2023 l 2024
Preparing for
the A C T ® Test
What’s Inside
Full-length practice A C T test,
including the optional writing test
Information about the multiple-choice and
writing sections
Test-taking strategies
What to expect on test day
Esta publicación también se puede ver o
descargar en españo l
www.act.or g
, A Message to Students
This document is an important first step as you get ready for college and your career.
The information here is intended to help you do your best on the AC T to gain admission to colleges
and universities. Included are helpful hints and test-taking strategies, as well as a complete practice
AC T, with “retired” questions from earlier test subjects given on previous test dates at AC T test
centers. Also featured are a practice writing test, a sample answer document, answer keys, and self-
scoring instructions.
Read this document carefully and take the practice tests well before test day. That way, you will be
familiar with the test subjects, what they measure, and strategies you can use to do your best on test
day.
You may also want to consider The Official AC T® Self-Paced Course, Powered by Kaplan® to learn test
content and strategies in a virtual classroom. To view all of our test preparation options, go to
www.act.org/the-act/testprep.
Overview of the A C
T
The AC T test consists of four multiple-choice sections— English, mathematics, reading, and science—with an optional writing section. Some colleges and
universities require or accept AC T writing scores, so you may consider taking the writing section.
Test Questions Minutes per Test
English 75 45
After the science test you should expect to take a shorter, multiple-choice test Mathematics 60 60
covering one of the previous subject areas. The results of the fifth test help
develop future test questions and will not be reflected on your scores, so please Reading 40 35
try your best. Science 40 35
Writing (optional) 1 essay 40
© 2023 by AC T, Inc. All rights reserved. QU00002.CJ11538
Test-Taking Strategies
2
, Contents
A Message to Students 2
Overview of the A C T 2 Read the directions carefully.
Before you begin each section, read the directions carefully.
Test-Taking Strategies 3 The English, reading, and science sections ask for the best
answer. Read and consider all of the answer choices and choose the
Prohibited Behavior at the Test Center 5
answer that best responds to the question. The mathematics
section asks for the correct answer. You may want to work out the
Content of the A C T Sections 6 answer you feel is correct and look for it among the choices given. If
your answer is not among the choices provided, reread the question
Taking the Practice Tests 10 and consider all the answer choices.
Practice Multiple-Choice Sections 11
Read each question carefully.
You need to understand exactly what each question asks. Some questions
will require you to go through several steps to find the correct or best
Practice Writing Test 52
answer, while others can be answered more quickly. Answer the
easy questions first.
Practice Answer Document 55
A good strategy is to answer the easy questions and skip the questions
you find difficult. After answering the easy questions, go back and answer
Scoring Your Tests 63 the more difficult questions if you have time.
Test Strategies for the A C T Use logic on more difficult questions.
Each multiple-choice section contains questions with either four or five When you return to the more difficult questions, try to use logic to
answers from which you are to choose the correct or best answer. eliminate incorrect answers. Compare the answer choices to each other
If you do not complete all your sections and want to test again, you will and note how they differ. Such differences may provide clues as to what
need to re-register and pay for a new test date. Once you access test the question requires. Eliminate as many incorrect answers as you can,
content, you cannot request a Test Date Change.
then make an educated guess from the remaining answers.
Strategies to help you prepare for the A C T Get Answer every question.
familiar with the content of the sections. Your scores in the sections will be based only on the number of questions
Review the information in this document. Note which content areas make that you answer correctly; there is no penalty for guessing. Try to answer
up a large proportion of the sections. The topics included in each content
area are examples of possible topics; they do not include all possibilities. every question within the time allowed for each section. Review
Update your knowledge and skills in the content areas. your work.
If there is time left after you have answered every question in a section,
Review content areas that you have studied but are not fresh in your
go back and check your work. You will not be allowed to go back to any
mind. Refresh your knowledge in the content areas that make up large
other section or mark responses to a section after time has been called in
portions of the test.
that section.
Study content areas you are not familiar with. When testing on an answer document: Be
If some content areas of the A C T are unfamiliar to you, consider taking
precise in choosing your responses.
coursework in those areas before you take the test.
If you are taking the A C T on paper, make sure that you properly select
Tips for Taking the Multiple-Choice Sections Pace the desired answer on your answer document. Marks on your answer
document that extend beyond the intended oval may be scored as
yourself.
