What is the ACT? Basic information you need to know

ACT stands for "American College Testing". It is a standardized test used in the U.S. to assess competencies and prepare for college-level study. The ACT assesses skills in areas such as English, math, science, and reading.

More than just a test of knowledge, the ACT exam is recognized by 100% of universities in the United States and used as a criterion to assess students' abilities and suitability for the university environment.

The ACT (American College Testing) test consists of five sections, of which four are required and one is an optional Essay. Here is the detailed structure of the ACT:

The cost of the ACT exam may vary depending on the candidate's needs as well as the location, additional services, and registration time.

The basic fee for the ACT without the essay is 181.50 USD (about 4.5 million VND) and the ACT with the essay is 206.50 USD (about 5.1 million VND).

The $25 essay exam fee can be refunded if the candidate is absent from the exam day or changes his or her mind and only wants to take the remaining 4 multiple-choice tests.

Detailed information about other additional service fees can be found here.

Each ACT (English, Math, Reading, and Science) section is scored on a scale of 1-36. The official ACT score is the sum of the four sections, and the average maximum score is 36.

The Essay Writing section is evaluated by 2 different judges, each examiner will score on a scale from 1 to 6. The score is then averaged and converted by one point on a subscale from 2 to 12. The thesis score is the sum of the essay score and the sub-score. The maximum score of this Essay is also 36.

The Essay score is not included in the ACT score and does not affect the official ACT test score. However, there are some universities that require the application to be accompanied by the results of the ACT Essay, so please research the school's requirements carefully before registering for the ACT!

In addition to the official ACT scores, candidates also receive extra points in the English, Math, Reading and Science sections. And the extra score will also not count towards the official ACT test score. This section will help candidates better understand their strengths and weaknesses in each section of the exam as well as grasp the parts of knowledge that need to be improved.

Which exam should the SAT and ACT take?

Surely many of you are always wondering which exam to choose, ACT or SAT, the answer is that neither of these two exams will be easier, the choice of exam should depend on the needs and abilities of the candidates themselves.

The SAT is a test designed to assess language aptitude, the ability to speculate, logical reasoning, and apply knowledge outside of school to the test. If the candidate has a rich vocabulary and good analytical abilities, the SAT exam may be more suitable.

The ACT is a test used to assess and test the knowledge system of candidates in schools. If you have mastered the knowledge you have learned as well as the ability to solve scientific problems well, then you can consider choosing the ACT.

Neither test will take precedence, and both of these certifications are accepted by most universities in the US. Therefore, it is best to choose the test that suits your strengths and abilities to be able to achieve good results and the highest score.

The ACT is an important certificate in the application to study in the United States. If you want to learn more details about the ACT, contact the IDP counseling office to book a free appointment today.

With a team of American study abroad consultants with more than 50 years of experience, IDP will help you choose the right major and course. In addition, IDP counselors will also assist you with your application for admission, track your progress, and receive a confirmation letter from the school. In particular, you will be able to practice the interview process and complete your application to study in the US with a visa pass rate of up to 95%.

Contact IDP now for a completely free consultation!

See also: SAT, ACT or IELTS - which certificate is needed for you?