The ACT is a standardized test administered by ACT, Inc., primarily for undergraduate school admissions in the US and Canada. It evaluates candidates' written, mathematical, verbal, and scientific skills through a multiple-choice question format. Additionally, there's an optional writing section available for an extra fee during registration. As of 2024, the ACT is offered as a computer-based test, maintaining its syllabus, total scores, and pattern.

The ACT 2025 includes four main sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science, plus an optional Writing section. It contains 215 MCQs designed to test skills aligned with high school curricula like grammar, algebra, data interpretation, and scientific reasoning. From September 2025, the Science and Writing sections will be scored separately but remain valuable for certain college applications.
At PrepGenius, we simplify this complex structure with a personalized, section-wise prep plan, helping you master each part of the ACT with targeted lessons, expert mentors, and full-length mock tests.

Every section of the ACT, including Reading, Math, English, and Science, is graded on a scale from 1 to 36. These individual scores are then summed and divided by four to determine the composite score. The table below illustrates how the composite score is calculated generally based on the performance in each section of the ACT exam:

A good ACT score depends on your target universities, but generally, anything above 30 is considered competitive. A score of 34+ puts you in the top 1% of test-takers and opens doors to top global universities.
At PrepGenius, we help students aim high, with strategic prep and mock tests designed to get you closer to that perfect 36/36.

The ACT Superscore is determined by comparing the English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science section results across multiple ACT composite scores. It involves selecting the highest scores achieved in each section to compile one comprehensive high score.

To calculate your ACT Superscore, identify the highest score achieved in each section across all your ACT attempts. Then, sum these scores and divide by four (the number of sections). If the resulting value is a decimal, round up to the nearest whole number to obtain your ACT Superscore.

For illustration, consider the following example of ACT Superscoring:

National Extended Time Testing: If your child needs testing accommodations and is able to test at a national test center but requires up to 50% additional testing time, they will be designated under National Extended Time accommodations.

Special Testing: If your child requires accommodations that do not fit within the parameters of National Extended Time, they will be classified under Special Testing accommodations. These accommodations may include more than 50% extended time, testing spread over multiple days, alternative test formats such as Braille, audio, or the use of readers and scribes, among others.

While self-study is possible, ACT coaching gives you access to structured study plans, official practice tests, expert mentors, and consistent feedback. For Indian students preparing for ACT 2025, online ACT coaching ensures you stay on track with guided prep and measurable progress.

The ACT includes a Science section and allows calculators in Math, while the SAT focuses more on reasoning and reading comprehension. Indian students who prefer direct subject-based assessment often find the ACT easier to navigate. PrepGenius mentors help you decide which test suits your goals.

The majority of students typically take the ACT during their 11th or 12th-grade years. In the United States, the exam is offered seven times a year in September, October, December, February, April, June, and July. Additionally, some students may have the opportunity to take the exam on a school day as part of district or state testing.

If you're dissatisfied with your results, you have the option to retake the ACT. The organization overseeing the exam, ACT Inc. permits individuals to take the test as many as 12 times. However, it's advisable to limit retakes to 2-3 attempts as further attempts are unlikely to result in significant score improvements.

Yes, you should prepare for the ACT exam. For most people, we recommend beginning your ACT studying during the end of your sophomore year or the summer between sophomore and junior year. That will give you enough time to get in the prep you need to take the ACT at the beginning of your junior year. However, exactly when you begin studying depends on multiple factors, such as where you want to go to college and how many hours a week you'll be able to devote to studying.

Yes! PrepGenius offers free demo sessions, ACT sample tests, and mentor consultations so you can experience our ACT test prep support before committing to a course.