FAQs about the ACT

 In this podcast episode, we answer all of the questions that students and parents frequently ask us.

Understanding the Basics of the ACT and SAT

Many students and parents often ask me about the differences between the ACT and SAT, especially with the recent changes announced for the ACT. Let's break down some key distinctions:

1. Test Structure:

   • The ACT has four core sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science (with Science becoming optional in 2025).

   • The SAT has two main sections: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (ERW), and Math. Each of these sections is further divided into two sub-tests.

2. Format and Timing:

   • The ACT, until April 2025, is approximately three and a half hours long (with an additional 40 minutes for the optional Writing section) and contains 215 questions.

   • The SAT is shorter, at around two hours and 14 minutes, with 154 questions. This shorter format has led many students to prefer the SAT, prompting the ACT to make changes.

   • The SAT is only offered as a computer-based test, and it is adaptive, meaning the questions in later sections are determined by your earlier responses. The ACT offers both paper-based and computer-based testing.

For a more detailed comparison, check out our free guide linked in the show notes. You can also listen to episode three of our podcast, “The ACT-SAT Dilemma: Which Test to Choose?” for an in-depth discussion.

Upcoming Changes to the ACT in 2025

The ACT will undergo significant changes starting in April 2025. To help you stay informed, I’m hosting a free webinar on Wednesday, September 4th at 7 PM, tailored for students, parents, and educators. If you join us live, you'll receive special bonuses and materials. Don’t worry if you can’t make it; just register, and I’ll send you a recorded link. This webinar is essential if you or your child plans to take the ACT in 2025.

Register for our FREE Webinar “Changes to the ACT”: https://upreptestprep-site-1ee6.thinkific.com/products/live_events/changes-to-the-act

Frequently Asked Questions About the ACT

1. When Should You Take the ACT?

Most students take the ACT during the spring of their junior year, which is the recommended time. However, some prefer to take it earlier in the fall of their junior year as a diagnostic test to create a study plan for the spring. U-Prep Test Prep offers a detailed diagnostic test that includes a score report, personalized study plan, and an individualized meeting to discuss your results.

2. How Often Should You Take the ACT?

The ACT is offered seven times a year on national test dates (February, April, June, July, September, October, and December). Schools may also offer special state or district testing dates. You can take the ACT up to 12 times, but most students find that taking the test three to four times is optimal. Over-preparing can lead to burnout, so plan strategically.

3. How to Register for the ACT?

Students should set up a MyACT account at act.org. Make sure that the student sets up the account, not the parent, as the student needs to remember the login details for accessing scores and future registrations.

4. How Should You Prepare for the ACT?

Preparation varies depending on the student’s learning style. Some may benefit from one-on-one tutoring, online prep courses, or in-person classes. Others may prefer self-study using official ACT materials. It's crucial to find what works best for you. At U-Prep Test Prep, we offer a range of options, from personalized courses to one-on-one coaching. Remember, the key is to use official ACT materials to ensure you are practicing with the most relevant content.

5. When Should You Start Preparing?

Choose a test date and start preparing two to three months in advance, depending on your schedule. The ACT suggests dedicating specific hours to study based on your target score improvement:

• 1 point increase: 8-10 hours of study

• 2-3 points increase: 20 hours of study

• 3-4 points increase: 40 hours of study

• 4-6 points increase: 80 hours of study

The more significant the score jump you want, the more time you should allocate to preparation.

Test Day Essentials

On test day, bring:

• A printed admissions ticket

• A valid photo ID

• An approved calculator

• Number 2 pencils (not mechanical)

• An old-fashioned wind-up watch to manage time (no alarms or smartwatches allowed)

Make sure you are well-prepared and familiar with these essentials to avoid any last-minute issues.

Cost of the ACT

The ACT costs $66 for the core test (English, Math, Reading, Science) and $91 if you add the optional Writing section. Fee waivers are available for eligible students—check with your school counselor for more information.

Scoring and Results

Each core test on the ACT is scored from 1 to 36, with a composite score averaging these four sections. Most colleges and scholarships focus on your composite score. The optional Writing test is scored separately from 1 to 12.

What’s a Good Score?

This depends on various factors, including your target colleges’ requirements, your personal goals, and benchmark scores. Research the average ACT scores of the incoming freshman class at your chosen schools and set a realistic target score based on your diagnostic test results.

Conclusion

Preparing for the ACT or SAT can be a daunting journey, but with the right strategy, resources, and mindset, you can reach your goal score. Don't forget to join our free webinar to learn more about the upcoming changes to the ACT, and stay tuned for more episodes of the Test Prep Plus Podcast!

For all the resources mentioned, check the show notes below. Happy studying, and remember—you’ve got this!

Here are the resources mentioned in this episode:

U-Prep’s Website: https://upreptestprep.net

FREE ACT vs SAT Guide: https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:24c26e73-85ab-4522-9031-ac7d793686fe

The ACT-SAT Dilemma (Test Prep+ Podcast Episode #3): https://upreptestprep.net/podcasts/3

ACT Diagnostic Testing by U-Prep (with detailed score report, personalized study-plan, and virtual meeting to go over everything): https://upreptestprep-site-1ee6.thinkific.com/courses/act-diagnostic-testing

Resources offered at U-Prep Test Prep: https://upreptestprep-site-1ee6.thinkific.com/

Register for our FREE Webinar “Changes to the ACT”: https://upreptestprep-site-1ee6.thinkific.com/products/live_events/changes-to-the-act

Contact us: info@upreptestprep.com

View this podcast episode’s webpage: https://upreptestprep.net/podcasts/16

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