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.
Blueprint-complete program: 5 decks, 857 cards.
What's on the exam
Enhanced ACT (2025-2026); 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
~28% (composite)Key ideas & details · Craft & structure · Integration of knowledge & ideas
Science
~10% (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 (fees change yearly).
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?
Study the official blueprint, not random material: the exam is weighted by domain (English ~28% (composite), Mathematics ~28% (composite), Reading ~28% (composite), Science ~10% (optional, not in composite), Writing optional essay (separate score)). Spaced-repetition flashcards built domain-by-domain against that blueprint are the most time-efficient way to cover everything the exam tests.
Ready to prepare?
Our ACT program follows this exact blueprint — every domain covered, scheduled by spaced repetition, with a journey from first card to test day.