ACT/SAT Info
About the ACT Test
The ACT is a standardized test admissions officers use to compare applicants from different schools and different states. Here's a brief overview of the test.
ACT Quick Facts
Frequency |
7 times/year |
Duration |
3 hours, 3 hours 40 minutes including essay |
Sections |
English, Math, Reading, Science, Writing |
Max. Score |
36 |
Avg. Score |
21 |
What is the ACT and why is it important?
Created by ACT Inc., the ACT is an entrance exam used by most colleges and universities to make admissions decisions. The idea (in theory, at least) is to provide colleges with one common criterion that can be used to compare all applicants. The weight placed on ACT scores varies from school to school. Other important factors that schools consider in their admissions decisions are your high school GPA, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, interviews and personal essays. For more specific information on the importance of ACT scores at the schools you're interested in, contact the admissions offices directly.
The ACT is offered nationally every year in September, October, December, February, April, June and July.
What specifically does the ACT test?
The ACT has four sections: English, Reading, Math and Science, as well as an optional 40-minute writing test. Some schools may require the writing test, so be sure to ask before you take it.
How is the ACT scored?
You'll earn one ACT score (1 to 36) on each test (English, Math, Reading and Science) and a composite ACT score, which is an average of these four tests. Usually, when people ask about your score, they're referring to your composite ACT score. The composite score falls between 1 and 36. The national average is about 21. If, for example, you scored 31 on the English, 30 on the Math, 29 on the Reading and 30 on the Science, your composite ACT score would be 30.
2022-23 SAT Test Dates & Registration Deadlines
Test Date | Registration Deadline | Online/Phone Late Registration Deadline | Online Score Release |
---|---|---|---|
March 12, 2022 | February 11, 2022 | March 1, 2022 | March 25, 2022 |
May 7, 2022 | April 8, 2022 | April 26, 2022 | May 20, 2022 |
June 4, 2022 | May 5, 2022 | May 25, 2022 | July 13, 2022 |
August 27, 2022 | July 29, 2022 | August 16, 2022 | September 9, 2022 |
October 1, 2022 | September 2, 2022 | September 20, 2022 | October 14, 2022 |
November 5, 2022 | October 7, 2022 | October 25, 2022 | November 18, 2022 |
December 3, 2022 | November 3, 2022 | November 22, 2022 | December 16, 2022 |
March 11, 2023 | February 10, 2023 | February 28, 2023 | March 24, 2023 |
May 6, 2023 | April 7, 2023 | April 25, 2023 | May 19, 2023 |
June 3, 2023 | May 4, 2023 | May 23, 2023 | June 16, 2023 |