Free ACT Practice Test - Prepare for Your College Admissions Exam
Take our comprehensive ACT practice test to prepare for your actual exam. This assessment includes authentic question types from all four sections: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science, with detailed scoring and explanations.
Your ACT Score:
Understanding the ACT Exam
The ACT is a standardized test used for college admissions in the United States. It measures students' academic readiness for college and provides colleges with a common data point that can be used to compare all applicants.
ACT Test Structure
The ACT consists of four main sections plus an optional writing test:
- English: 75 questions in 45 minutes - tests grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and rhetorical skills
- Mathematics: 60 questions in 60 minutes - covers algebra, geometry, and trigonometry
- Reading: 40 questions in 35 minutes - measures reading comprehension
- Science: 40 questions in 35 minutes - tests interpretation, analysis, evaluation, and problem-solving skills
- Optional Writing Test: 1 essay in 40 minutes - measures writing skills taught in high school English classes
ACT Scoring System
The ACT is scored on a scale of 1 to 36, based on the composite score which is the average of the four section scores (English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science), each also scored on a 1 to 36 scale.
| ACT Score Range | Percentile | Classification |
|---|---|---|
| 34-36 | 99+ | Exceptional |
| 30-33 | 95-98 | Excellent |
| 25-29 | 80-94 | Very Good |
| 21-24 | 60-79 | Good |
| 17-20 | 40-59 | Average |
| 13-16 | 20-39 | Below Average |
| 1-12 | 1-19 | Needs Improvement |
History of the ACT
The ACT was first introduced in 1959 by Everett Franklin Lindquist as a competitor to the SAT. It was designed to assess actual skills taught in school rather than innate aptitude. Originally, ACT stood for "American College Testing," but in 1996 the official name was shortened to simply "ACT."
Over the years, the ACT has undergone several changes. Major revisions occurred in 1989 when the Social Studies section was replaced with a Reading section and Natural Sciences was renamed Science. In 2005, an optional Writing Test was added. The most recent changes in 2015 made the essay optional and introduced computer-based testing options.
ACT vs. SAT
Both the ACT and SAT are widely accepted by U.S. colleges, but they have some differences:
- Structure: The ACT includes a Science section while the SAT does not
- Timing: The ACT gives less time per question than the SAT
- Math: The ACT covers more advanced math concepts including trigonometry
- Calculator Policy: The ACT allows calculators on all math questions, while the SAT has a no-calculator section
- Scoring: The ACT uses a composite score of 1-36, while the SAT uses a total score of 400-1600
How to Prepare for the ACT
Effective ACT preparation involves several strategies:
- Take Practice Tests: Familiarize yourself with the test format and question types
- Review Fundamental Concepts: Focus on grammar rules, mathematical concepts, and scientific reasoning
- Learn Time Management: The ACT is known for its fast pace, so practice pacing yourself
- Identify Weak Areas: Use practice tests to pinpoint areas needing improvement
- Build Stamina: The ACT requires sustained focus over several hours
ACT Question Types
The ACT includes several specific question types:
- English: Questions testing grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and rhetorical skills
- Mathematics: Multiple-choice questions covering algebra, geometry, and trigonometry
- Reading: Passage-based questions testing comprehension and analysis
- Science: Data interpretation, research summaries, and conflicting viewpoints questions
When to Take the ACT
Most students take the ACT during their junior year of high school, with many taking it a second time in the fall of their senior year. The ACT is offered seven times a year in the United States: February, April, June, July, September, October, and December.
FAQ: ACT Testing
How long is the ACT?
The ACT without the writing test is 2 hours and 55 minutes. With the optional writing test, it's 3 hours and 35 minutes.
How many times can I take the ACT?
You can take the ACT up to 12 times, though most students take it 2-3 times. Colleges typically consider your highest scores.
What's a good ACT score?
A "good" ACT score depends on the colleges you're applying to. Generally, scores above 21 are considered competitive for many colleges, while top-tier universities often look for scores above 30.
Should I take the ACT or SAT?
Many students take both practice tests to see which they perform better on. The tests are equally accepted by colleges, so focus on the one that plays to your strengths.
How is the ACT scored?
You earn points for correct answers, and there's no penalty for wrong answers (so you should never leave questions blank). Raw scores are converted to scaled scores through a process called equating.
Can I use a calculator on the ACT?
Yes, you can use an approved calculator on the entire Math section of the ACT.
ACT Test Day Tips
- Get plenty of sleep the night before the test
- Eat a healthy breakfast on test day
- Arrive at the test center early with all required materials including your admission ticket and photo ID
- Pace yourself during the test - the ACT moves quickly
- Answer every question since there's no penalty for guessing
- Use process of elimination on difficult questions