It is important that you have enough time to read the passages/questions incorrect. Erase completely.
and figure out your responses. For each section, subtract the number of If you want to change a multiple-choice answer on paper, make sure you
minutes you estimate you will spend skimming the passages or reading erase completely. Do not cross out answers or use correction fluid or
the information provided, then divide the total number of remaining tape; you must erase. Smudges or unintended marks may cause errors in
minutes allowed by the number of questions to determine the estimated scoring.
time you should spend on each question. If possible, spend less time on
each question and use the remaining time allowed for a section to review Get Ready
your work and return to the questions in that section that were most
difficult for you. Prepare well in advance for the A C T. Know what to expect on test
The time limits set for each section give nearly everyone enough time to day. Review this document and visit www.actstudent.org for more
finish all questions. However, you will want to pace yourself to avoid information, including an overview of each test subject, multiple test
Take the
spending too much time on one passage or puzzling over an answer to a
specific problem. Go on to other questions and come back if there is prep resources, and a comprehensive test day checklist.
time. practice tests in the order they are shown in this booklet, time yourself,
3
, and review your responses using the answer keys. Get plenty of Test staff will direct you to a seat. If you need a lefthanded
rest the night before the tests. desk, tell the staff as you enter. Do not leave the test room
Note: Most procedures in this document refer to testing on a National after you have been
test date at an A C T test center (within the United States, US territories,
or Puerto Rico). Procedures may differ slightly if you take a different
admitted. Only pencils, erasers, a permitted calculator, your
watch
administration of the A C T test.
(if brought to the test center), and your paper ticket will be allowed
On Test Day on your desk. You will be required to put all other personal
Report on Time belongings away. Reporting time for the test will be 8:00 a.m.
For National test dates, you must report to your assigned test
Testing will begin as soon as all examinees who are present at 8:00 a.m.
are checked in and seated.
center by the time stated on your admission ticket (usually 8:00 a.m.).
If you are late, you will not be admitted to test. If your ticket does not Listen carefully to all directions read by the test staff. It
list a specific test room, the test staff or posted signs will direct you.
is important that you follow all directions carefully. You will
normally be dismissed at about 12:35 p.m. if you take the A C T (no
What to Bring writing), or at about 1:35 p.m. if you take the A CT with writing.
A printed copy of your admission ticket. Your ticket For Students Approved to Test at
contains important information that helps connect your answer
document to the registration on file. If you have lost your ticket, you can
National Test Center With One and One-
print another through your MyACT account. If you do not bring your Half Time
ticket on test day, your scores may be delayed. Acceptable photo Testing with one and one-half time is available on the multiple-choice
and/or writing sections for students with diagnosed disabilities and/or
identification. You will not be permitted to test if your ID does not meet A limited English proficiency.
C T requirements. See A C T requirements for ID on your ticket or at
If you are approved for one and one-half time at a National test center,
www.act.org/the-act/id. Number 2 pencil. Bring sharpened No. 2 you will have 50% additional time to complete each section. The A C T:
Test Questions Minutes per Test
pencils and good erasers (no mechanical pencils or ink pens). Do not
bring any other writing instruments. You will not be allowed to use them. English 75 70
Note: International test centers are provided approved whiteboards Mathematics 60 90
and erasable markers. Watch or other timing device. You may Reading 40 55
bring a watch to pace yourself, but it may not have an alarm. Your watch Science 40 55
or other timing device must be removed and placed on your desk while in Writing (optional) 1 essay 60
the test room, so that it remains visible to staff during the test. If your
alarm sounds during testing, you’ll be dismissed and your answers will After Testing
not be scored. Calculator. If you wish to use a calculator (use of a Voiding Your Test on Test Day
calculator is not required), it is your responsibility to ensure the calculator If you have to leave the test center before completing all sections, you
is permitted according to the A C T Calculator Policy. Snacks. You must decide whether or not you want your test scored and then inform
the test staff of your decision. If you do not, your test will be scored.
may consume snacks and drinks outside the test room during the break. If you do not complete all your sections and want to test again, you will
need to re-register and pay for a new test date. Once you access test
What NOT to Bring content, you cannot request a Test Date Change.
Textbooks, foreign language or other dictionaries,
Testing More Than Once
scratch paper, notes, or other aids
If you wish to take the test again to increase your scores, A C T will
Highlighter pens, colored pens or pencils, or correction
calculate and report a superscore for students who have taken the AC T
test more than once. This gives colleges the option to use the student’s
fluid/tape
best scores from all test administrations, rather than scores from just one
Any electronic device, other than a permitted calculator sitting, in their admission and scholarship decisions.
For information about superscoring, see www.act.org/the-
Reading material
act/superscore.
In the Test Room For more information about retaking the A C T, see www.act.org/the-
act/retaking.
