ACT, Inc.
ACT
ACT College Admissions Test
The college admissions test taken by over a million US high-school students each year. Scores on a 1–36 composite scale feed admissions and scholarship decisions at most US colleges.
Full program: 5 decks, 857 cards.
What's on the exam
Enhanced ACT (2026-2027 testing year); composite = English+Math+Reading, Science & Writing optional
English
~28% (composite)Production of writing · Knowledge of language · Sentence structure · Usage · Punctuation
Mathematics
~28% (composite)Number & quantity · Algebra · Functions · Geometry · Statistics & probability
Reading
~26% (composite)Key ideas & details · Craft & structure · Integration of knowledge & ideas
Science
~12% (optional, not in composite)Interpretation of data · Scientific investigation · Evaluation of models & results
Writing
optional essay (separate score)Ideas & analysis · Development & support · Organization · Language use
Frequently asked questions
How much does the ACT cost?
The ACT costs $70. Base English/Math/Reading registration; Science adds $5 and Writing adds $25; fee waivers available for eligible students.
How long is the ACT and how many questions does it have?
131 core questions (50 English, 45 Math, 36 Reading); optional Science adds 40 — 2 hours 5 minutes core; about 3 hours 25 minutes with optional Science and Writing.
What do you need to pass the ACT?
No pass/fail — composite score of 1–36 (average of English, Math, and Reading; Science scored separately); competitive targets vary by college.
Can you retake the ACT?
Offered on multiple national test dates per year; up to 12 total attempts allowed.
What is the best way to study for the ACT?
Start from the official outline and your primary study materials: the exam is weighted by domain (English ~28% (composite), Mathematics ~28% (composite), Reading ~26% (composite), Science ~12% (optional, not in composite), Writing optional essay (separate score)). Once you've learned the material, spaced-repetition flashcards organized by those domains are an efficient way to retain it and refresh it before test day.
Ready to prepare?
Our ACT program is organized by this outline's domains and scheduled by spaced repetition, with a path from first card to test day.
Flashcards are a memory tool. Learn the material first, then use NoReread to retain it and refresh what you already know. It doesn't replace studying the subject.