ACT (previously, American College Testing) is a standardized test used for college admissions in the United States. All four-year colleges and universities in the U.S. accept the ACT, but different institutions place different emphases on standardized tests such as the ACT, compared to other factors including class rank, GPA, and extracurricular activities.
Section Number of questions Time (minutes) Score Range Average score (2017) College Readiness Benchmark Content 1. English 75 45 1–36 20.3 18 Usage/mechanics and rhetorical skills 2. Mathematics 60 60 1–36 20.7 22 Pre-algebra, elementary algebra, intermediate algebra, coordinate geometry, geometry, elementary trigonometry, reasoning, and problem-solving 3. Reading 40 35 1–36 21.4 22 Reading comprehension 4. Science 40 35 1–36 21.0 23 Interpretation, analysis, evaluation, reasoning, and problem-solving Optional Writing Test (not included in composite score) 1 essay prompt 40 1–12 6.5 Writing skills
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