4
Preparing for
the A C T ® Test
What’s Inside
Full-length practice A C T test,
including the optional writing test
Information about the multiple-choice and
writing sections
Test-taking strategies
What to expect on test day
Esta publicación también se puede ver o
descargar en españo l
www.act.or g
, A Message to Students
This document is an important first step as you get ready for college and your career.
The information here is intended to help you do your best on the AC T to gain admission to colleges
and universities. Included are helpful hints and test-taking strategies, as well as a complete practice
AC T, with “retired” questions from earlier test subjects given on previous test dates at AC T test
centers. Also featured are a practice writing test, a sample answer document, answer keys, and self-
scoring instructions.
Read this document carefully and take the practice tests well before test day. That way, you will be
familiar with the test subjects, what they measure, and strategies you can use to do your best on test
day.
You may also want to consider The Official AC T® Self-Paced Course, Powered by Kaplan® to learn test
content and strategies in a virtual classroom. To view all of our test preparation options, go to
www.act.org/the-act/testprep.
Overview of the A C
T
The AC T test consists of four multiple-choice sections— English, mathematics, reading, and science—with an optional writing section. Some colleges and
universities require or accept AC T writing scores, so you may consider taking the writing section.
Test Questions Minutes per Test
English 75 45
After the science test you should expect to take a shorter, multiple-choice test Mathematics 60 60
covering one of the previous subject areas. The results of the fifth test help
develop future test questions and will not be reflected on your scores, so please Reading 40 35
try your best. Science 40 35
Writing (optional) 1 essay 40
© 2023 by AC T, Inc. All rights reserved. QU00002.CJ11538
Test-Taking Strategies
2
, Contents
A Message to Students 2
Overview of the A C T 2 Read the directions carefully.
Before you begin each section, read the directions carefully.
Test-Taking Strategies 3 The English, reading, and science sections ask for the best
answer. Read and consider all of the answer choices and choose the
Prohibited Behavior at the Test Center 5
answer that best responds to the question. The mathematics
section asks for the correct answer. You may want to work out the
Content of the A C T Sections 6 answer you feel is correct and look for it among the choices given. If
your answer is not among the choices provided, reread the question
Taking the Practice Tests 10 and consider all the answer choices.
Practice Multiple-Choice Sections 11
Read each question carefully.
You need to understand exactly what each question asks. Some questions
will require you to go through several steps to find the correct or best
Practice Writing Test 52
answer, while others can be answered more quickly. Answer the
easy questions first.
Practice Answer Document 55
A good strategy is to answer the easy questions and skip the questions
you find difficult. After answering the easy questions, go back and answer
Scoring Your Tests 63 the more difficult questions if you have time.
Test Strategies for the A C T Use logic on more difficult questions.
Each multiple-choice section contains questions with either four or five When you return to the more difficult questions, try to use logic to
answers from which you are to choose the correct or best answer. eliminate incorrect answers. Compare the answer choices to each other
If you do not complete all your sections and want to test again, you will and note how they differ. Such differences may provide clues as to what
need to re-register and pay for a new test date. Once you access test the question requires. Eliminate as many incorrect answers as you can,
content, you cannot request a Test Date Change.
then make an educated guess from the remaining answers.
Strategies to help you prepare for the A C T Get Answer every question.
familiar with the content of the sections. Your scores in the sections will be based only on the number of questions
Review the information in this document. Note which content areas make that you answer correctly; there is no penalty for guessing. Try to answer
up a large proportion of the sections. The topics included in each content
area are examples of possible topics; they do not include all possibilities. every question within the time allowed for each section. Review
Update your knowledge and skills in the content areas. your work.
If there is time left after you have answered every question in a section,
Review content areas that you have studied but are not fresh in your
go back and check your work. You will not be allowed to go back to any
mind. Refresh your knowledge in the content areas that make up large
other section or mark responses to a section after time has been called in
portions of the test.
that section.
Study content areas you are not familiar with. When testing on an answer document: Be
If some content areas of the A C T are unfamiliar to you, consider taking
precise in choosing your responses.
coursework in those areas before you take the test.
If you are taking the A C T on paper, make sure that you properly select
Tips for Taking the Multiple-Choice Sections Pace the desired answer on your answer document. Marks on your answer
document that extend beyond the intended oval may be scored as
yourself.
