What is the ACT?

The ACT is a standardized test used by the NCAA, NAIA, and individual collegiate institutions to determine eligibility and admissions. The ACT is comprised of four sections: math, English, science reasoning, and reading. The NCAA uses a sliding scale to determine the correlation between ACT score and core-course GPA. Here is the NCAA sliding scale.

The questions on the ACT are generally easier than SAT questions, but test takers are given less time to complete each section. The English portion covers of a 45 minute, 75 question test, and tests students’ mechanics and rhetorical skills. The math section is 60 minutes long and consists of 60 questions. Test takers are allowed to use a calculator only on the math section. The math section is broken down into questions regarding pre-algebra, elementary algebra, intermediate algebra, plane geometry, coordinate geometry, and elementary trigonometry. The reading section is 35 minutes and has 40 questions. Test takers must read 7 passages and answer 5-7 questions per passage. Reading subjects include prose fiction, social science, humanities, and natural science. Finally, the writing section is optional on the ACT. Students have 30 minutes to write an essay response to a specific writing prompt.

The NCAA does not require the writing section; however, some schools require it for admission. If you want to register for the ACT go here.