The ACT is a standardised exam widely used for undergraduate admissions at US colleges and universities. Accepted by all major US institutions, the ACT is often the preferred choice for international students who are strong in science and maths, thanks to its dedicated Science section, which has no equivalent in the SAT. All four-year US universities accept both the SAT and the ACT.
ACT Test Format
Section | Duration | Questions |
|---|---|---|
English Mathematics Reading Science Writing (optional) | 45 minutes 60 minutes 35 minutes 35 minutes 40 minutes | 75 questions on grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and rhetoric 60 questions, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, statistics 40 questions, prose fiction, social science, humanities, natural science 40 questions, data interpretation, research summaries, conflicting viewpoints 1 analytical essay (required by some universities) |
Total test time is approximately 2 hours 55 minutes without Writing, or 3 hours 35 minutes with Writing. The ACT is scored on a composite scale of 1-36, calculated as the average of the four required section scores.
ACT Score Requirements
University Tier | Typical Composite Score |
|---|---|
Top-ranked (MIT, Caltech, University of Chicago) Highly selective universities Competitive universities State universities and colleges | 34-36 31-34 27-31 21-27 |
ACT vs SAT
The ACT has a dedicated Science section and includes trigonometry in the Maths section, both absent from the SAT. The ACT's Reading section moves faster, so strong readers with quick reading speed do well. The SAT is considered slightly more analytical in English and Reading and gives more time per question in Maths. The simplest approach: take a full practice test for both and let your scores decide.
Preparation Tips
The Science section tests data interpretation, not advanced knowledge. Practice this skill specifically
Time management is critical: work at roughly 52 seconds per question in Reading
For ACT English, learn the specific grammar rules tested; there is a defined, learnable set
Aim to take the ACT at least twice; most students improve significantly on a second sitting
International students can sit at ACT centres. Check ACT's website for your nearest location
How Gemini Education Helps
Our advisors will help you determine if the ACT or SAT better suits your profile, identify universities with ACT-specific requirements, and build a testing timeline that fits your study abroad application schedule.
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