With test areas consisting of English, math, reading, and scientific reading, the ACT tests a students’ knowledge gained in high school subject areas.   This assessment is mainly taken by students in southern and midwestern high schools and is administered each year in September, October, December, February, April, and June.

The English section of the test examines grammar, punctuation, and rhetorical skills.  There are 75 questions that range from usage of commas and apostrophes to knowledge of fragments, run-ons, and paragraph structure.

Pre-Algebra (whole numbers, decimals fractions), algebra, geometry (coordinate and plane), and trigonometry (right triangle) are the components of the math section.  Comprised of 60 multiple choice questions that must be completed in 60 minutes, a calculator is allowed for this section. 

 In the reading section there are 40 questions that measure reading comprehension.  Your score will be based on your understanding of four passages in the areas of prose fiction, social sciences, humanities, and natural science.

Scientific Reasoning is the last section of the test and is based primarily on knowledge gained in biology, chemistry, physics, geology, astronomy, and meteorology high school courses.  There are 40 questions in this section that must be completed in 35 minutes.  

If you are planning to attend a college where admission requires a writing sample, the ACT has the option of adding a 30-minute essay.  The ACT does not penalize for wrong answers, but don’t take this for granted.  If you must guess, remember; be sure you’re making logical and educated guesses.  For more information on the ACT, practice tests, and registration visit www.actstudent.org or www.number2.com.

The PLAN

Just as the PSAT is the precursor to the SAT, the PLAN is a pre-test for the ACT that is administered to high school sophomores.  This assessment tests the same subject areas as the ACT and is a predictor of how well you will perform on the ACT.  According to ACT, Inc., the test is important because “it focuses attention on both career preparation and improving academic achievement.”

JUST A FEW MORE TIPS

• Make sure that you get a good night’s rest and have a hot breakfast before taking either of the ACT or the SAT. 
• Check with the colleges you are interested in applying to before deciding which test to take.
• Find out the importance of tests scores to the colleges you’re interested in attending.
• For additional practice look into books from the library or any bookstore, as well as professional courses, like those at Kaplan.