Frequently Asked Questions About the ACT
What is the Enhanced ACT?
The Enhanced ACT is the current version of the ACT college admissions test. It consists of three required sections that determine your ACT Composite Score, plus an optional Science section and an optional Writing (Essay) section.
The Composite Score is calculated using only the English, Math, and Reading sections; the Science score is reported separately.
| Test Section | Time | Questions | What It Measures |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 35 minutes | 50 questions | Measures your ability to revise and edit short texts and essays for grammar, usage, organization, and style. |
| Math | 50 minutes | 45 questions | Measures the mathematical skills typically learned through the beginning of Grade 12, including algebra, geometry, functions, statistics, and probability. |
| Reading | 40 minutes | 36 questions | Measures your ability to read closely, reason logically, and integrate information from multiple sources. |
| Science (Optional) | 40 minutes | 40 questions | Measures interpretation, analysis, reasoning, and problem-solving using scientific information in biology, chemistry, physics, and Earth & space sciences. |
| Writing (Optional) | 40 minutes | 1 essay | Measures your ability to analyze an issue and write a well-supported argument. |
When is the ACT offered?
The ACT is typically offered seven times each year, with national test dates from September through July. Students can take the ACT as many times as they wish, and many students choose to test two or three times in order to improve their scores through additional preparation and superscoring opportunities.
Does the ACT Science score affect my ACT Composite Score?
No.
Under the Enhanced ACT, the Composite Score is calculated using only the English, Math, and Reading section scores. The Science score is reported separately and does not affect your Composite Score.
What is covered on the ACT Science test?
The ACT Science section is not a test of memorizing scientific facts. Instead, it measures how well you can analyze and interpret scientific information.
Students are asked to:
Interpret graphs, charts, and tables
Analyze scientific experiments
Evaluate competing scientific explanations
Draw conclusions from evidence
Apply reasoning and problem-solving skills
Passages are based on topics from biology, chemistry, physics, and Earth & space sciences.
Should I take the optional ACT Science test?
It depends on your college list and academic goals.
Taking the Science section may be beneficial if:
A college on your application list requires an ACT Science score.
You plan to major in engineering, computer science, biology, chemistry, physics, or another STEM field.
You want to demonstrate strengths in scientific reasoning, data literacy, and critical thinking.
If none of your colleges require the Science section, you may decide that the additional testing time, preparation, and testing fee are not worthwhile.
Our counselors can help you determine the best testing strategy based on your individual college list.
What is a good ACT score?
A "good" ACT score depends on where you plan to apply.
Rather than aiming for a specific number, compare your ACT Composite Score to the middle 50% (25th–75th percentile) of students admitted to the colleges on your list. If your score falls within or above that range, it is generally competitive for admission.
Students should also consider the academic context of their high school. Many colleges review applications holistically and evaluate standardized test scores within the context of each applicant's educational environment.
Should I take the paper-based or digital ACT?
Both versions of the Enhanced ACT contain the same content and are scored the same way.
Many students choose the paper-based ACT because it allows them to underline passages, annotate questions, eliminate answer choices directly in the test booklet, and work through math problems naturally. Students may also feel more comfortable with paper since most classroom tests are still administered in that format.
However, students who prefer testing on a computer may choose the digital ACT. The best format is the one that allows you to perform at your highest level.
Where do I register for the ACT?
Students register directly through the official ACT website.
Be sure to register early, as preferred testing locations often fill quickly.
Should I take the SAT or the ACT?
There is no universal answer to this question. Nearly all U.S. colleges and universities accept either the SAT or the ACT and do not prefer one test over the other. The best choice depends on your individual strengths, testing style, academic background, and college goals.
Although the SAT and the Enhanced ACT measure many of the same college readiness skills, they differ in important ways, including pacing, question style, calculator policies, and test structure. Some students perform better on the ACT because they prefer its straightforward questions and faster pace. Others earn higher scores on the SAT because they prefer its question style and adaptive testing format.
At Elite Educational Institute, we encourage students to make this decision based on data—not guesswork. Many students take a diagnostic SAT and ACT practice test before committing to one exam. Comparing the results often reveals which test better matches a student's abilities and where the greatest score improvement is likely.
In general, students should consider:
Which test produces the stronger initial score on a diagnostic exam.
Which testing format feels more comfortable.
How much preparation time is available before college application deadlines.
Whether their prospective colleges have any specific testing requirements.
Our experienced counselors and instructors help students evaluate both exams and develop a personalized testing strategy. Whether the SAT or the ACT is the better fit, our goal is the same: to help every student maximize their testing potential and strengthen their college applications.
How can Elite Educational Institute help?
Elite Educational Institute has helped thousands of students maximize their ACT scores through personalized instruction, realistic practice tests, and strategic college admissions guidance.
Our experienced instructors and college counselors can help you:
Decide whether the ACT or SAT is the better test for you.
Develop a personalized testing timeline.
Determine whether taking the optional ACT Science section makes sense for your college goals.
Improve your ACT score through expert instruction and targeted practice.
Schedule a college planning and ACT consultation with Elite Educational Institute to create a testing plan that maximizes your opportunities for college admission.