The ACT can feel overwhelming when you’re preparing for college admissions. It covers a lot of ground, testing your English, Math, Reading, and Science skills. It’s not just about knowing the material; it’s also about handling the time pressure.
However, it becomes more manageable once you understand how the test works and where students often struggle. In this article, we’ll break down the ACT’s main sections, explore what makes it difficult for some, and share tips to help you approach the test.
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Key Takeaways
- The ACT covers English, Math, Reading, and Science with strict time limits.
- Difficulty varies based on personal strengths and weaknesses.
- Managing time effectively is crucial for success.
- Test anxiety can make the ACT harder, but practice helps reduce stress.
- Improve weaker areas and use official resources to create a solid study plan.
What is the ACT and Why is it Important?
The ACT is a standardized test that many U.S. colleges use to see if students are ready for college-level work. It tests four key areas: English, Math, Reading, and Science. There’s also an optional writing section. Each part is scored between 1 and 36; your overall score is the average of these sections.
Your ACT score plays a significant role in admissions decisions for many colleges. Every year, more than 1.34 million students take the ACT, making it one of the most common college entrance exams. A good score can strengthen your college application and qualify you for scholarships.
The ACT Structure
Each section in the ACT has a set number of questions and a time limit, so managing your time well is essential. The test covers various skills, including grammar, reading comprehension, problem-solving, and data analysis.
You’ll need to work quickly while still answering each question carefully. Knowing how the test is structured and practicing under timed conditions can make a big difference.
Here’s a breakdown of the test:
| Section | Number of Questions | Time Allotted |
| English | 75 questions | 45 minutes |
| Math | 60 questions | 60 minutes |
| Science | 40 questions | 35 minutes |
| Reading | 40 questions | 35 minutes |
| Optional Writing | 1 essay | 40 minutes |
Why Colleges Use the ACT for Admissions
Colleges rely on the ACT to evaluate whether a student is ready for college-level work. The ACT provides a standardized way to compare students from different schools and helps admissions teams see how well a student has mastered important academic skills.
Colleges use the test and other factors like your unweighted or weighted GPA, extracurricular activities, and essays. The ACT is especially useful because it offers a clear snapshot of your strengths, even if grading systems differ between schools.
Is the ACT Harder Than Other Standardized Tests?
Many students ask if the ACT is harder than other tests, like the SAT. The answer depends on your personal strengths and test-taking style.
ACT and SAT: Which Test is More Challenging?
The difficulty of the ACT versus the SAT depends on your strengths and preferences, which are key factors in your test prep. Most colleges accept both tests, but each has unique challenges.
- The ACT is known for its fast pace. You have less time per question, especially in Math and Reading. For instance, the ACT provides 60 minutes for 60 math questions, whereas the SAT allows 80 minutes for 58 math questions. If you struggle with time pressure, the ACT might feel harder.
- The SAT, however, focuses more on critical thinking and problem-solving. It emphasizes vocabulary and complex reading passages. Some students find the SAT’s math section more difficult because it has non-calculator questions, while the ACT lets you use a calculator for all math questions.
In 2021, about 1.5 million students took the SAT, and 1.3 million took the ACT, showing both tests remain popular choices. Ultimately, which test is more challenging depends on your preferences. The ACT may be a better choice if you excel at working quickly and prefer direct questions, while the SAT could be more suitable if you enjoy taking your time and focusing on analysis.
Comparing the ACT to High School Exams
The ACT is a timed, standardized test. You’ll have under three hours to complete four sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science. In comparison, high school exams usually give you more time and have fewer questions than the ACT, which has strict time constraints.
For example, the ACT’s English section has 75 questions that should be completed in 45 minutes. A typical high school English test usually offers more time for fewer questions.
Another key difference is the type of skills being tested. High school exams generally focus on what you’ve learned recently in class. The ACT, however, assesses your overall readiness for college. It covers a broader range of topics, testing your ability to apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills, not just what you learned recently.
Key Sections of the ACT and Their Difficulty Levels
The ACT is divided into four main sections. Each section comes with its challenges, such as testing different skills. Some students find certain parts easier, while others struggle with specific sections. Understanding the strengths and challenges of each section can help you better prepare and focus on areas where you need improvement.
