Introduction

The ACT (American College Testing) is a standardized test widely used for college admissions in the United States and Canada. It assesses high school students’ academic readiness for college through multiple-choice tests in English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science, with an optional Writing section. The ACT is a crucial component of the college application process for many students, and understanding its structure, benefits, and preparation strategies is essential.

ACT 2024 Exam Highlights

Exam Name: ACT
Official Website: ACT
Duration of Exam: 2 hours and 55 minutes
Popularly Given for: Undergraduate admissions in US & Canada
Administered by: ACT, Incorporated
Mode of Examination: Online

ACT Fee for Indians

Full ACT exam with no Writing: $186.50 (approx ₹15,603.51)
Full ACT exam with Writing: $211.50 + $25.00 (approx ₹17,695.14 + ₹2091.62)

These fees include reports for you and up to 4 colleges, provided their codes are given during registration.

Scoring

Range: 1 – 36

Contact Info

Phone: 319-337-1270

ACT Full Form

The full form of ACT is American College Testing. This test assesses high school applicants for their readiness to attend college based on their knowledge in Maths, Science, and English. Most US universities accept ACT scores from international students for admission purposes. Applicants must check if universities are test-optional, which means they may not require ACT scores unless the applicant wishes to submit them.

ACT 2024 Eligibility

The ACT test is primarily for high school students, but there are no specific eligibility criteria. People of all ages and grade levels are eligible to take the ACT.

ACT Exam Fee for Non-US Students 2024

All ACT exam fees are non-refundable. Students are advised to take the ACT test when they are prepared. Here are the details:

Registration Fee without Writing: $186.50
Registration Fee with Writing: $211.50
Late Registration Fee: $38
Change Fee: $44
Score Reports to 5th and 6th Colleges/Universities: $19
Request for Additional Reports: $19

ACT Exam 2024 Test Centres in India

The ACT exam is conducted at test centers in various cities in India, including:

Ahmedabad
Ajmer
Bangalore
Bhopal
Bhubaneshwar
Chennai
Dehradun
Fatehpur
Gurgaon
Hyderabad
Indore
Jaipur
Kodaikanal
Kolkata
Mohali
Mumbai
Mussoorie
New Delhi
Noida
Pune
Vadodara

ACT Pattern

Here is the ACT paper pattern for prospective students applying for undergraduate admissions:

ACT Subjects	Test Duration	Sub-sections	Total Questions
English	45 minutes	Usage/Mechanics, Rhetorical Skills	75 Questions
Math	60 minutes	Pre-algebra, Elementary Algebra, Intermediate Algebra, Coordinate Geometry, Plane Geometry, Trigonometry	60 Questions
Reading	35 minutes	Social Studies, Natural Science, Fiction, Humanities	40 Questions
Science	35 minutes	Data Representation, Research Summaries, Conflicting Viewpoints	40 Questions
Optional Writing Test	40 minutes	One Writing Prompt	N/A

Scoring in ACT 2024

Each section of the ACT is scored on a 1 to 36-point scale. The composite score is the average of all four tests. Students taking the optional writing test will receive a writing score ranging from 1 to 36, which does not affect the composite score.

Average ACT Scores by Section

English: 20.3
Math: 20.9
Reading: 21.3
Science: 20.8
Composite: 21.0

ACT Syllabus 2024

ACT English Section

The ACT English section tests the student’s ability to understand and use the basics of the English language. The topics covered include:

Usage/Mechanics:
Punctuation
Grammar and Usage
Sentence Structure
Rhetorical Skills:
Strategy
Organization
Style

ACT Mathematics Section

The Mathematics section covers various topics:

Pre-Algebra/Elementary Algebra:
Pre-Algebra: Whole numbers, decimals, fractions, integers, ratios, percentages, and probabilities.
Elementary Algebra: Algebraic expressions, exponents, square roots, linear equations.
Intermediate Algebra/Coordinate Geometry:
Intermediate Algebra: Rational expressions, quadratic formulas, sequences, patterns.
Coordinate Geometry: Graphing, lines, points, slopes, distances, conics.
Plane Geometry/Trigonometry:
Plane Geometry: Properties of plane figures, angles, triangles, circles, transformations.
Trigonometry: Trigonometric functions, right triangles, identities, equations.

ACT Reading Section

The Reading section includes passages from different areas:

Social Studies: Biography, anthropology, psychology, history, political science.
Natural Sciences: Biology, ecology, geology, physics, chemistry.
Literary Narrative or Prose Fiction: Novels, memoirs, short stories, personal essays.
Humanities: Art, dance, film, philosophy, music, ethics, theatre.

ACT Science Section

The Science section covers:

Data Representation: Graphs, tables, scatterplots.
Research Summaries: Experimental design and results.
Conflicting Viewpoints: Analysis and comparison of alternative hypotheses.

When Should I Take the ACT?

Most high school students take the ACT during the spring of their junior year or fall of their senior year. It’s essential to leave time to retake the test if you need to raise your score before applying to college. The ACT exam is offered nationally every year in September, October, December, February, April, June, and July.

How Long is the ACT?

The ACT is 2 hours and 55 minutes long. If you choose to take the ACT with Essay, the test will be 3 hours and 35 minutes long.

How is the ACT Scored?

Each section of the ACT is scored on a 1 to 36-point scale. Your composite ACT score is the average of your four section scores. If you take the ACT with Writing Test, you will receive a separate score on the Writing Test.

Requirements for ACT Registration

To register for the ACT, you need:

A computer or laptop with an internet connection
Details about high school courses
Credit/debit card
Headshot photo

The entire registration process takes approximately 40 – 50 minutes.

