ACT Exam – September Deadline Approaching Soon! Check Upcoming Exam Dates, Eligibility, Pattern, Syllabus, & More Options

he ACT dates for the year 2024-25 have been released officially. There are several date options available for the students to pick an exam date. The table below shows the important ACT exam dates, along with their last registration dates.

ACT Exam Eligibility Criteria

The ACT exam is primarily designed for high school students, but there are no specific eligibility restrictions. However, some of the general ACT eligibility requirements are mentioned below:

1. There are no specific age criteria for ACT exam. People of all ages and grade levels are eligible to take the ACT.

2. The ACT does not prescribe any minimum educational requirements for grades or courses. It is accessible to all students equally regarding eligibility.

3. While there are no specific eligibility criteria set by the conducting authority for the ACT in India, it’s essential to check the course-specific requirements of the colleges you’re interested in.

4. Some colleges may require an optional writing test score, so be sure to verify this with the institutions you plan to apply to.

Remember, the ACT has no such eligibility requirements. However, the institute that you are seeking admission to might have course-specific eligibility criteria.

ACT Exam Registration Form

The ACT Exam Registration Form is an important step for students planning to take the ACT. The form can be completed online through the official ACT website or by mail using a paper form. Students need to provide personal information, select a test date and location, and choose whether to take the ACT with or without the optional writing section. 

Payment of the registration fee is required, with fee waivers available for eligible students. Additional services such as score reports for colleges can be requested. Early registration is advised to secure preferred test centers and dates.

ACT Exam Registration Fees

The ACT organization charges different fees for students who opt for the ACT exam with or without the ACT writing. The ACT exam registration fees for the year 2024-25 are mentioned in the table below.

Apart from these fees, ACT charges additional fees based on late registration, test date or test center change fees, or even for additional score reports sent to the college.

ACT Exam Centres in India

The ACT exam is administered at various test centers across India. These centers are strategically located to provide accessibility to students in different regions. Here is a list of some prominent ACT exam centers in India:

These centers are equipped to provide a comfortable and conducive environment for taking the ACT exam. It is advisable to register early to secure a spot at your preferred location, as seating can be limited.

ACT Exam Pattern 2024-25

The ACT has four main sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science. There is also an optional Writing section (essay). The total test time is 2 hours and 55 minutes without the essay, and 3 hours and 35 minutes with the essay. 

The table below shows the ACT exam pattern for 2024-25:

ACT Exam Syllabus 

The ACT Exam syllabus comprises four main sections: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science, with an optional Writing section. Each section tests specific skills essential for college readiness.

1. English: This section contains 75 questions to be completed in 45 minutes. It assesses grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and rhetorical skills. The content is divided into five passages, each followed by a set of multiple-choice questions.

2. Mathematics: The Math section consists of 60 questions to be answered in 60 minutes. It covers topics such as pre-algebra, elementary algebra, intermediate algebra, coordinate geometry, plane geometry, and trigonometry. A calculator is allowed for this section.

3. Reading: This section includes 40 questions to be completed in 35 minutes. It measures reading comprehension skills through passages that may be fiction, humanities, social sciences, or natural sciences. Each passage is followed by multiple-choice questions that test the student’s ability to understand and analyze the text.

4. Science: The Science section also has 40 questions, with a time limit of 35 minutes. It evaluates the interpretation, analysis, evaluation, reasoning, and problem-solving skills required in the natural sciences. Topics include biology, chemistry, physics, and Earth/space sciences, presented in formats like data representation, research summaries, and conflicting viewpoints.

5. Writing (Optional): The Writing section is 40 minutes long and requires students to write an essay. This section assesses writing skills emphasized in high school English classes and entry level college composition courses, focusing on argumentation and coherence.

Preparing for the ACT involves understanding the format and practicing the skills tested in each section to achieve the best possible score.

ACT Exam Result/Scorecard

The ACT Exam results provide a detailed analysis of a student’s performance across the test’s sections: English, Mathematics, Reading, Science, and the optional Writing section. Scores for each of the four main sections range from 1 to 36, with the composite score being the average of these four scores. If the Writing section is taken, it is scored separately on a scale of 2 to 12.

Results are usually available online within 2-8 weeks after the test date, depending on whether the Writing section was included. Students receive a score report that includes detailed information on their performance, including percentile ranks which compare their scores to other test-takers. 

ACT Accepting Universities in the World

There are several universities across the word that accepts the ACT scorecard for admission into their undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Here is the list of the top colleges, along with their ranks and the required ACT score:

ACT Exam Books for Preparation

Preparing for the ACT exam requires thorough study and practice to master the skills tested in each section. Using high-quality preparation books can significantly enhance a student’s understanding and performance. 

These books offer comprehensive reviews of test content, practice questions, test-taking strategies, and full-length practice tests that simulate the actual exam experience. Here are the top five books recommended for ACT preparation:

1. The Official ACT Prep Guide” by ACT, Inc.

2. “The Princeton Review ACT Premium Prep”

3. “Barron’s ACT”

4. “Kaplan ACT Prep Plus”

5. “Manhattan Prep’s 5 lb. Book of ACT Practice Problems”

These books, each with their unique strengths, are invaluable resources for any student aiming to achieve a high score on the ACT exam.

ACT Exam Preparation Tips

Preparing for the ACT exam effectively requires strategic planning and consistent practice. Success on the ACT is not just about understanding the content but also about mastering test-taking strategies and time management. Here are some smart tips and tricks to help you maximize your ACT score:

• Begin your preparation several months in advance. Outline a study schedule that dedicates specific times each week to focus on different sections of the ACT. Consistency and regular practice are key.

• Regularly take full-length, timed practice tests to simulate the actual exam experience. This helps you become familiar with the test format, build stamina, and identify areas where you need improvement. Analyze your mistakes to understand where you went wrong and how to correct it.

• Use your practice test results to pinpoint your weak areas. Devote extra study time to these sections and consider using targeted prep books or online resources to strengthen your understanding and skills in these topics.

By following these tips and integrating them into your study routine, you can enhance your preparation and approach the ACT exam with greater confidence and competence.