The English Section
This section tests your grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and writing style skills. You have 45 minutes to answer 75 questions, so pacing is key. The section includes passages with underlined parts, and your job is to decide if changes are needed to improve the writing.
This section can be challenging because it’s not just about knowing grammar rules. You must also choose the clearest and most effective way to express ideas. Time management is often tough for students since you have to think quickly and pay close attention to details.
In 2022, the average score for the English section was 19.9 out of 36, which shows that many students find it difficult. But with practice, you can improve your ability to spot errors and make smart edits quickly, which can help raise your score.
The Math Section
The Math section of the ACT covers a range of topics like algebra, geometry, and basic trigonometry. You have 60 minutes to answer 60 questions, making time management crucial. The questions test your problem-solving skills and how quickly you can apply math concepts.
Many students find the ACT Math section challenging because it combines straightforward problems with ones that need more complex thinking. It’s not just about knowing formulas but also understanding key factors in when and how to use them effectively. While calculators are allowed, some questions can take time if you’re not well-prepared.
The Science Section
The Science section of the ACT doesn’t focus on memorizing facts. Instead, it tests your ability to interpret data, analyze experiments, and think critically. You have 35 minutes to answer 40 questions, so moving quickly is essential. The questions are based on graphs, charts, and descriptions of scientific studies.
You don’t need to be an expert in biology or chemistry. What matters more is your ability to use scientific reasoning and handle data efficiently.
The Reading Section
The Reading section of the ACT measures your ability to understand and analyze written passages. You have 35 minutes to read four passages and answer 40 questions, so staying quick and focused is essential. The passages come from different areas—prose fiction, social science, humanities, and natural science.
The biggest difficulty for many students is the time pressure. You must read carefully and fast enough to answer the questions in time. The questions ask you to find the main ideas, locate details, and interpret the meaning of the passages.
How to Overcome Common ACT Challenges
A common ACT struggle for many students is managing time during the test since each section moves quickly. Another challenge is knowing how to study effectively for such a broad exam. You can overcome these obstacles and improve your performance with the right strategies.
Managing Time Effectively During the Test
Time management can be tough, but these tips can help you stay on track during the ACT:
- Practice timed tests: Take full-length practice tests with the same time limits to get used to the pace.
- Keep a steady pace: Don’t spend too long on any one question. If it’s too challenging, move on and return later if possible.
- Skip and revisit: Mark tricky questions and return to them if you have extra time.
- Use elimination: Quickly narrow down answer choices to boost your chances of getting the correct answer.
Developing a Strong Study Plan
A well-organized study plan can improve your ACT results significantly, especially when focusing on ACT English and Math. Here’s how to build one:
- Focus on weak spots: Spend extra time doing ACT prep on the most challenging subjects to see the biggest improvements.
- Break it up: Study in short, focused sessions to keep your energy and focus high. Studies show shorter, focused sessions can lead to better retention and concentration.
- Set clear weekly goals: Plan specific, small goals each week to keep yourself on track.
- Balance practice and review: Alternate between taking solving practice questions and reviewing your mistakes to strengthen your understanding.
- Use quality materials: Stick to official ACT practice tests and trusted prep books for the best results.
- Take help: If you’re feeling too overwhelmed, you can also take support from your parents and family. Here’s a quick guide on preparing your parents for college admission.
Is the ACT Hard for Certain Students?
Depending on factors like test anxiety, academic strengths, and learning styles, the ACT can feel more difficult for some students. While the test is the same for everyone, how challenging it seems can vary from student to student. Understanding how these personal factors affect your experience can help you prepare better and approach the ACT.
How Test Anxiety Affects Difficulty?
Test anxiety is a common issue that can make the ACT feel tougher for some students. High stress levels can make it hard to focus and think clearly, lowering your performance.
Research shows that about 21% of students deal with severe test anxiety, which can significantly impact their scores. To manage this, relaxation techniques like deep breathing and mindfulness or taking practice tests under timed conditions can help ease nerves and improve performance.
How Academic Strengths and Weaknesses Affect Performance
Your strengths and weaknesses in different subjects can also affect how difficult the ACT feels. For example, the Math section might feel easier if you’re good in math. But if math is a weak point, you may find it more challenging.