Online Registration Steps

Create an account on the official ACT website.
Choose a test day and location that is convenient for you.
Create your profile, fill out the application request, upload the needed papers, and confirm your registration.
Pay the exam fee using a debit or credit card, or pay online.
Registration deadlines are normally three to four weeks before the test date.

Quick Facts About the ACT

All colleges treat SAT and ACT at par (with a few rare exceptions) for undergraduate admissions.
The ACT has become a computer-based test outside the US.
The official website for ACT test registration is https://www.act.org.
Fees for test registration: With Writing – USD 206.5, Without Writing – USD 181.50.
The ACT is conducted 7 times a year: February, April, June, July, August, September, October.
The test is 2 hrs 55 minutes without an essay and 3 hrs 35 minutes with an essay.
The English test has 75 questions with a duration of 45 minutes.
The Math test has 60 questions with a duration of 60 minutes.
The Reading test has 40 questions with a duration of 35 minutes.
The Science test has 40 questions with a duration of 35 minutes.
The Writing (optional) test has 1 question and is of 40 minutes.
English, Math, Reading, and Science tests are scored on a scale of 1 to 36, and the composite ACT score is the average of these four tests.

Can I Take the ACT Exam in India?

Yes, you can take the ACT exam in India. Create an ACT Web account online to register if you intend to take the test at one of the Indian testing facilities. Select a test time and location, create a student profile, finish the application request, and provide the necessary supporting documentation. Use a credit/debit card or an online money transfer to pay the exam price.

How Many Times is the ACT Test Conducted in India?

The ACT is offered seven times a year, giving students multiple opportunities to take the test. The registration deadlines vary depending on the test date.

Who is Eligible for the ACT Test?

Anyone can take the ACT, regardless of age or grade level. This includes students in grades 6, 7, 8, and 9 as well as recent high school graduates. You will need to enroll

and pay the test fees.

ACT Test Requirements

After confirming your ACT eligibility, the next step is to complete your ACT test requirements, which include registering for the exam and paying the fees. Here is a step-by-step guide to applying for the ACT exam:

Register and create your account on the ACT website.
Provide all your contact details and personal information.
Share your high school academic and extracurricular activities.
Provide information on your ideal colleges and career options.
Choose an appropriate test day and location that works for you.
Prepare a scanned photo, which will be printed on the admission ticket.
Pay the applicable fees.
Download the admission ticket.

Facts About ACT

The ACT test is a curriculum-based exam that evaluates what the student has learned in school.
The ACT test consists of four sections – English, Reading, Mathematics, and Science, in addition to an optional 40-minute writing test.
The test scores are used by all four-year colleges and universities in the United States to supplement a candidate’s high school records, recommendation letters, and other qualifications for undergraduate-level study.
You need to have complete high school-level knowledge to take the ACT exam.
The test is conducted six times a year in the US, US territories, Puerto Rico, and Canada. And it is held on five test dates in other countries.
The ACT exam pattern does not have any negative markings, so you can guess answers without worrying about penalties.

Preparation Tips for ACT 2024

Preparing for the ACT requires a strategic approach to study. Here are some tips to help you succeed:

Understand the Test Format: Familiarize yourself with the test structure and types of questions.
Create a Study Plan: Develop a study schedule that covers all sections of the ACT.
Use Official Study Materials: Utilize resources from the ACT official website and other reputable sources.
Take Practice Tests: Regularly take practice tests to gauge your progress and identify areas for improvement.
Focus on Weak Areas: Spend more time strengthening your weak areas.
Join a Study Group: Studying with peers can provide motivation and different perspectives on solving problems.
Stay Healthy: Maintain a balanced diet, get regular exercise, and ensure you get enough sleep.

Conclusion

The ACT is a crucial test for students aspiring to pursue undergraduate education in the US and Canada. By understanding its structure, preparing effectively, and utilizing the resources available, students can enhance their chances of achieving a high score. The ACT not only tests academic knowledge but also evaluates critical thinking and problem-solving skills, essential for success in college and beyond.

FAQs

Is the ACT Test Compulsory for College Admissions?

While many colleges require ACT scores for admission, some institutions have adopted test-optional policies. Check with the specific colleges you are interested in for their requirements.

How Many Times Can I Take the ACT?

You can take the ACT as many times as you wish. Most students take the test more than once to improve their scores.

What is the Difference Between the ACT and SAT?

Both the ACT and SAT are standardized tests used for college admissions. The ACT includes a Science section and has an optional Writing test, while the SAT does not have a dedicated Science section.

Can I Use a Calculator on the ACT?

Yes, you can use a calculator on the Mathematics section of the ACT. However, there are restrictions on the types of calculators allowed.

How Long Does it Take to Get ACT Scores?

ACT scores are typically available online two to eight weeks after the test date. Writing scores may take an additional two weeks.

What is a Good ACT Score?

A good ACT score varies by college and program. Generally, a composite score of 24 or higher is considered good, but top-tier colleges may require higher scores.

How Do I Send My ACT Scores to Colleges?

You can send your ACT scores to colleges during the registration process or after you receive your scores. There is a fee for sending scores to additional colleges beyond the four included in the registration fee.

Can I Cancel My ACT Scores?

Yes, you can cancel your ACT scores before they are sent to colleges. Contact ACT customer service for details on how to cancel your scores.

How Do I Register for the ACT?

Register for the ACT online through the official ACT website. Create an account, choose a test date and location, provide the necessary information, and pay the registration fee.

What Should I Bring on Test Day?

Bring a printed copy of your admission ticket, a valid photo ID, an approved calculator, and several No. 2 pencils.

By understanding the intricacies of the ACT, including its structure, preparation strategies, and registration process, you can approach the test with confidence and aim for a high score. Good luck!

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