It is important that you have enough time to read the passages/questions incorrect. Erase completely.
and figure out your responses. For each section, subtract the number of If you want to change a multiple-choice answer on paper, make sure you
minutes you estimate you will spend skimming the passages or reading erase completely. Do not cross out answers or use correction fluid or
the information provided, then divide the total number of remaining tape; you must erase. Smudges or unintended marks may cause errors in
minutes allowed by the number of questions to determine the estimated scoring.
time you should spend on each question. If possible, spend less time on
each question and use the remaining time allowed for a section to review Get Ready
your work and return to the questions in that section that were most
difficult for you. Prepare well in advance for the A C T. Know what to expect on test
The time limits set for each section give nearly everyone enough time to day. Review this document and visit www.actstudent.org for more
finish all questions. However, you will want to pace yourself to avoid information, including an overview of each test subject, multiple test
Take the
spending too much time on one passage or puzzling over an answer to a
specific problem. Go on to other questions and come back if there is prep resources, and a comprehensive test day checklist.
time. practice tests in the order they are shown in this booklet, time yourself,
3
, and review your responses using the answer keys. Get plenty of Test staff will direct you to a seat. If you need a lefthanded
rest the night before the tests. desk, tell the staff as you enter. Do not leave the test room
Note: Most procedures in this document refer to testing on a National after you have been
test date at an A C T test center (within the United States, US territories,
or Puerto Rico). Procedures may differ slightly if you take a different
admitted. Only pencils, erasers, a permitted calculator, your
watch
administration of the A C T test.
(if brought to the test center), and your paper ticket will be allowed
On Test Day on your desk. You will be required to put all other personal
Report on Time belongings away. Reporting time for the test will be 8:00 a.m.
For National test dates, you must report to your assigned test
Testing will begin as soon as all examinees who are present at 8:00 a.m.
are checked in and seated.
center by the time stated on your admission ticket (usually 8:00 a.m.).
If you are late, you will not be admitted to test. If your ticket does not Listen carefully to all directions read by the test staff. It
list a specific test room, the test staff or posted signs will direct you.
is important that you follow all directions carefully. You will
normally be dismissed at about 12:35 p.m. if you take the A C T (no
What to Bring writing), or at about 1:35 p.m. if you take the A CT with writing.
A printed copy of your admission ticket. Your ticket For Students Approved to Test at
contains important information that helps connect your answer
document to the registration on file. If you have lost your ticket, you can
National Test Center With One and One-
print another through your MyACT account. If you do not bring your Half Time
ticket on test day, your scores may be delayed. Acceptable photo Testing with one and one-half time is available on the multiple-choice
and/or writing sections for students with diagnosed disabilities and/or
identification. You will not be permitted to test if your ID does not meet A limited English proficiency.
C T requirements. See A C T requirements for ID on your ticket or at
If you are approved for one and one-half time at a National test center,
www.act.org/the-act/id. Number 2 pencil. Bring sharpened No. 2 you will have 50% additional time to complete each section. The A C T:
Test Questions Minutes per Test
pencils and good erasers (no mechanical pencils or ink pens). Do not
bring any other writing instruments. You will not be allowed to use them. English 75 70
Note: International test centers are provided approved whiteboards Mathematics 60 90
and erasable markers. Watch or other timing device. You may Reading 40 55
bring a watch to pace yourself, but it may not have an alarm. Your watch Science 40 55
or other timing device must be removed and placed on your desk while in Writing (optional) 1 essay 60
the test room, so that it remains visible to staff during the test. If your
alarm sounds during testing, you’ll be dismissed and your answers will After Testing
not be scored. Calculator. If you wish to use a calculator (use of a Voiding Your Test on Test Day
calculator is not required), it is your responsibility to ensure the calculator If you have to leave the test center before completing all sections, you
is permitted according to the A C T Calculator Policy. Snacks. You must decide whether or not you want your test scored and then inform
the test staff of your decision. If you do not, your test will be scored.
may consume snacks and drinks outside the test room during the break. If you do not complete all your sections and want to test again, you will
need to re-register and pay for a new test date. Once you access test
What NOT to Bring content, you cannot request a Test Date Change.
Textbooks, foreign language or other dictionaries,
Testing More Than Once
scratch paper, notes, or other aids
If you wish to take the test again to increase your scores, A C T will
Highlighter pens, colored pens or pencils, or correction
calculate and report a superscore for students who have taken the AC T
test more than once. This gives colleges the option to use the student’s
fluid/tape
best scores from all test administrations, rather than scores from just one
Any electronic device, other than a permitted calculator sitting, in their admission and scholarship decisions.
For information about superscoring, see www.act.org/the-
Reading material
act/superscore.
In the Test Room For more information about retaking the A C T, see www.act.org/the-
act/retaking.
4
