Question 1

What are the four required sections of the ACT?

Accepted Answer

The ACT has four required sections: English (45 minutes, 75 questions), Mathematics (60 minutes, 60 questions), Reading (35 minutes, 40 questions), and Science (35 minutes, 40 questions). There is also an optional Writing section (40 minutes, 1 essay prompt). The total testing time without Writing is approximately 2 hours and 55 minutes, and about 3 hours and 35 minutes with Writing.

Question 2

How many questions are on the ACT in total?

Accepted Answer

The ACT contains 215 multiple-choice questions across its four required sections: 75 English, 60 Math, 40 Reading, and 40 Science. If you take the optional Writing section, you also complete one essay prompt. Every multiple-choice question has four answer choices (A/B/C/D or F/G/H/J).

Question 3

How long is the ACT?

Accepted Answer

The ACT takes approximately 2 hours and 55 minutes of pure testing time for the four required sections. With scheduled breaks and administrative time, plan for a total session of about 3.5 hours. If you add the optional Writing section, total testing time becomes 3 hours and 35 minutes, and the full session can approach 4.5 hours.

Question 4

What is the ACT format as of 2024 and 2025?

Accepted Answer

As of 2024, ACT, Inc. offers both paper-based and computer-based testing at most national test centers. The content and structure remain the same across both formats. ACT has also been piloting a shorter adaptive test format in some states, though the standard national test retains the classic four-section format. Always verify the current format on ACT.org before your test date.

Question 5

Can I take the ACT on a computer?

Accepted Answer

Yes. ACT offers computer-based testing (CBT) at many test centers for national test dates. The content is identical to the paper test; only the delivery medium differs. Some test centers still offer only paper. When registering, you can select your preferred format if CBT is available at your chosen site. Students with certain accommodations may also be approved for CBT.

Question 6

Is the ACT adaptive like the new SAT?

Accepted Answer

The standard national ACT is not adaptive — every student in a testing room receives the same questions in the same order. ACT has been piloting a shorter, adaptive version for state and district testing contracts, but as of 2025 the national test-day format remains the fixed, linear 215-question test. Check ACT.org for the most current updates on any format changes.

Question 7

What order do the ACT sections appear in?

Accepted Answer

The sections always appear in the same fixed order: English first, then Mathematics, then Reading, then Science. If you registered for Writing, it comes last after Science. You may not skip ahead to a later section or go back to a section once time is called, so managing your pacing within each section is critical.

Question 8

How do I register for the ACT?

Accepted Answer

You register online at ACT.org by creating a free account. You will need a current photo (meeting ACT's specifications), your high school information, and a payment method. After completing registration, you receive a paper admission ticket that you must print and bring on test day. Registration typically opens about two to three months before each test date.

Question 9

What information do I need to create an ACT account?

Accepted Answer

You need a valid email address, your date of birth, your high school's name and CEEB code, your current grade level, and a photo that meets ACT's ID photo requirements (clear headshot, no filters, plain background). Your email address becomes your login. Keep your login credentials safe because all score reports and future registrations flow through this account.

Question 10

When are the ACT test dates in 2024–2025?

Accepted Answer

For the 2024–2025 school year, ACT national test dates typically fall in September, October, December, February, April, June, and July. Exact dates vary by year and location. International test dates are a subset of U.S. dates. Always confirm current dates at ACT.org, as the schedule can shift. Registration deadlines are typically four to five weeks before each test date.

Question 11

How early should I register for the ACT?

Accepted Answer

Register as soon as possible after a test date opens — ideally six to eight weeks before the test date — to secure your preferred test center. Popular urban test centers fill quickly, sometimes within days of registration opening. Registering early also avoids the late fee, which is typically around $30–$35 extra. Late registration usually closes about two weeks before the test date.

Question 12

What is the ACT registration deadline?

Accepted Answer

The standard registration deadline is approximately four to five weeks before the test date. A late registration window (with an added late fee) typically extends to about two weeks before the test. After that, standby testing may be available at some sites for an additional standby fee, though a seat is not guaranteed. Check ACT.org for exact deadlines for each specific test date.

