Overview of the ACT Exam
The American College Testing (ACT) is a test that allows students to study for undergraduate degrees in the United States.
Although Canada requires ACT scores, the exam is more popular in the United States. The exam is open to all grade 12 students. The minimum score required for admission is set by the university to which you are applying. The 2-hour 55-minute test assesses your abilities in Reading, Mathematics, Science, and English. There is also a Writing section that is optional. The test fee can reach USD 63. (INR 6754). You can read on to learn more about the test, recent updates, eligibility requirements, and so on.
What exactly is the ACT Exam?
The ACT is one of the most popular college admission tests in the United States.
It is run by ACT Inc., a non-profit organisation. Every year, it is estimated that two million students take the test. The ACT is accepted by all four-year universities and colleges in the United States. Furthermore, it is accepted by all 225 colleges in the country. The University of Illinois, Oregon State University, Auburn University, Washington State University, University of Massachusetts, New Jersey Institute of Technology, and other prestigious institutions have made the ACT score optional. Similarly, Florida State University, University of Florida, University of Central Florida, University of Georgia, Georgia Institute of Technology, and others have made ACT scores required for 2022 admissions.
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Updates on the ACT Exam 2022 – 23
Before you submit your 2022/2023 application, there are a few things you should know about ACT.
The most recent news is provided below:
Universities waive the ACT requirement: The ACT will not be required for admission to Harvard University until the Winter 2026 semester. Those who have taken the test may submit their results, but it is no longer required. Simultaneously, on May 14, 2021, the University of California announced that ACT/SAT scores will no longer be required for admission and scholarship. Admissions will be the same from Fall 2021 to Spring 2025.
1500 US colleges have made the ACT optional. In 2022, a lawsuit was filed against ACT/SAT tests that are discriminatory and biassed based on race, wealth, and other factors. Following this, nearly two-thirds of American institutions have made the ACT/SAT optional. University of California, Virginia, CalTech, Yale, Columbia, Brown, Carnegie Mellon, and others are among them.
MIT reinstates ACT/SAT scores: Beginning in Fall 2023, ACT/SAT scores will be required for students seeking admission to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Highlights from the ACT Exam 2022
The following are some highlights of the ACT exam 2022. You can learn more by taking a quick look at the table.
| Name of the exam | American College Testing (ACT) |
| Conducted by | ACT Inc. |
| Duration | 2 hours 55 minutes (+ 40 minutes optional Writing section) |
| Exam Level | International |
| Negative marking | NA |
| Sections | Reading, English, Science, Mathematics (+ optional Writing) |
| Total number of questions | 225 + 1 optional essay |
| Structure of exam | 4 sections + 1 optional essay |
| Exam fee | USD 68 – With Writing section
USD 52 – Without Writing section |
| Validity | No validity |
| Mode of exam | Paper-based & Computer-based |
Why Do People Take The ACT Exam?
Thousands of students across the country take the ACT exam in order to study in the United States. Several reasons for this are given below. It provides universities with a foundation for evaluating a student’s merit in addition to the Letter of Recommendation (LOR), Statement of Purpose (SOP), GPA, and so on.
Several colleges and universities in the United States and around the world accept the test score.
It allows students who want to pursue STEM careers to stand out from the crowd. As a curriculum-based test, the ACT assesses the student’s readiness for the course abroad. Students can mark answers even if they are unsure because there is no negative marking and the score is based on the number of correct answers.
Individual subject scores are available in addition to the composite scores. This assists in determining the student’s proficiency in all subjects. The exam may be simple to pass because the syllabus includes topics from the school curriculum.
The submission of ACT scores increases the likelihood of receiving scholarships. ACT has a profile and education or career planning that can assist students after they finish their studies.
Eligibility for the ACT Exam in 2022-23
There are no specific requirements for taking the ACT exam. The test is open to all high school students over the age of 13. To register for the exam, you must have a valid passport and an international credit/debit card. The eligibility criteria for the academic year 2022-23 are listed below.
Although there are no age or academic requirements, you must meet the course-specific requirements set by the respective universities. You should take the test at least two months before the deadline for applying to universities. The results are published within two to eight weeks.
You must be at least 13 years old or have completed high school.
You must have a current international passport.
You should have a global debit/credit card.
Students under the age of 13 should take the paper-based test while adhering to internet privacy laws.
Those under the age of 13 should contact ACT customer service to complete the registration process because they are unable to create a MyACT Account.
