The ACT is a standardized test that is conducted to measure the readiness of students who wish to seek admission to various global universities or schools. The ACT score of a student is considered along with other factors by universities before deciding on admission. This computer-based test is accepted not just by various US universities but also other top universities of Canada, Australia, Europe, India, New Zealand, etc. Students can consider taking up SAT as well, especially if time is on their side. This approach will allow them to send the best scores to the institutes they wish to enrol in.
ACT Test Overview
The duration of the ACT is 3 hours and 35 minutes and the students are required to attempt questions that are spread across four subject areas – English, Math, Science Reasoning, and Reading. There’s an optional writing test as well. The ACT scoring is on a scale of 1-36. As there is no negative marking in the test, students are advised to guess on questions that are tough for them to crack.
English
This section measures the student’s English grammar usage, punctuation, sentence structure, and overall usage of the language. The English section includes 75 questions that need to be attempted within 45 minutes. This section has five passages which are followed by several multiple-choice questions.
Math
Comprising 60 questions, the Math section requires students to attempt all of them within 60 minutes. The unique aspect of this section is its ability to test students on different aspects of mathematics, including basic arithmetic, trigonometry, geometry, algebra, etc. The multiple-choice questions that are included in this section will prompt students to use their reasoning skills in attempting them. Students are allowed to use certain calculators while attempting questions in this section.
Science
In this section, there are 40 questions that students need to answer in 35 minutes. Altogether there seven passages with several questions on data presentation. This section also includes hypothesis or theories related to specific scientific concepts and experimental studies and their outcomes. The section helps decide on the candidate’s skills in natural sciences, including reasoning, interpretation, problem-solving, evaluation, and analysis.
Reading
This section includes 40 questions that need to be attempted by students in 35 minutes. There will be four passages in the Reading section on different topics like history, psychology, social sciences, natural sciences, etc. Following these passages will be a few multiple-choice questions that measure the candidate’s supportive and complementary skills across different subject areas. This section will also determine the candidate’s ability to understand different statements and their hidden meanings.
Writing (Optional)
This optional section is designed to measure the candidate’s analytical and writing abilities. The section that needs to be attempted within 40 minutes includes writing prompt wherein an issue will be described to you. You will be required to clear your position on that issue. You have the liberty to make an alternate view on the issue presented to you.
What scores are preferred by top universities?
Given below is the list of top US universities with their ACT cut-offs based on the data a few years back:
California Institute of Technology
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Brown University
Carnegie Mellon University
Columbia University
Dartmouth University
Harvard University
John Hopkins University
Northwestern University
Princeton University
Rice University
Stanford University
University of Pennsylvania
Notre Dame University
36
35
34
34
34
34
34
34
34
34
34
34
34
34
34
Yale University
Amherst University
Boston University
Tufts University
University of Michigan
Williams College
Carleton College
Emory University
Georgetown University
Georgia Tech
Hamilton College
Haverford College
Tufts University
University of Michigan
Williams College
34
34
34
34
34
34
33
33
33
33
33
33
33
33
33
33
Non-US Universities accepting ACT scores
University Country Average Composite ACT Score
Barcelona Technology School Spain 16
Kwangwoon University South Korea 18
Meiji University Japan 18
Brunel University London United Kingdom 18
Donghua University China 18
Hays International College Australia 18
University of Warsaw Poland 19
University of Reading United Kingdom 19
Bina Nusantara University Indonesia 19
University of Lethbridge Calgary Canada 20
College of New Caledonia Canada 20
Columbia College Canada 20
University of Iceland Iceland 20
Ulster University United Kingdom 20
University of Groningen Netherlands 20
Afyon Kocatepe University Turkey 20
Fairleigh Dickinson University Canada 20
National University of San Marcos Peru 20
University of Costa Rica Costa Rica 21
Martin College Australia 21
University of Salento Italy 21
Southeast University China 21
Izmir Ekonomi University Turkey 21
University of Cagliari Italy 21
University of Moncton Canada 21
