ACT practice

Understand the ACT.
Then practice it.

The ACT is a college admissions test usually taken in 11th or 12th grade. It measures English, math, and reading, with optional science and writing sections. Here is what students need to know before choosing a test date.

Start ACT practice See the test format ↓
Commonly taken in grades 11–12 Scores range from 1–36 Science and writing are optional
ACT PRACTICE Official test overview

Three required sections. Two optional ones.

The Composite score comes from English, math, and reading. Science and writing are reported separately.

EnglishLanguage & writing
MathGrade-level mathematics
ReadingComprehension & analysis
ScienceOptional on the official test
Current enhanced ACT format
01Who takes itMost students take the ACT during 11th or 12th grade.
02How it is scoredThe Composite score runs from 1–36 and is based on English, math, and reading.
03What is optionalScience and writing are separate choices that do not change the Composite score.
01 / THE BASICS

What is the ACT?

A college-readiness assessment commonly taken by students in grades 11 and 12.

The ACT covers work students do throughout high school.

The ACT measures skills students build throughout high school. English, math, and reading are the required multiple-choice sections; science and writing are optional. The enhanced test provides more time per question while preserving its 1–36 scale.

The Composite score is the rounded average of the English, math, and reading section scores. Students who take science still receive a separate science score and a STEM score, while writing is reported separately on a 2–12 scale.

See the official ACT test structure and learn about ACT scores.

02 / WHY TAKE IT

A score can open options.

The value of the ACT depends on a student's plans.

01

College applications

Some colleges require or consider ACT scores, while others are test optional. Students need to check each school's current policy.

02

Scholarships and programs

Some scholarships, honors programs, and placement decisions use test scores. Their requirements vary.

03

A useful academic snapshot

Section scores show how a student performed across English, math, reading, and, when taken, science.

04

Another way to show readiness

A strong score can add context to grades and coursework when a student decides it helps an application.

03 / OFFICIAL FORMAT

ACT test sections.

The current enhanced ACT structure and standard testing time.

SectionQuestionsTime
English50 questions35 minutes
Math45 questions50 minutes
Reading36 questions40 minutes
Science Optional40 questions40 minutes
Writing Optional1 essay40 minutes

The required English, math, and reading sections total 131 questions in 125 minutes. Optional science brings the multiple-choice total to 171 questions in 165 minutes; optional writing adds another 40 minutes. Source: ACT exam sections and structure.

04 / WHEN TO TAKE IT

Choose a date with room to adjust.

Most students take the ACT in 11th or 12th grade.

01

Start with the deadline

Work backward from college, scholarship, and program deadlines that matter to the student.

02

Leave time for another attempt

An earlier first date gives students time to review the result and retake the test if they want to.

03

Check what the school offers

Some schools or districts provide an ACT testing day, which may be the most convenient first date.

04

Practice before registering

A full timed test gives a more realistic baseline than a few untimed questions.

05 / PRACTICE ON SCORLY

Full test or shorter mini.

Scorly currently has two published ACT practice tests. Both include English, math, reading, and science; writing is not currently included.

1
ACT Practice Test 1171 questions · 165 minutes
2
Mini ACT Practice Test86 questions · 83 minutes
✓
Review the attemptSee explanations and performance by section, skill, and difficulty.
06 / GOOD TO KNOW

ACT questions, answered.

Is Scorly an official ACT product?

No. Scorly is an independent practice platform and is not affiliated with or endorsed by ACT Education Corp.

Is science part of the ACT?

Yes. Science is an optional ACT section and does not affect the Composite score. Scorly includes science practice for students who plan or are required by their testing program to take it.

How is the ACT scored?

ACT English, math, reading, science, and Composite scores use a 1–36 scale. The Composite score is based on English, math, and reading; science and writing do not affect it.

What else matters besides subject content?

Timing, question navigation, review habits, and decisions about when to move on all matter. Scorly puts the questions and the clock together so students can practice both.

ACT PRACTICE

Try what we built for our students.

Scorly is still new. We are adding ACT material as our teachers review it, and we want to hear when something could be clearer.

Start practicing