Eligibility Criteria for Other English Proficiency Exams:
| IELTS Eligibility | TOEFL Eligibility |
| GRE Eligibility | GMAT Eligibility |
| Duolingo Eligibility | Other Exams Eligibility |
| PTE Eligibility | SAT Eligibility |
Who Is Eligible to Take The Act Exam?
Students who wish to pursue undergraduate studies in the United States typically take the ACT exam. It is recognised by a number of universities and colleges throughout the country. Scholarship opportunities are available to those who pass the exam. The ACT serves as a foundation for colleges/universities to evaluate a student’s academic merit. Because different countries have different syllabi and curricula, it will be difficult for US universities to determine how qualified the student is for the seat. This test assists them in determining the same. There are no specific requirements for taking the test. Students in grades 6 through 9 are also welcome to take the exam. Students under the age of 13 should take the test with the assistance of customer service. There is also no upper age limit.
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Photo Requirements for the ACT
When you register for the ACT, you must upload a photo. There are some prerequisites for this, which are as follows.
- Only you should be in the photo.
- The image should not be hazy, grainy, or blurry.
- Only JPG, PNG, JPEG, and BMP files are permitted.
- The maximum allowed size is 5MB.
- In the photo, you should not be wearing dark glasses.
- The photo must be 640*480 pixels in size.
- The photograph should be in portrait orientation.
- Your head and shoulders should be squarely facing the camera in the photograph.
- The photo should not include any emojis, filters, or lenses.
- The face should be turned toward the camera.
- Dates of the ACT 2022-23 Exam for Indian Students
- The ACT exam will be given throughout the year, and you can take it whenever you want, depending on your admission.
The test dates for 2022-23 are listed in the table below.
| Test Date | Registration Deadline | Late Registration Deadline (with late fee) | Standby Deadline
Photo Upload Deadline |
| September 10, 2022 | August 5 | August 19 | September 2 |
| October 22, 2022 | September 16 | September 30 | October 14 |
| December 10, 2022 | November 4 | November 11 | December 2 |
| February 11, 2023 | January 6 | January 20 | February 3 |
| April 15,2023 | March 10 | March 24 | April 7 |
| June 10, 2023 | May 5 | May 19 | June 2 |
| July 15, 2023 | June 16 | June 23 | July 7 |
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Registration for the ACT
You can register for the ACT exam both online and in person, though online registration is preferred. Typically, the registration deadline is five weeks before the test date. The registration information is provided below.
Online ACT Registration
Obtain all academic documents, contact information, and so on.
Navigate to the ACT official website using a laptop or desktop computer. It is best not to do it from your phone.
Make an account on the official ACT website.
Select the Register icon.
Complete the section by providing all details.
Choose your test date from the list of available dates and the option (with or without writing).
Choose up to four colleges or universities.
Choose an ACT testing location.
Pay the exam fee.
Please upload your photo.
Offline ACT Registration
Use the website to request a mail packet.
Fill in the blanks and select a test date and location.
Send the registration form by mail, and it will be delivered within 7-10 days.
Cancellation of the ACT
It is best not to cancel the test if you have already registered because you will not be refunded. As a result, rescheduling the exam is the better option. However, if the official body cancels the test, you will be notified later. If you want to reschedule the test, you must contact ACT Student Services.
Late Registration for the ACT
You should not be concerned if you missed the ACT exam registration deadline. Late registration is still possible, but there will be additional fees. The late registration period usually lasts 14 days after the regular registration deadline. The table above also contains the specific dates. In addition to the standard registration fee, the late registration fee can be around USD 36. The procedure is the same as for regular registration.
Method of Payment for ACT Fees
The cost of the ACT exam is approximately INR 4835 without the Writing section and INR 6754 with the Writing section. Late registration will incur an additional fee of INR 2716. Credit and debit cards are accepted for payment. You can also choose to transfer funds online.
Exam Fees for the ACT
There are several types of ACT exam fees. They include late registration fees, waitlist fees, and change fees, among other things. The fees are listed in the table below, along with their purpose and amount.
| Category | Description | Fees |
| Registration fee | The basic fee for the ACT exam | USD 150 |
| Registration fee (with writing) | The writing fee of USD 16.50 is included separately | USD 166.50 |
| International fees | Indian students should pay it as they write the test outside the US | USD 51 |
| Late fee | Applicable if you apply after the deadline but before the final registration date | USD 35 |
| Waitlist fee | Applicable if you register after the late registration deadline | USD 51 |
| Change fee | Applicable if you change the test type, centre or date | USD 35 |
| Question and AnswersTest Information Release (TIR) fee | If you want the questions & answers sent to you after the test | USD 20 |
Admit Card for the ACT
The ACT admit card will include information such as your name, date of birth, roll number, category, and so on. It will be available on the official website, where you can download and print it. You should thoroughly review the admit card to ensure that it is error-free.
