What is the ACT Test and How to Prepare for it?

The ACT test is offered several times a year. You can give the test in the months of February, April, June, September, October and December.

There are four main sections in the ACT exam:

• English
• Math
• Reading
• Science

There is also an optional 40-minute Writing Test. Some colleges make require the score in the writing section. But it totally depends on the subject you are planning to study in college.

Following are the steps by which you can register for the ACT exam:

• Signup on ACT's official website
• Choose the test center and the test date
• Create your profile and complete the application request
• Submit the documents 
• Get the immediate registration confirmation
• Pay the exam fee online

36 is the highest score a student can get in an ACT section and overall test. It is a scaled score and the scoring is highly complicated. The scores in each test (except writing) range from 1-36. The average of all the sections makes the composite or final score.

A good score in the ACT is one that can help you get admission to the college of your choice. In general, 20 or higher is an above-average ACT score. For elite colleges, an ACT score of 30 or more is good.

You will get your ACT scores in two parts. The scores for multiple-choice questions are released two weeks after the test. The essay scores are released four weeks after the test. Sometimes, due to various reasons, the ACT scores can come late. For that, you can visit their official website to stay updated.

Most colleges and universities accept scores from either the ACT or SAT and do not favor anyone over the other. A few alterations made to the SAT test in 2016 made it easier than ever to prep for both tests at the same time and get competitive scores on both ACT and SAT. The best way to decide is to take a timed full-length practice test of both. As the content and style of both the tests are very similar, aspects like how you manage the time and what sorts of questions you find more challenging can help you decide which test is a better fit for you.

Following are the key tips in the process of preparing for your ACT exam:

• Make yourself accustomed to the ACT structure and format.
• Get familiar with ACT's question styles
• Figure out your weaknesses and work on them
• Set a target score
• Make a study schedule and stick to it
• Practice the mock test papers
• Work on your English
• Practice doing maths in your mind