ACT: Quick Last-Minute Review Notes

ACT Structure and Timing

  • The ACT consists of four mandatory sections (English, Math, Reading, Science) plus optional Writing. Some test centers may offer BYOD or other administration details.

  • Timing (standard, completed in one sitting):

    • English: 50 questions, 35\text{ minutes} (40 scored)

    • Mathematics: 45 questions, 50\text{ minutes} (41 scored)

    • Reading: 36 questions, 40\text{ minutes} (27 scored)

    • Science (optional): 40 questions, 40\text{ minutes} (34 scored)

    • Writing (optional): 1\text{ essay},\ 40\text{ minutes}

  • If you need accommodations (e.g., one-and-a-half time), times increase accordingly. Example: English 52.5\text{ min}, Math 75\text{ min}, Reading 60\text{ min}, Science 60\text{ min}.

  • Embedded field-test items: some questions are not scored; they help develop future questions.

  • Order of practice tests: take the practice tests in booklet order, time yourself, and review with answer keys.

Section Details and Scoring (Overview)

  • Each section yields a scale score from 1\text{ to }36 after converting raw scores via a form-specific table.

  • The ACT reports separate scores for each section plus overall composites:

    • English: overall score + three reporting category scores

    • Mathematics: overall score + eight reporting category scores

    • Reading: overall score + three reporting category scores

    • Science: overall score + three reporting category scores

    • Writing (optional): 5 scores total – one subject score (2–12) and four domain scores (Ideas & Analysis, Development & Support, Organization, Language Use)

  • Composite score: average of the three section scale scores (English, Math, Reading) with rounding rules: \text{Composite} = \frac{SE + SM + S_R}{3} and rounded to the nearest integer (round halves up).

Scoring and Practice Tests (Key Points)

  • Practice tests use raw scores (number correct) converted to scale scores via a conversion table. Max raw scores (without field tests) are:

    • English: 40

    • Mathematics: 41

    • Reading: 27

    • Science: 34

  • The practice book includes a scoring guide (pages 72–80) for converting raw scores to scale scores and for scoring the Writing Test.

  • Superscoring: ACT may report a superscore across multiple test administrations, using best per-section scores across sittings. See ACT resources for details.

  • Retaking: You may test again on a National or International date; if you test more than once on the same test date, only the first set of scores is reported.

  • If you want to review questions and answers, you can order a copy of your test questions/answers for select test dates (national or special testing in US/territories); restrictions apply.

Test-Taking Strategies (Essential)

  • General approach:

    • Familiarize with content and directions; refresh high-weight content areas.

    • Pace yourself per section; calculate estimated time per question and allocate remaining time to review.

    • Answer easy questions first; flag and return to harder ones if time permits.

    • Use process of elimination on difficult questions; educated guesses are allowed and scoring is not penalized for guessing.

    • Read the directions carefully before each section.

  • English:

    • Focus on production of writing, language knowledge, and conventions (grammar, usage, mechanics).

    • Consider context, tone, and the effect of revisions; “No Change” is often the best option when the passage already fits.

  • Mathematics:

    • All problems can be solved without a calculator; use a calculator when needed but verify results.

    • Work through scratch work; avoid solving by exhaustive checking of all answer choices.

  • Reading:

    • Read passages carefully; identify main ideas, details, and author’s perspective; integrate information across passages if present.

  • Science (optional):

    • Focus on data interpretation, experimental reasoning, and evaluating evidence; multiple formats include Data Representation, Research Summaries, and Conflicting Viewpoints.

    • No calculator is allowed in the science section.

  • Writing (optional):

    • Time management: plan briefly, outline, and write a coherent essay that addresses multiple perspectives and your own stance.

    • The score reflects four domains: Ideas & Analysis, Development & Support, Organization, Language Use.

Test Day Essentials (What to Know)

  • What to bring:

    • Admission ticket, acceptable photo ID, fully charged device if BYOD, Number 2 pencils, erasers, a calculator (per ACT policy), watch (no alarms), food/drink outside the room during breaks.

  • What not to bring:

    • Textbooks, notes, dictionaries (unless approved for translations), highlighters, ink pens, or any disallowed electronics.

  • Test-day flow:

    • Report on time (usually 8:00 a.m. for national dates).

    • Listen to directions from staff; follow all procedures.

    • If leaving early, you must decide whether to have your test scored.

    • Late arrivals may be denied entry.

Writing Test: Quick Reference

  • If taking Writing, complete after all multiple-choice sections.

  • Writing score: 1 subject-level score (2–12) plus four domain scores; the four domain scores are averaged to yield the subject score.

  • Planning and practice: use planning questions (not scored) to structure your essay; practice under time constraints.

Quick Reference: Key Numbers (At a Glance)

  • Section counts and timings (standard):

    • English: 50\text{ Q}, 35\text{ min} (40 scored)

    • Mathematics: 45\text{ Q}, 50\text{ min} (41 scored)

    • Reading: 36\text{ Q}, 40\text{ min} (27 scored)

    • Science: 40\text{ Q}, 40\text{ min} (34 scored)

    • Writing: 1\text{ essay}, 40\text{ min}

  • With accommodations (one-and-a-half time): Eng 52.5\text{ min}, Math 75\text{ min}, Reading 60\text{ min}, Science 60\text{ min}.

  • Maximum raw scores for practice scoring: English 40, Math 41, Reading 27, Science 34.

  • Composite score range: 1\text{ to }36; computed as the average of the three section scale scores: SE, SM, S_R.

Practice Tests and Scoring (Bottom Line)

  • Use the provided scoring keys to convert raw scores to scale scores for each section.

  • The practice Writing Test is scored with the rubric that yields four domain scores and a composite writing score.

  • End-of-book guidance: plan, pace, and review; compare practice scores to identify weaknesses and adjust study plan.

Resources and Next Steps

  • Review the Official ACT test prep options (e.g., self-paced Kaplan prep, test prep pages) at ACT’s website.

  • For superscoring details and retaking information, consult ACT’s official pages.

  • The exact questions and forms vary; use the conversion tables in the booklet to interpret your scores on practice tests.