LaSalle College Canada 21
Baskent University Turkey 21
Curtin University Perth Australia 21
Dankook University South Korea 21
Wrexham Glyndwr University United Kingdom 21
Endeavour College of Natural Health Australia 21
Yeditepe University Turkey 21
Leiden University Netherlands 21
Jonkoping University Sweden 21
St Clair College Canada 21
Holland College Canada 21
University of Ottawa Canada 21
University of Lubeck Germany 21
Isik University Turkey 21
Mediterranean College Greece 21
Firat University Turkey 21
La Trobe University Australia 21
Lakeland College Vermillion Canada 21
University of Cumbria United Kingdom 22
Simon Fraser University Surrey United Kingdom 22
University of Brescia Italy 22
University of the Arts London United Kingdom 22
Regents University London United Kingdom 22
James Cook University Australia 22
Trinity Western University Canada 22
Leeds Trinity University United Kingdom 22
Queens University Canada 23
Canadian College Canada 23
Koc University Turkey Turkey 23
De La Salle University Philippines 23
Georgian College Canada 23
National Central University Taiwan 23
University of Winchester United Kingdom 23
The University of Bradford United Kingdom 23
London South Bank University United Kingdom 24
Hult International Business School China 24
Kingston University London United Kingdom 24
Glasgow Caledonian University United Kingdom 24
Ankara University Turkey 24
Hacettepe University Turkey 24
University of Guelph Canada 24
What are the passing scores and what do the scores represent?
There is no such thing as a passing score in the ACT as is with most standardized tests. The higher your ACT score, the greater are your chances of securing admission to a top university or school. Also, your ACT scores are indicative of your strengths and weaknesses in different subject areas. In interpreting your scores accurately, you can pay more attention to areas that you are weak in and excel in them subsequently.
One of the most essential components of securing college admission is to understand your ACT scores. In a way, the test score reflects your competitiveness as a student and highlights the next important steps you need to take for making progress in your chosen field.
If you want to figure out how you compare with other students taking up the ACT, you need to have a look at your percentile score. This score indicates the percentage of students who have scored lesser than you. For example, if your score is in the 85th percentile, then it means you have scored equivalent or more than 85% of students who have taken up the same test. Students can always refer to ‘Detailed Results’ to check out the breakdown of how well they have done in each section and sub-sections.
Edument approach for your ACT preparation
When it comes to preparing you for the ACT, Edument leaves no stone unturned. Our approach for all standardized tests, including the ACT, is unique and effective. Our ACT experts help students follow a well-designed schedule of lectures so they can prepare for the test in the best possible way. Our practice sections are so developed that it becomes easier for you to cover various areas of the ACT. Also, to make your ACT preparation effective and worthwhile, we introduce to you ACT video lectures that come with useful and easy to implement techniques.
Our friendly and experienced ACT tutors can be contacted anytime by students for clearing doubts. Whatever difficulties you may face or problem areas you are stuck in; expect our tutors to help you get out of them easily.
Flexibility is guaranteed when you choose to prepare for your ACT with Edument. As a student, you can choose the speed you want to prepare for the test. Usually, our ACT course is designed to be completed within 12 weeks. However, based on your requirements and comfort level, this can be changed accordingly.
Students are encouraged to take up specifically designed computer-aided simulated tests and study units during their course period with us. Our ACT experts also work closely with students in building a strong foundation in math concepts, grammar, reading and reasoning skills. Students will also be trained in improving their essay writing skills.
Where to book your ACT exam?
You need to prepare well in advance for your ACT. At Edument, we have experienced and friendly ACT tutors to guide you through and monitor your progress. Get in touch with us anytime to discuss on how we can help you clear this test easily. However, to book your ACT, you need to visit the official website of ACT and register yourself there.
After visiting the website: http://global.act.org/, you need to provide all the details required for the registration, including email address and password. If you have created an account, you just need to log in using your details. Else, create a MyACT account and get going. If you need any help during registration, you can check out FAQs listed on the website or contact ACT support staff directly.