Question 13

Can I register for the ACT by mail or phone?

Accepted Answer

Online registration via ACT.org is the standard method and is strongly preferred. A paper registration option exists for students without reliable internet access; forms can be obtained from your high school counselor. Phone registration is not offered. If you have difficulty registering online, your school counselor can often assist or access an administrative registration portal.

Question 14

What is the school-day ACT?

Accepted Answer

The school-day ACT is administered at your own school on a regular school day, rather than on a Saturday at an external test center. Many states fund or mandate school-day testing for all juniors. You do not pay a fee for a state-funded school-day ACT. Your score is valid for college admissions just like a weekend test score. Ask your counselor if your state or district offers this.

Question 15

How much does it cost to take the ACT?

Accepted Answer

As of 2024–2025, the base registration fee for the ACT without Writing is approximately $68. Adding the optional Writing section costs about $25 more, bringing the total to approximately $93. These fees cover registration at a national test center and four free score reports sent to colleges of your choice. Fees increase modestly each year.

Question 16

What is the ACT fee waiver and who qualifies?

Accepted Answer

The ACT fee waiver eliminates the registration fee for eligible low-income students. To qualify, you must be in 11th or 12th grade, enrolled in a U.S. high school, and meet at least one financial need criterion: eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, enrolled in a federal free/reduced-price lunch program, family income within federal guidelines, or enrolled in a public school in a low-income state. Your school counselor can confirm eligibility and issue the waiver code.

Question 17

What does the ACT fee waiver cover?

Accepted Answer

An ACT fee waiver covers the full registration fee for up to two national ACT test dates, including the Writing section. It also waives the fees for unlimited score reports sent to colleges, the Student Search Service opt-out fee, and the fee for receiving your test questions and answers (Test Information Release). Fee waiver students also get free college application fee waivers at participating schools.

Question 18

How do I get an ACT fee waiver?

Accepted Answer

Fee waivers are issued by your high school counselor or a designated school official — not directly by ACT. Ask your counselor if you qualify based on financial need criteria. The counselor provides you with a fee waiver code that you enter during online registration. You must use the waiver within the school year it is issued, and you are limited to two free test opportunities per academic year.

Question 19

What are the income guidelines for the ACT fee waiver?

Accepted Answer

ACT uses the federal Free and Reduced Price Lunch (FRPL) income guidelines as a primary criterion. For a family of four, this is roughly $55,000 or below annually (adjusted each year by USDA). Other qualifying conditions include participation in SNAP, Medicaid, Title I school enrollment, or receiving public assistance. Your counselor will verify your eligibility using your school's records.

Question 20

Is there a late registration fee for the ACT?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If you register after the standard registration deadline but before the late registration deadline (typically two weeks before the test), you pay a late fee of approximately $35 in addition to the base registration fee. Late registration for the ACT with Writing thus costs roughly $128. Fee waiver students may also be exempt from late fees depending on their waiver type.

Question 21

Can I get a refund if I cancel my ACT registration?

Accepted Answer

ACT does not offer full cash refunds in most circumstances. If you cancel before the test date by the deadline, you may receive a partial credit (not a refund) toward a future registration. If you have a documented emergency or serious illness, you can contact ACT to request a refund or transfer. Standby fees and late fees are generally non-refundable. Always check current refund policy on ACT.org.

ACT Frequently Asked Questions

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Complete FAQ Database

ACT Format & Structure

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Fees & Fee Waivers

Score Reporting

English Section Deep Dive

Math Section Deep Dive

Reading Section Deep Dive

Science Section Deep Dive

Writing Section / ACT Essay

Scoring System

Score Requirements for College Admissions

Test Day Logistics

Preparation Strategies

ACT vs. SAT Comparison

Special Accommodations

Retaking the ACT

College Admissions Context

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Common Mistakes & Test-Taking Tips

ACT for Specific Populations