How the exam is conducted: - English (45 minutes). 75 questions on grammar, vocabulary, and stylistics.
- Mathematics (60 minutes). 60 questions on basic high school mathematics (equations, problems, percentages, proportions, etc.). A calculator is permitted.
- Reading (35 minutes). You must answer 40 questions on university-level texts.
- Natural Sciences (35 minutes). This section contains 40 questions on biology, chemistry, geography, and physics. Students are asked to interpret tables, diagrams, and other data.
- Writing (40 minutes). This optional section is scored separately from the other sections and does not contribute to the overall score. The student discusses a given topic in essay format.
The maximum ACT score is 36. A score of 30 or higher is considered a high score, allowing admission to prestigious universities. On average, students score around 25 points.
The ACT requires a very high level of speed, so it can be uncomfortable for students who work at a leisurely pace. Many are wary of the ACT because of the Science section, mistakenly believing that a high-level understanding of the relevant subjects is necessary for success.
However, this section requires less specific knowledge than analytical and logical thinking, and the ability to interpret data in various formats—tables, diagrams, graphs, and others.
Another feature of the exam is that it deducts points for errors. This is an attempt to prevent students from guessing the correct answers, which they might resort to under time constraints.