The same goes for reading comprehension or science reasoning—students strong in these areas will likely have an easier time, while others may need more practice. By identifying the sections that challenge you most, you can tailor your study plan to address those areas and boost your overall score.
Tips to Make the ACT Easier
Good strategies and the best resources will help you feel more prepared and confident on test day. Here are some helpful tips to get you started:
- Focus on Weak Areas
Begin by identifying the subjects where you struggle the most. Spend extra time practicing those sections, whether math, reading, or science. Improving your weakest areas will have the biggest impact on your overall score.
- Take Practice Tests
Taking full-length practice tests is one of the best ways to prepare. It helps you get used to the format, pacing, and types of questions. Simulate real test conditions by timing yourself to build comfort with the test.
- Use Official ACT Resources
Stick to quality study materials. The ACT’s official website offers free practice tests, guides, and study tips. These official resources ensure you study the right content and learn how the test works.
- Learn Test-Taking Strategies
Get familiar with strategies like skipping tough questions and returning to them later. Use elimination techniques to narrow down answer choices. These strategies can save you time and help you handle tricky questions.
How to Improve Scores in Each Section
By using the right strategies in your ACT prep, you can make big improvements in each section. Here are a few simple tips.
| ACT Section | Tips to Improve Your Score |
| English | Review grammar rules, punctuation, and sentence structure. Practice spotting the clearest way to express ideas in passages. Go over common grammar mistakes and use timed practice tests to improve your speed. |
| Math | Refresh your knowledge of algebra, geometry, and trigonometry basics. Memorize important formulas and practice solving problems quickly. Focus on recognizing the best strategies to solve different types of questions. |
| Science | Get comfortable reading graphs, tables, and data. Concentrate on understanding scientific experiments, not just memorizing facts. Use timed practice passages to strengthen your data analysis skills. |
| Reading | Practice reading different types of passages to improve speed. Focus on understanding the main ideas and locating key details quickly. Try summarizing paragraphs to build better comprehension skills. |
What ACT Score Do You Need for College Admissions?
Colleges have different score expectations based on their selectivity. Understanding the score range for your target schools and the college admission process will help you set clear, realistic goals.
Score Requirements by College Tier
Here’s a general guide to the average ACT scores for various types of colleges. Remember that these ranges are averages, and specific schools may have different requirements.
| College Tier | Average ACT Score Range | Examples of Institutions |
| Highly Selective (Top Tier) | 32–36 | Harvard, Stanford, MIT |
| Selective (Mid-Tier) | 27–31 | University of Michigan, New York University (NYU), University of Florida |
| Less Selective | 21-26 | Indiana University, Arizona State University |
| Open Admission Schools | 17-21 | Community Colleges, University of North Texas |
How to Set a Realistic Score Goal
Setting ACT score goals means looking at your strengths and the scores you aim for. Here’s how to set a goal that’s just right for you:
- Research average scores: Look up the average ACT scores for the colleges you’re interested in.
- Compare practice scores: Take practice tests and see how your current scores compare to your target schools.
- Set a goal: Aim for a score within or slightly above the range of your target schools.
- Plan for improvement: If you’re 5–6 points below your goal, focus on steady progress with consistent practice.
- Monitor progress: Regularly take practice tests to track improvement and adjust your study plan as needed.
Conclusion: How Hard is the ACT?
The ACT can be tough, but understanding how it works and focusing on your weak areas can make a big difference. You can handle challenges like time management and test anxiety with the right preparation.
Act is just one part of your college application. By setting realistic goals and using effective resources, you can confidently face the test and achieve your best score. Stay focused, keep practicing, and know that with the right plan, you can succeed!
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FAQ
How many times can I take the ACT?
You can take the ACT up to 12 times, but most students take it 2-3 times to improve their scores.
Is there a penalty for guessing on the ACT?
No, there is no penalty for an incorrect answer in ACT. It’s better to guess than to leave a question blank.
Can I send only my best ACT score to colleges?
Most colleges allow you to send only your highest ACT score, but it depends on the school’s policy. You should check out each college’s requirements before sending in the scores.
What is the ACT Superscore?
The ACT Superscore combines your best section scores from multiple test dates to create a higher composite score. Many colleges accept Superscores in their admissions process.
When should I take the ACT for the first time?
Most students take the ACT for the first time in the spring of their junior year to give themselves time to retake it if needed.