ACT Testing Centers
The ACT exam will be given in several cities across India. The cities are listed below in alphabetical order. You should keep in mind that these cities have multiple centres.
Ahmedabad
Ajmer
Bangalore
Bhopal
Bhubaneshwar
Chennai
Dehradun
Fatehpur
Gurgaon
Hyderabad
Indore
Jaipur
Kodaikanal
Kolkata
Mohali
Mumbai
Mussorie
New Delhi (India)
Noida
Pune
Vadodara
Pattern of the ACT Exam
The ACT exam is divided into four sections, one of which is optional. They are divided into several sections. The table below will help you understand the ACT exam pattern.
| Sections | Sub-Sections | Questions | Duration |
| English | Usage/Mechanics, Grammar & usage, Punctuation, Sentence structure, Rhetorical skills, Strategy, Organisation, Style. | 75 | 45 minutes |
| Mathematics | Elementary Algebra, Pre-algebra, Intermediate Algebra, Coordinate geometry, Plane geometry, trigonometry | 60 | 60 minutes |
| Reading | 4 passages from sections like Natural Science, Fiction, Social Studies & Humanities | 40 | 35 minutes |
| Science | Research summaries, Conflicting viewpoints, Data representation like graphs & tables | 40 | 35 minutes |
| Writing (optional) | 1 writing prompt | 1 | 40 minutes |
| Total | 4 sections (1 optional) | 225+1 (optional) | 2 hour 55 minutes+40 minutes (optional) |
ACT Exam Slot Reservation
Every year, the ACT exam dates will be posted on their official website, where students can register and select their test dates and locations. This process of selecting dates, locations, and so on is known as slot booking. It is critical because the slots are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The exam is given in several cities throughout India, and it is given several times a year. You must apply before the deadline, or you will be charged an additional fee.
Top Universities ACT Cutoff
The ACT cutoff is the minimum score required for admission to some of the best colleges and universities in the United States, Europe, and Canada. The maximum ACT band score is 36, which varies by exam. The total score is calculated by averaging the four sections. The composite average score is computed by adding all individual scores and subtracting the average. The table below shows the good scores for each section separately.
| ACT Sections | Cutoffs 2022 |
| English | 20.3 |
| Mathematics | 20.7 |
| Science | 21.0 |
| Reading | 21.3 |
| Composite | 21.0 |
You can find information about the cutoffs accepted by universities in the table below. If you have a specific university in mind, this will give you an idea of how to prepare for your test.
| Universities | ACT Cutoff |
| California Institute of Technology | 36 |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | 35 |
| Carnegie Mellon University | 34 |
| Brown University | 34 |
| Dartmouth College | 34 |
| Columbia University | 34 |
| Harvard University | 34 |
| John Hopkins University | 34 |
| Princeton University | 34 |
| Stanford University | 34 |
| Northwestern University | 34 |
| Cornell University | 34 |
| Emory University | 33 |
| University of Notre Dame | 34 |
| University of Illinois – Urbana Champaign | 31 |
| University of Michigan – Ann Arbor | 33 |
| Georgia Tech | 33 |
| Tufts University | 33 |
| Georgetown University | 35 |
| University of Pennsylvania | 34 |
| Haverford College | 33 |
| University of California – San Diego | 33 |
| Carleton University | 33 |
| University of Southern California | 33 |
| University of Texas (Austin) | 33 |
| University of Virginia | 34 |
| University of Wisconsin (Madison) | 31 |
| University of Bristol | 24 |
| University of British Vancouver | 25 and 10 in writing |
| University of Tulsa | 24-31 |
| McGill University | 30 |
| New York University | 30-34 |
| Oklahoma State University | 21-28 |
| University of Miami | 28-32 |
The ACT vs. the SAT
Another exam that students must take to gain admission to an undergraduate programme in the United States is the SAT. Students are frequently perplexed about which exam to take. However, there are some similarities and differences between the two tests; the table below will help you learn more about them.
