ACT Digital Guide
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What is the Digital ACT?
- Paper-based or digital (digital available at most test centers in 2025).
- Shorter: 2 hours 55 minutes (175 minutes) for the main test (English, Math, Reading, Science), 3 hours 35 minutes with optional Writing.
- Four sections: English (75 questions, 45 min), Math (60 questions, 60 min), Reading (40 questions, 35 min), Science (40 questions, 35 min).
- Optional: Writing (1 essay, 40 min).
- Composite score is the average of English, Math, Reading, and Science (1–36 each).
- Calculator allowed on the entire Math section.
The ACT is scored out of 36. Your composite is the average of English, Math, Reading, and Science. The optional Writing section is scored separately.
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2025 ACT Test Dates
| ACT Test Date | Registration Deadline | Late Registration Deadline | Score Release Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 8, 2025 | January 10, 2025 | January 24, 2025 | February 25, 2025 |
| April 5, 2025 | March 7, 2025 | March 21, 2025 | April 22, 2025 |
| June 14, 2025 | May 16, 2025 | May 30, 2025 | June 24, 2025 |
| July 12, 2025 | June 13, 2025 | June 27, 2025 | July 22, 2025 |
| September 13, 2025 | August 15, 2025 | August 29, 2025 | September 23, 2025 |
| October 25, 2025 | September 26, 2025 | October 10, 2025 | November 11, 2025 |
| December 13, 2025 | November 14, 2025 | November 28, 2025 | December 23, 2025 |
A Closer Look: ACT Structure
Five passages with 15 questions each. Focuses on grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and rhetorical skills. Average pace: 36 seconds per question.
Tip: Brush up on common grammar rules and practice editing for clarity and conciseness!
Covers algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and basic statistics. Calculator allowed for all questions. Questions increase in difficulty.
Did you know? The ACT Math section includes more geometry and trigonometry than the SAT!
Four long passages (literary narrative, social science, humanities, natural science) with 10 questions each. Tests reading comprehension, main ideas, details, and inference.
Quick Fact: The pace is fast-less than 9 minutes per passage!
Seven short passages with graphs, charts, and experiments. Focuses on data analysis and scientific reasoning-not memorization.
Tip: Practice interpreting graphs and tables quickly!
Analyze a complex issue and develop an argument. Scored separately (2–12). Not required by most colleges.
Note: Check if your colleges require the ACT Writing section before signing up!
What is a Good ACT Score?
- National Average (2024): 0
- Above Average: 22+
- Competitive: 28+ (top 10%)
- Excellent: 32+ (top 5%)
- Ivy League: 34–36
Tip: A "good" ACT score is one that meets or exceeds the 75th percentile at your target colleges!
2024 ACT Stats:
Average English: 19.0 | Average Math: 19.3
1.4 million students took the ACT in 2024
Average English: 19.0 | Average Math: 19.3
1.4 million students took the ACT in 2024
College ACT Score Requirements
| College/University | Average ACT Score |
|---|---|
| Harvard University | 34 |
| MIT | 35 |
| Stanford University | 34 |
| Princeton University | 34 |
| Yale University | 34 |
| University of Chicago | 34 |
| Rice University | 34 |
| Vanderbilt University | 34 |
| UCLA | 31 |
| UC Berkeley | 32 |
| NYU | 32 |
| University of Michigan | 33 |
| USC | 32 |
| University of Florida | 30 |
| Texas A&M | 29 |
| UT Austin | 30 |
| Rutgers | 29 |
| University of Georgia | 30 |
| Georgia Tech | 33 |
| Arizona State University | 26 |
| Colorado State University | 25 |
| University of Washington | 30 |
| Boston University | 32 |
| University of Wisconsin–Madison | 30 |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | 30 |
| Indiana University Bloomington | 28 |
| University of Minnesota | 28 |
| Florida State University | 29 |
| University of Maryland | 31 |
| University of Pittsburgh | 29 |
Compare your ACT score to the averages for your target schools. Aim for the 75th percentile or higher for the best chance of admission and scholarships.
ACT vs SAT: Which Test is Right for You?
| Feature | ACT | SAT |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Paper & Digital | Digital (as of 2024) |
| Length | 2 hrs 55 min (+40 min essay) | 2 hrs 14 min |
| Sections | English, Math, Reading, Science, (optional Writing) | Reading & Writing, Math |
| Math Calculator | Allowed on all questions | Allowed on all questions |
| Science Section | Yes (dedicated Science section) | No (science in Reading/Writing) |
| Math Content | More geometry/trig, straightforward math | More algebra/data analysis, some advanced math |
| Reading Style | Longer passages, several questions per passage | Short passages, one per question |
| Scoring | 1–36 per section, averaged for composite (36 max) | 400–1600 (800 Math, 800 Reading & Writing) |
| Guessing Penalty | None | None |
| Best for | Fast readers, science lovers, like straightforward questions | Strong readers, prefer digital, algebra/data analysis |
How to Raise Your ACT Score
Simulate real test conditions by taking full-length, timed ACT practice exams. This helps you build endurance, identify strengths and weaknesses, and get comfortable with the format. Review your mistakes after each test to target your study.
Set time goals for each section and practice answering questions efficiently. Use a timer to ensure you are not spending too long on any one question. The ACT is fast-paced-practice to improve speed without sacrificing accuracy.
After each practice session, review your incorrect answers and determine the reason for each mistake. Identify patterns in your errors and target those topics in your study sessions. This focused approach leads to faster improvement.
Use official ACT practice tests and questions from ACT.org, as well as reputable prep books and online platforms. Quality practice is more effective than quantity-focus on realistic questions and thorough review.
Personalized guidance can make a huge difference. Our expert tutors help you create a custom study plan, master test strategies, and stay accountable.
Contact Us for ACT Tutoring
Contact Us for ACT Tutoring
ACT Frequently Asked Questions
You can take the ACT as many times as you want. Most students take it two or more times to improve their score.
Register online at ACT.org. Choose your test date and location, and pay the registration fee.
Yes and No. Many colleges now prefer you submit the SAT or ACT. Always check the admissions requirements for each school.
Each section (English, Math, Reading, Science) is scored 1–36. Your composite is the average of the four. The optional Writing section is scored 2–12 and reported separately.
Yes, for all math questions. Bring an approved calculator (see ACT.org for details).
Practice tests, targeted review, and working with a tutor or prep program are highly effective.