Preparing to Take the Almighty ACT Quiz

Answer: 7

The ACT is given in September, October, December, February, April, June, and July in most states. According to the ACT company, the assessment measures "high school students' general educational development and their capacity to complete college-level work..." In some states, scores on the ACT are even tied into assessment of school performance.

Answer: Multiple Choice

The entire test is multiple choice, except for the Writing sub-test.

Answer: 4

The test covers English with 75 questions, Math with 60 questions, Reading with 40 questions, and Science Reasoning with 40 questions.

Answer: Math

The math test has 60 questions to complete in 60 minutes.

Answer: True

There are three ways to register: on-line, by mail, and by phone if you have previously registered to take the test. Have your credit card ready if you plan to register on-line or by phone!

Answer: permitted calculator

In "Registering for the ACT" there is a list of prohibited and permitted calculators, so it is good to check. The math guidelines suggest that all the problems can be solved without a calculator, and using one could sometimes just take more time.

Answer: Writing

In February 2005 an optional writing test was added. It is taken after the other sub tests and lasts for 30 minutes. The writing test does not affect the overall score - two additional scores, along with comments will be received along with the core score. Be sure to check that your school requires the writing prompt before paying the extra fee and spending the extra time after an already long morning of taking the ACT.

Answer: Yes

ACT will take late registrations, but it costs $21 more to take the test if a student registers late. Students may even walk in on the morning of the test and will be accepted if there are still seats available - for an additional fee of $41. (Based on 2009-10 price listings)

Answer: Mark the same choice on all the remaining answers.

There is no penalty on the ACT for guessing. Statistically the student will have a better chance of getting more correct if they mark the same answer on every question they have not yet answered. Some sources suggest that "c" is the most often used answer on the test; however that has not been my experience!

Answer: 36

A "36" is the highest possible score on the ACT. According to the website, in 2009 less than one-tenth of one percent of the students who took the test made a 36. In the state of Missouri in 2010, students in the top 5% of all Missouri students taking the test may qualify for a scholarship if they meet other criteria as well. A "2400" is a perfect score on the SAT.