Have you ever thought of studying abroad after your high school degree completion? If yes, then we are pretty sure that you must have heard about the ACT exam. The ACT is an admission entrance exam used by abroad universities to evaluate undergraduate applicants. It should not be a matter of surprise that all four-year universities in the US, and more than 200 universities outside the US, accept and value the ACT exam. The full form for the ACT exam is American College Testing, administered by ACT Inc. The ACT exam for the academic year 2023-24 is live now so you can book your dates beforehand.
Do you know?
According to an article by the New York Times, around 1.40 million students appeared for the ACT exam for the class of 2023!
The ACT exam is an MCQ-based online exam that tests the writing, mathematical, verbal, and scientific skills of aspiring students. There has been a slight change in the conduction of the ACT exam. Earlier, the examination used to be commenced in compute-based mode but now it is completely in online mode. Well, if you are looking for the complete details regarding the ACT exam, this blog post will be your guide for the day. We will be discussing the key details regarding the ACT exam. So, stay tuned, and keep reading.
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Highlighting the Details of the ACT Exam
The ACT exam serves as a gateway to the American Universities offering undergraduate courses. Well, do not confuse it with the SAT exam. Students often mix up the things between these two exams. It is completely a different thing altogether. In this section, we shall be listing some of the important details of the exam.
| Exam Name | ACT Exam- American Testing Agency |
| Official Website | https://global.act.org/ |
| Full Form | ACT Inc |
| Question Type | MCQs |
| Age Limit | Minimum 13 years |
Read more at the SAT vs ACT Exam blog!
Upcoming Exam Dates for the ACT Exam 2023-24
In this section, we shall be discussing the upcoming dates for the ACT exam. This will help you plan ahead for your exam date to decide beforehand. Given below are the upcoming dates for the exam for the academic year 2023-24.
| Exam Date | Registration By | Late Registration |
| 23-24 February 2024 | 26 January | 09 February + Late fee |
| 12-13 April 2024 | 15 March | 29 March + Late fee |
| 07-08 June 2024 | 10 May | 24 May + Late Fee |
| 12-13 June 2024 | 14 June | 28 June + Late Fee |
ACT Exam Fee in India
The table given below outlines the required fees for the ACT exam. There is a difference in the fees. Students are kindly requested to verify the same from the table below:
| Type | Fee (in $) | Fee (in INR) |
| The Full ACT Exam (no writing) | $181.50 | INR 15,090.11 |
| The Full ACT with Writing | $206.50 | INR 17168.64 |
| Test Option Change | $25.00 | INR 2078.53 |
Additional Fees
Here is a table containing some of the additional fee regarding the ACT exam. Students must note that it adds to their test fee (except for their test center change).
| Type | Fee (in $) | Fee (in INR) |
| Late Registration | $38.00 | INR 3159.36 |
| Change Fee | $44.00 | INR 3658.21 |
| Score Reports to 5th and 6th colleges | $18.50 | INR 1538.11 |
| Additional Score Reports | $18.50 | INR 1538.11 |
Eligibility Required for the ACT Exam
The ACT test doesn’t have specific requirements or conditions for eligibility, making it equally accessible to all students. However, individual universities may have their own course-related criteria that students need to fulfill. Since the ACT is a high school exam, there are some of the general eligibility criteria that is to be followed:
- The students must have passed 10+2 from a recognized board or a university.
- The students must have secured the minimum required marks for the course they are applying in.
Exam Pattern for the ACT Exam 2023-24
The ACT test has four parts—English, math, reading, and science. There’s also an extra writing part, which is optional. Some schools want or allow ACT writing scores, so you might want to think about taking that part.
Here is the exam pattern for the ACT exam:
| Test | Questions | Minutes per Test |
| English | 75 | 45 |
| Mathematics | 60 | 60 |
| Reading | 40 | 35 |
| Writing (Optional) | 1 essay | 40 |
Overview of the ACT Exam Syllabus
The ACT test comprises four main sections: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science. Additionally, there is an optional Writing section, which some colleges may require or accept.
| Section | Structure and Content | Scoring Information |
| English | – Multiple essays or passages followed by multiple-choice questions. – Questions may refer to the passage or underlined/highlighted portions, offering alternatives. – Focus on revising and editing skills. | – Four scores were reported: overall section score and three category scores. – Categories: Production of Writing, Knowledge of Language, Conventions of Standard English. |
| Mathematics | – Designed to assess math skills up to the beginning of grade 12. – Questions cover algebra, functions, geometry, statistics, and more. – Calculator use allowed. | – Nine scores were reported, including an overall score and eight category scores. – Categories: Preparing for Higher Math (with subcategories), Integrating Essential Skills, Modeling. |
| Reading | – Measures ability to read closely, reason logically, and integrate information. – Questions focus on the main ideas, details, relationships, and the author’s methods. | – Four scores were reported, with three category scores. – Categories: Key Ideas & Details, Craft & Structure, Integration of Knowledge & Ideas. – Includes an Understanding Complex Texts indicator. |
| Science | – Assesses interpretation, analysis, evaluation, and problem-solving skills in natural sciences. – Questions involve data interpretation, scientific investigation, and evaluating models and inferences. | – Four scores were reported, including an overall score and three category scores. – Categories: Interpretation of Data, Scientific Investigation, Evaluation of Models, Inferences, & Experimental Results. |
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How to Register for the ACT Exam?
