8 ACT practice tests to prepare for your college entrance exam

13 Jul 2020

High school graduates who landed a spot in a US college can tell you about the numerous SAT or ACT practice tests they completed to get there.

According to The Princeton Review, “College admissions officers will review standardised test scores alongside your high school GPA, the classes you took in high school, letters of recommendation from teachers or mentors, extracurricular activities, admissions interviews, and personal essays.”

It’s never too early to start preparing for your ACT test. Source: Mel 88/Pixabay

What is the ACT?

Like the SAT, the ACT is a nationally-recognized standardised test used for college admission in the US. It consists of English, Math, Reading, Science, and Writing sections.

ACT is the standard requirement in 11 US states: Alabama, Hawaii, Kentucky, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, