The ACT is a standardized college admissions test accepted by all US four-year colleges. Administered by ACT Inc., it's a direct alternative to the SAT — most students take one or the other, though some take both to see which better reflects their strengths.

A major update: as of April 2025, the Science section is optional. The core ACT is now English, Math, and Reading only.

ACT Format

The core ACT runs about 2 hours, 5 minutes. Adding Science brings it to just under 3 hours; adding Writing brings the full test to about 3.5 hours.

The ACT is offered on paper at most US test centers and digitally at select locations.

Scoring

• Composite score: 1–36, the average of English, Math, and Reading (rounded)

• Section scores: 1–36 each

• Science: scored separately 1–36, not included in composite unless a target college requires it

• Writing: scored 2–12 by two graders, reported separately

• No guessing penalty — answer every question

2026 Test Dates

The ACT runs about 7 national test dates per year. Confirmed and typical 2026 dates:

Check the current full schedule at my.act.org. Scores typically post within 10 days (multiple-choice) or 2–3 weeks (with Writing).

SAT or ACT?

Colleges treat them equally. The main differences:

• Pace: ACT gives you less time per question, especially in Reading and Science

• Math: ACT covers more trigonometry; SAT leans harder on algebra and data analysis

• Adaptive: SAT is adaptive, ACT is not

• Science: only the ACT has a Science section (now optional)

Take a diagnostic of each to see which plays to your strengths.

Prep with Matter

We help students decide between SAT and ACT, then build a prep plan around the chosen test. See our ACT programs →