The ACT (American College Test)

The ACT is one of two widely used standardized tests for US college admissions: the SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) is the other.

Some schools prefer one test over the other; some will accept scores from either test; and some schools do not require standardized test scores at all. Check the application requirements for the schools you are applying to.

ADMINISTERED BY: ACT, Inc.

REGISTRATION:

Online: http://www.actstudent.org/regist/elecreg.html

By mail: Ask for a registration packet at your school or call 319.337.1270.

TEST DATES: The ACT is given approximately 6 times per year in the US. Not all test dates are offered in all states. See http://www.actstudent.org/regist/nextdates.html for details.

FEE: $29.00 without the writing test; $43.00 with the writing test

LENGTH: About 3 hours and 30 minutes (including breaks) without the writing test; just over 4 hours with the writing test.

SCORING:

Scores are available on-line about two weeks after the test. Official score reporting takes longer. Test takers are advised to take the ACT at least two months before the date they plan to submit their applications.

You will receive a composite score and subject scores in English, science, reading, and math. Each of those score will range from a low of 1 to a high of 36. In 2005, the national average composite ACT score was 20.9. The highest possible ACT composite score is 36.

The ACT writing test is scored separately, on the same 1 to 36 point scale.

For nationwide ACT results, see http://www.actstudent.org/scores/norms1.html

ACT Score ranges for students accepted to:

Harvard - score range in 25th -75th percentile:

• ACT Composite: 31-34

Purdue - score range in 25th -75th percentile:

• ACT Composite: 23-28

Info provided by Standardized Testing