ACT, along with SAT, is one of the two major standard tests used by many colleges for admission. Although still not as popular as SAT in our Northeast part of the country, it has gained more traction in recent years. This table gives you an overview of what ACT tests for and what its format is.
English
Grammar rules and language arts
45 minutes
75 multiple-choice questions
Mathematics
High school Algebra I, II, Geometry, and trigonometry
60 minutes
60 multiple-choice questions
Reading
Reading comprehension of four paragraphs covering prose fiction, social study, humanity, and natural science
35 minutes
40 multiple-choice questions
Science
Data analysis and problem-solving skills; topics include biology, chemistry, and earth/space sciences
35 minutes
40 multiple-choice questions
Writing
Optional; one essay with prompt
40 minutes