrative, Social Science, Humanities, and Natural Science. Tests comprehension, inference, tone, purpose, and evidence analysis. One set may be a paired passage.

Science — Optional (40 questions, 40 min)

Tests data interpretation, scientific reasoning, and evaluation of experimental design. Does not require advanced science knowledge — context is provided. Recommended for STEM applicants.

Writing — Optional (1 essay, 40 min)

Presents three perspectives on a complex issue. Students must evaluate the perspectives and present their own position with supporting reasoning. Scored 2–12 by two graders across four domains.

Understanding Your Scores

Composite Score

The average of your English, Math, and Reading scores, rounded to the nearest whole number. Reported on a 1–36 scale. This is the primary score colleges see.

STEM Score

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. Useful for demonstrating quantitative and analytical ability to STEM-focused programs.

ELA Score

If you take the optional Writing section, your ELA (English Language Arts) score is the average of your English, Reading, and Writing scores. Reported on a 1–36 scale.

Section Scores

Each section is scored individually on a 1–36 scale. Your raw score (number correct) is converted to a scaled score using a table specific to that test form. There is no penalty for wrong answers — always answer every question.

Online vs. Paper

Digital ACT

School-day administrations include a built-in Desmos graphing calculator; national Saturday dates do NOT include any built-in calculator
Flag for Review, Answer Masking, Line Reader, Highlighter tools
Scratch paper provided at the test center
One question at a time with on-screen timer
Not adaptive — linear format, same questions for all
Scores may be available in as few as 2–3 business days
Some centers offer Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)

Paper ACT

Bring your own approved calculator
No. 2 pencils required (no mechanical pencils)
Can annotate directly on test booklet
No scratch paper provided — write directly in the test booklet margins and blank spaces
Score turnaround typically 2–8 weeks
Familiar pencil-and-paper experience

Both formats use the same content, difficulty level, and scoring scale. A score of 30 on the digital ACT is equivalent to a 30 on the paper ACT. Choose the format that best suits your comfort level and test-taking style.

Register for the ACT

Create a MyACT Account

Your first step is creating a free MyACT account. You'll use it to register, choose your test center and date, upload your photo, and view your scores.

Create Account at MyACT →

Register for a Test Date

Choose your preferred date and test center. Register at least 5–6 weeks in advance to secure your spot and avoid late fees.