Ease Into Prep with an ACT^® Question of the Day

There are five subjects tested on the ACT, including:

1. English: This section will ask you to demonstrate your knowledge of grammar, punctuation, rhetorical skills, and sentence structure.
2. Math: This section will ask you to use algebra, geometry, and trigonometry to answer questions. You may use a calculator, but no formulas are provided.
3. Reading: This section will ask you to read and understand a wide range of subject matter, including humanities, literature, natural sciences, and social sciences.
4. Science: This section will ask you to interpret data, evaluate models, inferences, and experiment results, and understand the reasons behind an experimental setup.
5. Writing (optional): This section will ask you to respond to a writing prompt that describes a complex issue by writing an essay in which you must explain your own perspective on the issue, evaluate at least one other differing perspective, and persuade the reader that your perspective is superior.

There are 215 multiple-choice questions on the ACT, which are divided among the four sections (English, Math, Reading, and Science).

The most challenging section of the ACT varies from student to student based on their strengths and weaknesses. Generally, the ACT science section can be the most difficult for some because it requires a broad understanding of scientific concepts and data analysis skills.

Whether the ACT or the SAT is more challenging for you depends on your existing knowledge and test-taking skills. Try taking both practice tests and see how you do.

Earning a composite score of 36 on the ACT is the highest score you can achieve. Earning a “perfect” score of 36 is possible even if you incorrectly answer (or skip) 1 to 3 questions in each section, which means you can get a total of 5-7 questions wrong on the entire ACT exam and still earn a perfect score of 36.

There isn't a "most common answer" on the ACT. Statistically speaking, every letter has the same likelihood of being correct. The best way to guess on ACT Test Day is by using a "Letter of the Day." This is a single letter that you choose to use on every single question you guess. By using the same letter every time you guess, you'll gain a statistical advantage. There is no penalty for incorrect answers and you only score points for correct answers.

The 99th percentile on the ACT refers to an ACT score that is higher than 99% of all scores earned by test-takers. A 99th percentile score on the ACT is a composite score of at least 34. Earning this score is a huge accomplishment and means you will have a very high ACT score compared to other test-takers.

A good ACT score for college scholarships will vary depending on the scholarship(s) you are applying for. In general, it is recommended that you earn an ACT score of 28 or above to be eligible for most merit scholarships. However, there is more to receiving college scholarships than just ACT scores. Each scholarship has specific eligibility requirements that may or may not include an ACT score, a minimum GPA, and extracurricular activities.

The lowest ACT score that colleges will accept can differ greatly depending on which college you are applying to. Some colleges may have no requirement, and some may have a minimum ACT score requirement of 18 or 20.

Here are some ways to quickly raise your ACT score:

1. Make sure you understand the test format and subject matter
2. Use practice tests to identify your strengths and weaknesses and focus on improving the skills needed to answer the type of questions you missed most often
3. Thoroughly review answer explanations from your practice tests
4. Hire a tutor

Yes, colleges still care about the ACT. Many colleges require ACT scores as part of your application and scores can play an important role in whether or not you get admitted.

The number of practice ACT tests you should take depends on your specific needs and score goals. Generally, test-takers should take 2-3 practice tests. Kaplan recommends practicing until you're scoring close to your target score, then taking the official ACT.

Yes, the ACT is evolving based on feedback from test-takers and educators. Starting in April 2025, students who take the ACT online will have more flexibility and choice, experience a shorter test with a reduced number of questions overall, and get more time to respond to each question. Other changes include the option to take the ACT with or without the science section and the ability to take the ACT via paper-and-pencil or online.