American College Testing
TheACT (American College Testing) is a standardized test widely accepted by colleges and universities in the United States and several other countries for undergraduate admissions. Designed and administered byACT, Inc., the exam evaluates high school students on core academic skills required for college-level coursework. The ACT is not just a test of knowledge—it measures how well students can apply reasoning and problem-solving skills under time pressure.
For students in India and globally, the ACT offers an alternative to the SAT, and is equally recognized by most institutions abroad. Unlike the adaptive digital SAT, the ACT maintains a fixed structure and format, making it appealing to those who prefer predictability and direct question styles.
ACT is right fit for students who:
- Are strong in time management and can work through multiple sections quickly
- Prefer non-adaptive, traditional test formats with straightforward instructions
- Want to showcase their strength in science reasoning and data interpretation
- Are aiming for U.S. colleges that accept both SAT and ACT scores equally
- Are looking for a test structure that includes more sections (such as Science)
The ACT consists offour compulsory sections andone optional writing section. The test is conducted inpaper-based or computer-based formats (depending on location and center), and assesses a wide range of high school-level knowledge areas across English, Math, Reading, and Science.
| ACT Exam Structure | |||||
| Section | Duration | No. of Questions | Question Type | Skills Tested | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| English | 45 minutes | 75 | Multiple Choice | Grammar, sentence structure, punctuation, rhetorical skills | |
| Mathematics | 60 minutes | 60 | Multiple Choice | Algebra I & II, geometry, functions, trigonometry | |
| Reading | 35 minutes | 40 | Multiple Choice | Reading comprehension, inference, vocabulary in context | |
| Science | 35 minutes | 40 | Multiple Choice | Interpretation of graphs, tables, hypotheses, and experimental data | |
| Writing (Optional) | 40 minutes | 1 Essay | Essay (Argumentative) | Analytical writing, organization, evidence-based argument | |
Students planning to take the ACT must register online through the official ACT website. The process is straightforward but requires careful attention to deadlines, document uploads, and fee payments—especially for international test-takers.
AtEthos Education, we support students at every stage of this process, ensuring timely registration, accurate form submissions, and access to the right test centers.
| Step-by-Step Registration Guide | |
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Create an ACT Account | Visit www.act.org and create a personal student account. |
| 2. Complete the Profile | Enter academic details, preferred universities, and personal background. |
| 3. Choose Test Option | Select whether you want to take the ACT with or without the optional Writing. |
| 4. Select Test Center | Choose a nearby available international test center. |
| 5. Choose Test Date | Pick a suitable date based on your college application timeline. |
| 6. Upload Photo | A recent, passport-style photograph is required for identification. |
| 7. Confirm and Pay | Make the payment via international debit/credit card. |
| 8. Receive Admission Ticket | After payment, download and print your admission ticket for exam day. |
| ACT Exam Fees for Indian Students (2025) | |
| Component | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| ACT (without Writing) | ~$171.50 |
| ACT (with Writing) | ~$196.50 |
| Late Registration Fee | ~$36 |
| Test Date Change / Center Change | ~$42 |
| Additional Score Reports | ~$18 each |
| Note: Fees are subject to change based on ACT Inc.’s official announcements. Currency conversion and bank charges may apply. | |
| ACT vs DSAT | ||
| Aspect | DSAT (Digital SAT) | ACT |
|---|---|---|
| Conducted By | College Board | ACT, Inc. |
| Test Format | Fully Digital & Adaptive | Computer-based or Paper-based (Non-adaptive) |
| Total Duration | 2 hours 14 minutes | 2 hours 55 minutes (3 hours 35 mins with Essay) |
| Sections | Reading & Writing, Mathematics | English, Math, Reading, Science (+Optional Writing) |
| Total Questions | ~98 | 215 |
| Question Types | Multiple Choice + Grid-in (Math) | All Multiple Choice (except optional essay) |
| Scoring System | 400–1600 (200–800 per section) | 1–36 per section, averaged for composite score |
| Calculator Use | Allowed throughout Math section | Allowed in Math only (approved calculators) |
| Test Adaptivity | Yes – adjusts difficulty after first module in each section | No – fixed structure |
| Offered In India | Yes – multiple test dates and centers | Yes – selected centers and dates |
| Best Suited For | Students who prefer adaptive tech-based assessments | Students comfortable with science reasoning and long exams |
| Writing Section | Integrated in Reading & Writing section | Optional separate Essay |
| Score Validity | 5 years | 5 years |