ACT

ACT preparation

The ACT (No Writing) is a set of four multiple-choice tests that cover English, mathematics, reading, and science. The ACT Plus Writing includes the four multiple-choice tests and a writing test.

• English: 75 questions, 45 minutes. Measures standard written English and rhetorical skills.
• Mathematics: 60 questions, 60 minutes. Measures mathematical skills students have typically acquired by the beginning of grade 12.
• Reading: 40 questions, 35 minutes. Measures reading comprehension.
• Science: 40 questions, 35 minutes. Measures the interpretation, analysis, evaluation, reasoning, and problem-solving skills required in the natural sciences.
• Optional Writing Test: 1 prompt, 30 minutes. Measures writing skills emphasized in high school English classes and in entry-level college composition courses.

Fees

• All fees are nonrefundable.
• $29.00 – basic registration fee includes reports for you, your high school, and up to four colleges requested at registration.
• $7.00 is added for the 5th & 6th college choices requested as part of registration. Refundable if you do not test.
• + $14.00 – optional writing test. Refundable if you are absent on test day or you remove the writing test option before you begin testing.
• + $18.00 Late fee
• + $18.00 Test date change for different date if absent on original date. If you request a test date change after the regular deadline for the new date, a late fee also applies.
• $18.00 Test center change for the same date.

Fee waivers

If you can't afford the registration fee for the ACT (No Writing) or ACT Plus Writing, you may be eligible for a fee waiver. Funds are limited, and once they are gone, requests for waivers will be denied. To use a fee waiver, you must register by paper folder.

To be eligible, you must meet the following requirements:

• You currently attend high school as a junior or senior.
• You meet at least one indicator of economic need listed on the ACT fee waiver form. Information about these indicators and how to request fee waiver forms is mailed each fall to every high school. Ask your counselor for the information.
• You may register only once with an ACT fee waiver, either in your junior or senior year. The waiver will be used once you register, even if you do not test.

Fee waivers cover only the basic registration fee for either the ACT (No Writing) or the ACT Plus Writing, including up to four valid college choices (listed at the time of registration). Waivers do not cover test date changes, test center changes, or any other fees.

NOTE: You must request a waiver through your high school guidance office --- You cannot request a waiver directly from ACT. Your registration folder won't be processed without a signed official ACT fee waiver form for the current testing year.

Test day procedures

• Report to your assigned test center by the time listed on your admission ticket (usually 8:00 a.m.). If you are trying to test standby, you will not need an admission ticket.
• Be sure you know how to get to your test center. You will not be admitted if you are late.
• Have acceptable identification with you. You will not be admitted without it.
• A test center supervisor will check your ID and admission ticket, admit you to the test center, direct you to a seat, and provide test materials.
• Testing begins only after all students present at 8:00 a.m. are checked in.
• Supervisors will check your calculator to ensure that it is a permitted type. Remember:
• Use your calculator during the mathematics test only
• Use your backup calculator only if your primary calculator fails
• You cannot share your calculator
• You cannot store test materials in your calculator's memory
• If your calculator has characters one inch high or larger, or a raised display, testing staff may seat you where other students cannot see your calculator.


• A break is scheduled after the first two tests. (If you take the writing test, you will be allowed another brief break after the last multiple-choice test to relax and sharpen your pencils.)
• Students testing with standard time are normally dismissed at about 12:15 p.m. (or 1:00 p.m. if taking the ACT Plus Writing).
• If you do not complete the test for any reason, tell your test supervisor or proctor before you leave the test center whether or not your test should be scored.

Test day tips

• Dress comfortably. Some test centers are warmer or cooler on weekends than during the week.
• Get plenty of rest the night before the test.