Every student who has passed class 12th with impressive grades aspires to get enrolled in one of the top universities abroad which can further hone their skills in their respective career. And it becomes equally important to know that getting admission to colleges in the United States and Canada is a cumbersome task and takes utmost effort for a student to set their feet despite repeated tries. However, with the advancement in the educational system, the introduction to new examinations have helped students achieve their dreams by getting into their dream universities. One such examination is American College Testing, also known as the ACT exam.
This Blog Includes:
ACT Exam Highlights
| Name of the Exam | ACT (American College Testing) |
| Conducting Body | ACT, Inc. |
| Exam Level | International |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Mode |
| Duration | 2 Hours 55 Minutes (+ 40 Minutes essay is optional) |
| Sections | English, Reading, Maths, Science (Writing section is optional) |
| Negative Marking | NA |
| Total Questions | 215 questions + 1 essay (Optional) |
| Fees | With Writing Section: $ 85 (INR 4,450)Without Writing Section: $ 60 (INR 6,300) |
| Validity | No expiration |
Understanding the ACT Exam
ACT is considered a standardized test required to be taken by students who are looking forward to enrolling in various undergraduate schools in the US and Canada. It has been primarily developed to check and evaluate the written, verbal, mathematical as well as scientific skills of the students. Possessing these abilities allows students to easily grab a seat in their preferred universities. Not to forget, the ACT exam is accepted by almost all the 4-year colleges and universities in the US and more than 225 universities outside of the country.
Here are some of the latest changes with respect to ACT exam-
- It is conducted 6 times a year in the months of February, April, June, July, September, October and December
- Unlike the SAT exam, the ACT exam is available only in Computer-Based format
- It has 4 sections on Mathematics, English, Reading and Science along with an optional section on writing.
- Applicants above the age of 13 can appear for the test.
- Your score for the ACT exam will be calculated on a range of 1 to 36 without including the optional section of writing.
ACT Exam Dates 2021-2022
| ACT Registration Last Date | Registration with Late Fee | ACT Test Dates |
| June 25, 2021 | July 9, 2021 | July 16-17, 2021 |
| August 13, 2021 | August 27, 2021 | September 10-11, 2021 |
| September 10, 2021 | September 24, 2021 | October 8-9, 2021 |
| November 12, 2021 | November 29, 2021 | December 10-11, 2021 |
| January 14, 2022 | January 28, 2022 | February 11-12, 2022 |
| March 4, 2022 | March 18, 2022 | April 1-2, 2022 |
| May 13, 2022 | May 27, 2022 | June 10-11, 2022 |
| June 17, 2022 | July 1, 2022 | July 16-17, 2022 |
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ACT Exam Pattern 2021
The ACT exam in India includes 4 sections: Reading, Science, Mathematics and English. In addition, there is a Writing section wherein the students have to write an essay in an allotted time of 40 minutes. Every section is scored on 1 to 36 points and your scoring in the writing part won’t affect the overall composite score.
| Subject in ACT Exam | Sub-Sections | Number of Questions | Duration |
| Mathematics | A. Pre-algebra B. Elementary Algebra C. Intermediate Algebra D. Coordinate Geometry E. Plane Geometry F. Trigonometry |
60 MCQs | 60 minutes |
| Reading | A.Social Studies B. Natural Science C. Fiction and Humanities |
40 (4 passages) | 35 minutes |
| Science | A. Data Representation (Graphs and Tables) B. Research Summaries C. Conflicting Viewpoints |
40 | 35 minutes |
| English | Usage or Mechanics A. Punctuation B. Grammar and Usage C. Sentence Structure Rhetorical Skills A. Strategy B. Organization Style |
75 | 45 minutes |
| Optional Writing Test | 1 Writing Prompt | 40 minutes | |
| Total | 4 Sections (1 optional) | 215 | 3 hours and 35 minutes (without breaks) |
ACT Exam Syllabus 2021
Here is a detailed syllabus for the ACT Exam 2021-2022:
| Section | Type of Questions | Topics Covered |
| English | Multiple Essays or Passages | Sentence Structure and Formation, Punctuation, English usage. |
| Mathematics | Graph, Charts, Formula Based etc. | Algebra, Number and Quantity, Functions, Geometry, Statistics and Probability etc. |
| Reading | Long Passage or Short Prose | Inferences and Conclusions, Logical Reasoning, Interpretation etc. |
| Science | Tables and graphs, diagrams, Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), Scientific phenomena questions | Biology, Chemistry, Earth/ Space Sciences(e.g Geology, Astronomy, and Meteorology and Physics |
| Writing | Essay Writing | – |
ACT Exam Scholarships
| Scholarships | ACT Score Required | Amount Granted |
| Lloyd M. Fujie Scholarship for Accounting Major Students | 21 | $2,500 [INR 1,90,000] |
| Deana’s Wish Memorial Scholarship | 24 | $2,000 [INR 1,50,000] |
| MSLP Governor’s Best and Brightest Scholarship | 20 | N/A |
| Texas Armed Services Scholarship Program | 23 | $4,000 [INR 2,70,000] |
| Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship | 21 | $30,000 [INR 22,26,000] |
| CIA Undergraduate Scholarship Program | 21 | $18,000 [INR 13,35,000] |
| Matt Logies Memorial Scholarship | 24 | $5,000 [INR 3,71,000] |
| Pacific Gas and Electric Company Asian ERG Scholarship | 25 | $2,000 [INR 1,48,000] |
ACT Exam: Things to Remember
- It is important to mention here that your ACT test scoring is valid for the next 5 years after the actual testing year you appeared in.
- It is recommended for you to register for the examination 3 months before you choose the date of appearing for the exam.
- If you stick to your early registration, you will have the time to prepare for the examination accordingly.
- Check your syllabus thoroughly.
- Do a lot of self-study.
- Solve previous years’ question papers to develop a holistic understanding.
It is important to prove your mettle and set your feet in a globally prestigious undergraduate institution in the US and Canada. With enough exposure and amiable study environment in universities abroad, you will grow unstoppable and achieve a milestone. Still, having apprehensions regarding the ACT exam? Don’t worry, our team at Leverage Edu is a one-stop solution to your queries. Book your 30 minutes free counselling session with us now!