| Section | SAT | ACT | |
| Test content | Reading, Writing & Language, Maths (with & without a calculator), Essay (Optional) | English, Maths, Reading, Science, Writing (optional) | |
| Duration | 3 hours + 50 minutes essay (optional) | 2 hours 55 minutes + 40 minutes essay (optional) | |
| Score range | 400-1600 | 1-36 | |
| Number of questions | 154 without essay | 215 without essay | |
| Purpose | Admission & SAT Scholarships | Admission & ACT Scholarships | |
| Negative marking | No | No | |
| Exam fees | USD 49.50 without essay
USD 64.50 with essay |
USD 63 without essay
USD 88 with essay |
|
| SAT Syllabus | SAT Eligibility | ||
| SAT Preparation | SAT Results & Scores | ||
Acceptance of the ACT Exam 2022
The ACT is a standardized test that is accepted in many countries, including the United States and Canada. As a result, it is critical to prepare thoroughly and achieve high marks. At the time of registration, Indian students must choose which colleges/universities they want their scores sent to. When the results are released, the scores will be sent directly to the universities/colleges. Colleges, universities, scholarship agencies, and placement offices all use the ACT score. Before sending your scores to institutions, consider the following:
Before sending your scores, double-check the college and university eligibility requirements.
You can choose which score to send if you take the test multiple times a year.
Only after the MCQ and Writing section results are available will the scores be sent.
Before applying, consider your preferred coursework, location, and so on.
You are not selected solely on the basis of your ACT scores. Before making a final decision, universities consider your Letter of Recommendation (LOR), academic performance, overall behaviour, and other factors.
Scholarships for the ACT Exam 2022
Your ACT scores can not only help you get into some of the best universities and colleges, but they can also help you get scholarships. The higher your score, the more likely you are to receive a merit scholarship.
The table below contains a list of scholarships available based on ACT scores and award amount.
| Name of Scholarships | ACT Score Required | Amount |
| Pacific Gas and Electric Company Asian ERG Scholarship | 25 | USD 2000 |
| MSLP Governor’s Best and Brightest Scholarship | 20 | Variable amount |
| Deana’s Wish Memorial Scholarship | 24 | USD 2000 |
| Matt Logies Memorial Scholarship | 24 | USD 5000 |
| Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship | 21 | USD 30,000 |
| Lloyd M. Fujie Scholarship for Accounting Major Students | 21 | USD 2500 |
ACT Exam Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I make changes to my ACT registration?
Ans – You can change your test location, date, and time. You will, however, be charged an additional USD 30 fee. You can do the same thing online by accessing and editing your ACT account.
Q: What is the distinction between the ACT and the SAT?
Ans – The main difference between the ACT and the SAT is that the ACT includes a Science section that the SAT does not. You can find more information on the ACT vs SAT comparison table above.
Q – How can I use my ACT account?
Ans – With the ACT account, you can do the following:
Sign up for the ACT exam.
View the ACT result.
Score reports should be sent.
Schedule another ACT exam.
Q: How long does the ACT exam last?
Ans: Without the writing test, the ACT exam lasts 2 hours and 55 minutes. There will be an additional 40 minutes if you choose to take a writing test.
Q – What should I bring to the ACT exam centre?
Ans – You are permitted to bring the following items to the ACT exam centre:
A valid photo ID is required.
2 pencils, sharpened and erased
It’s a calculator.
Q: When should I retake the ACT?
The ACT exam can be retaken up to 12 times. You should study thoroughly for the exam and retake it if necessary to improve your score.
Q – What are the requirements for taking the ACT?
Ans – There is no set schedule for taking the ACT. Wear a mask, maintain social distance and personal hygiene, and submit to screening.
Q – Are there any items that cannot be brought into the exam?
Ans – You are not permitted to bring the following items to the ACT exam:
Reading materials of any kind.
Textbooks, papers, and so on.
Other than a calculator, electronic devices
Highlighter, colour pen, sketch pen, and so on.
Tobacco in any form is prohibited.
Q: How many times is the ACT given each year?
Ans – The ACT exam is given to international students six times a year.
Q – Is the ACT required to enrol in a Bachelor’s programme in the United States?
Ans – No, ACT is not required for students to study Undergraduate programmes at all institutions in the United States. You should, however, check with the universities and colleges that have made it a requirement.
Q: How many times can I take the ACT?
In five years, you can take the ACT 12 times.
Ans – What changes to registration can be made through the MyACT account?
With your MyACT account, you can make the following registration changes:
Alter the test location.
Alter the test date.
Change your college selection.
The Writing section can be added or removed.
Personal information should be updated.
Q: What will be the average ACT score in 2022-23?
Ans – The 2022-23 composite score is 20.8 out of 36.