Registering for the ACT exam is a straightforward process and just requires simple steps to be followed. Here’s a stepwise process to help you navigate through it.
Registration Requirements
- To register for the ACT exam, you’ll need the following:
- Computer with Internet access
- Credit card or other payment method
- High school course details
Steps to Register for the ACT Exam 2023-04
Here is the outline of the registration process regarding the ACT exam for the academic year 2023-24.
Create a MyACT Account
- Visit the official ACT website and establish a free MyACT account.
- This account will be your portal for registration and accessing your scores.
Select Test Dates
- Non-US test dates are available for all countries outside the US, US territories, and Puerto Rico.
- Choose from the provided international test dates.
Accommodations Requests
- If you require accommodations, including appeals, submit requests through the Test Accessibility and Accommodations (TAA) system by the late registration deadline.
Test Dates, Locations, and Fees
- Check the 2023-2024 test dates and corresponding deadlines for registration, late fees, and photo uploads.
Note that there are morning and afternoon sessions for each of the two days within a testing window.
Strategies for the ACT Exam Preparation
Preparing for the ACT test requires a strategic approach to ensure optimal performance. The ACT is composed of multiple-choice sections, each demanding unique skills and techniques for success. Here’s a breakdown of key strategies to help you navigate the ACT exam successfully:
- Understand the unique demands of each section and identify significant content areas to prioritize in your preparation.
- Estimate time for reading passages and answering questions in each section. Make sure to pace yourself to avoid spending too much time on individual questions or passages.
- Read directions carefully for each section. Do not forget to differentiate between sections that seek the best answer and those requiring the correct answer.
- Thoroughly read and understand each question and start with easier questions to build confidence.
- Attempt every question, as there is no penalty for guessing. Students must prioritize answering all questions correctly within the allotted time.
By incorporating these strategies into your ACT preparation, you’ll be better equipped to tackle the challenges posed by each section.
Preparatory Guide for the ACT Exam
When gearing up for the ACT exam, it’s essential to equip yourself with effective test preparation strategies. ACT offers a range of resources and courses designed to cater to diverse study preferences and financial needs. Here’s a comprehensive guide to ACT test prep:
| Study Materials | Perks |
| Official ACT Live Online Class, Powered by Kaplan | Engage with top-rated teachers in live classes. Receive real-time guidance and get your questions answered. Tailor your study approach with expert insights. |
| Official ACT Self-Paced Course, Powered by Kaplan | Access on-demand tutorials for flexible learning. Benefit from structured, bite-sized lessons. Study at your own pace, anywhere, anytime. |
| The Official ACT Prep Guide | Practice with authentic ACT tests for a real test day experience. Includes 6 official practice tests and 400 digital flashcards. Familiarize yourself with the test format and review answer explanations. |
| The Official ACT Subject Guides | Individual prep books focusing on specific subjects. Ideal for targeted practice to enhance subject-specific scores. Explore Subject Guides for tailored preparation. |
| Free Test Prep Resources | Access computer-based practice tests for a simulated test environment. Utilize timed and untimed practice sessions for English, Mathematics, Reading, Science, and Writing. Get a taste of the ACT test with a Free Study Guide providing practice questions. |
For more details regarding such preparatory guides, you can visit the official website at https://global.act.org/content/global/en/products-and-services/the-act-non-us/test-preparation.html.
Summing It Up!
The ACT Exam is an important entrance exam for students aiming for higher education, requiring careful preparation and a deep understanding of its parts. ACT is dedicated to offering extensive tools for preparation, catering to various learning preferences. Students can choose live online classes, self-paced courses, or subject-specific guides, providing valuable insights and practice materials.
Moreover, the exam also tests strategic test-taking skills, making the use of these resources crucial for success. Taking advantage of ACT’s preparatory offerings gives students the confidence to face the exam, paving the way for academic success and future pursuits.
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FAQs
The ACT exam is used for college admissions, assessing a student’s readiness for higher education. It evaluates knowledge in English, math, reading, and science, and includes an optional writing test.
The ACT has no specified eligibility criteria, making it accessible to all students. However, universities may have specific course requirements for applicants.
The difficulty comparison between ACT and SAT varies for each student. Some may find the ACT more suited to their strengths, while others may prefer the SAT.
No, the ACT does not have negative markings. Students are encouraged to answer all questions, as scores are based solely on correct responses without penalty for incorrect answers.
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