The ACT is a college admissions test covering English, Math, and Reading (with optional Science and Writing), scored 1–36 on the Composite. Most questions have one right answer and no penalty for guessing. Below are quick answers to the questions students ask most—each links to a full guide. Start with what is the ACT if you are brand new.
What is the ACT?
A standardized test used for college admissions and some scholarships. It measures skills taught in high school, not IQ. Overview: what is the ACT. Acronym: what does ACT stand for. Section breakdown: ACT syllabus. What changed recently: enhanced ACT changes.
Registration
Register online through MyACT at act.org. Walkthrough: how to register for the ACT. Cost: how much the ACT costs. Fee waivers: ACT fee waiver guide. Test dates: ACT test dates. Change date or center: how to change ACT registration. Cancel: how to cancel ACT registration.
Test day
Bring ticket, photo ID, pencils, and calculator. Checklist: what to bring to the ACT. Ticket: ACT admission ticket. How long: how long is the ACT. Start/end times: ACT start and end time. Rules: ACT rules and regulations.
Scoring
Composite is the rounded average of English, Math, and Reading (1–36). Details: how the ACT is scored. Scale and bands: ACT score range explained. National average: what is the average ACT score. Good score: what is a good ACT score. Which score colleges use: which ACT score do colleges use. When scores arrive: how long ACT scores take. Superscoring: how ACT superscoring works.
Retakes
Most students take the ACT two or three times. How many: how many times to take the ACT. Should you retake: should you retake the ACT. Delete scores: can you delete ACT scores.
Optional sections
Science and Writing are optional on the enhanced ACT. Science: is ACT Science optional. Writing: should you take ACT Writing.
Prep
Start with a diagnostic, then study weak sections. Full plan: how to study for the ACT. Diagnostic: ACT diagnostic test. Free practice: free ACT practice tests. Affordable resources: affordable ACT prep resources.
Start practicing
Start with a free diagnostic, then drill your weak spots with 15-question quizzes and track how you're doing across Reading, English, and Math. Compare plans whenever you're ready to go further.
This article offers general ACT prep guidance. The ACT can change from year to year, including its format, scoring, policies, test dates, and fees, so always confirm the latest details on the official ACT website at act.org before you make decisions. ACT® is a registered trademark of ACT, Inc. thirty-six is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by ACT.