ACT Overview

The ACT is a multiple choice exam, similar to and as widely accepted as the SAT. Both measure students’ abilities to compete at the college-level. Unlike the SAT, the ACT includes a section on Science Reasoning, but also includes, like the SAT, Mathematics, English, and reading. An optional Writing section assesses students’ organizational and writing skills. Although the writing section is optional, many colleges do require it.

The ACT lasts 2 hours and 55 minutes with the optional 30 minute Writing section. Like the SAT, the test covers English and Math; however, the ACT also covers Science and Social Studies.

The ACT is given as a computer-based test, but will continue to be offered in the paper format for schools that are unable to support computer testing. Students can retake the test, and most improve their scores.

ACT Calendar

The ACT is offered four to six times a year in the United States, depending on the State, in September, October, December, February, April, and June. It is always held on a Saturday except for those with religious obligations, who may take the test the following day, Sunday.

What is the Test Content?

The required portion of the ACT is divided into four multiple choice subject tests:

English, mathematics, reading, and science reasoning. There is no penalty for marking incorrect answers on the multiple-choice part of the test. Therefore, a student can answer all questions without incurring a penalty for questions they answer incorrectly.

The first section is the 45-minute 75-question English test that consists of five passages with various sections underlined on one side of the page and options to correct the underlined portions on the other side of the page. .

The second section is the 60-minute, 60-question mathematics test with 14 covering pre-algebra, 10 elementary algebra, 9 intermediate algebra, 14 plane geometry, 9 coordinate geometry, and 4 elementary trigonometry questions.[ Calculators are permitted in this section only instead of four answer choices.

The 35 minute reading section consists of four ten-question passages, with examples of prose fiction, social science, humanities, and natural science.

The science reasoning test is a 35-minute, 40-question test. There are seven passages each followed by five to seven questions.

The optional 40-minute essay writing section is always administered at the end of the test.

Parliament’s ACT Tutoring Program Offers:

Parliament's ACT Preparation and Tutoring Program recognizes that even the most gifted youngster can be intimidated by a formal testing process and be sensitive to pressures to do well. A Parliament tutor will give your student the individual attention needed to feel comfortable and confident with the examination chosen, and to achieve the highest score possible.

• Access to Parliament Online where you can practice with custom-designed, sample Full-Length ACT Tests to better diagnose your strengths and weaknesses, and communicate with your tutor online and retrieve practice work and assignments in-between session.
• Lesson Packages of personalized ACT instruction from the most qualified and personable ACT tutors in the industry, all in the comfort of your home.
• A customized lesson plan to meet your individualized needs.
• Expert feedback on College Prep and the Admission Process

To learn more speak to an Academic Advisor, submit an Inquiry Form or use our registration forms to enroll online and meet an an FSA tutor today.