The ACT is one of two standardized tests that fulfill admissions requirements for many U.S. universities. It is approximately four hours long and is administered multiple times a year in both the United States and internationally, including Canada. Test dates in Canada are typically in September, October, December, February, April, and June, while an additional test date is available in July for U.S. students. Students must register directly through ACT.org.

The ACT is offered as a digital (linear) test internationally, including in Canada, and as a paper-and-pencil test in the United States. The New ACT will be available in both digital (linear) and paper-and-pencil formats in the United States, starting in spring 2025.Unlike the SAT, the ACT is not computer-adaptive, meaning that all students answer the same set of questions in the same order, regardless of their performance. This traditional format makes the ACT more predictable and straightforward for students to handle, as it avoids the added pressure of real-time difficulty adjustments.

Students take the ACT at designated test centers, but it is important to note that there are few ACT test centers in Western Canada, particularly in provinces like British Columbia and Alberta. As a result, students from this region may need to travel to the United States to take the test. Test centers in the Greater Vancouver Area also book up quickly, so it is highly recommended to register at least two months in advance. Official ACT scores can be sent directly to universities upon request when registering or after the test date.

What Does the ACT Test Cover?

The ACT is a content-based, multiple-choice exam that consists of four required sections:

  1. English: Tests grammar, punctuation, and rhetorical skills.
  2. Reading: Includes four passages, one each in prose fiction, social science, humanities, and natural science.
  3. Math: Covers algebra, geometry, and some trigonometry.
  4. Science Reasoning: Evaluates the ability to interpret data, analyze experiments, and understand scientific information.

There is also an optional Writing section, which consists of a 25-minute essay. Scores are reported on a scale of 1 to 36, with a composite score calculated as the average of the four required sections. There is no penalty for guessing on the ACT.

Changes to the ACT in 2025

As of spring 2025, the ACT remains a linear, non-adaptive exam but has undergone several key updates:

  1. The Science section is now optional, giving students the flexibility to choose between four different test versions:
  • ACT Core: Includes English, Math, and Reading.
  • ACT + Science: Adds the optional Science section.
  • ACT + Writing: Adds the optional Writing (Essay) section.
  • ACT + Science and Writing: Includes both the optional Science and Writing sections.
  1. Timing and Length Adjustments:
  • English: 35 minutes with 50 questions (shortened by 10 minutes and 25 fewer questions).
  • Math: 45 minutes with 45 questions (shortened by 15 minutes and 15 fewer questions). The number of answer choices has also decreased from 5 to 4.
  • Reading: 40 minutes with 36 questions (5 minutes longer, with 4 fewer questions).
  • Optional Science: 40 minutes with 40 questions (5 minutes longer).

These changes aim to make the ACT more streamlined while maintaining its rigorous assessment of key academic skills.

ACT vs. SAT: Key Differences

While both the ACT and SAT fulfill similar admissions purposes, there are some notable distinctions:

  • Predictable Structure: The ACT’s linear format provides a more straightforward testing experience compared to the computer-adaptive SAT, which adjusts question difficulty based on student performance. The ACT’s consistent difficulty level ensures all students face the same questions in the same order, making it simpler for students to manage.
  • Science Section: The ACT uniquely includes a Science section (now optional), which the SAT does not offer.

Why Take the ACT?

The ACT is widely accepted by U.S. universities, and its predictable format makes it appealing to students who prefer a traditional test experience. It is particularly beneficial for students who excel in science or prefer more straightforward multiple-choice exams without the added complexity of computer-adaptive testing.

Preparing for the ACT

To succeed on the ACT, students should familiarize themselves with the test’s format, content, and timing, and practice effective test-taking strategies to optimize their scores. Working with an experienced advisor can help students decide when to begin ACT preparation, how to register, and which test dates align best with their schedules.

For students undecided between the SAT and ACT, diagnostic tests are available to determine which exam better suits their strengths.

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