ACT Preparation
The ACT (American College Testing) is a standardised test used for college admissions primarily in the United States and increasingly for study abroad programs. It assesses a student’s readiness for college-level coursework by evaluating their skills in English, Math, Reading, and Science, with an optional writing section. With multiple test dates globally, students can plan preparation to match their timelines.
Features of the test:
- English:
Focuses on grammar, punctuation, usage, and rhetorical skills. - Mathematics:
Covers pre-algebra, elementary algebra, intermediate algebra, coordinate geometry, and plane geometry. - Reading:
Assesses comprehension and analysis of passages from various academic disciplines. - Science (optional on the Advanced Version) :
Tests interpretation of data, scientific investigation, and evaluation of models.
Writing (Optional):
Requires a 40-minute essay responding to a prompt with multiple perspectives.
ACT scoring
The ACT is scored on a scale of 1 to 36 for each of the four subject tests (English, Math, Reading, and Science). The composite score is the average of these four scores, also on a scale of 1-36.
Writing Test:
The optional writing test is scored separately (2-12), and does not affect the composite score.
Why choose the ACT
High school students planning to attend college in the US, particularly those who excel in science and math, or those who prefer a faster-paced test format, are often good candidates for the ACT.
ACT vs SAT
There are a number of features to consider while choosing between the two tests.
ACT: If you are strong in science, enjoy data analysis and problem-solving, and prefer a faster-paced test, the ACT might be a good fit.
SAT: If you excel in math (including algebra), reading comprehension, and English, and prefer a less time-constrained test, the SAT might be more suitable.
Test Format:
ACT: The ACT has a science section that focuses on data analysis and interpretation rather than specific science knowledge.
SAT: The SAT has a digital format, and while it includes a math section, it tends to focus more on algebra.
College Requirements:
ACT: While most US colleges accept both the ACT and SAT, some may have a preference or require one over the other. It’s crucial to check the admissions requirements of the specific colleges you’re interested in.
| Test | Questions | Time | Content Covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 50 questions | 35 minutes | Measures standard written English knowledge and skills along with English language conventions |
| Mathematics | 45 questions | 50 minutes | Measures mathematical skills students have typically acquired in courses taken up to the beginning of grade 12 |
| Reading | 36 questions | 40 minutes | Measures reading comprehension |
| Science | 40 questions | 40 minutes | Measures the interpretation, analysis, evaluation, reasoning, and problem-solving skills required in the natural sciences |
| Writing (optional) | 1 prompt | 40 minutes | Measures writing skills emphasized in high school English classes and in entry-level college composition courses |
The mathematics test presents multiple choice questions designed to assess the mathematical reasoning skills that are prerequisites to successful performance in entry-level courses in college mathematics. Most questions are self contained, but some may belong to a set of several questions. Use of a permitted calculator is allowed for the entirety of the Mathematics section.
| Reporting Category | Concepts Tested | Weightage |
|---|---|---|
| Number and Quantity |
|
10-12% |
| Algebra |
|
17-20% |
| Functions |
|
17–20% |
| Geometry |
|
27-30% |
| Data Interpretation |
|
27-30% |
SCIENCE: If you are taking the optional science section, it will be administered after the reading test. The science section measures the interpretation, analysis, evaluation, reasoning, and problem-solving skills required in the natural sciences. The test presents several sets of scientific information in the form of reading passages and graphic representations, followed by a number of multiple-choice questions. Use of a calculator is not permitted
There are about 6-7 passages in total in the Science section.
Each passage is followed by 5-7 questions.
These are the three types of Passages in the ACT Science section:
- Data Representation (26-32%)
- Research Summaries (50-56%)
- Conflicting Viewpoints (18-21%)
Why Choose our ACT Prep?
Our ACT course offers:
- 24 classes (1.5 hours each), including 10 for English, 10 for Mathematics, and 4 for Science.
- Access to TestPrep36, our simulation portal that replicates the real exam.
- Individual or batch-based learning for maximum convenience.
- Comprehensive coaching that combines strategy, practice, and confidence-building.
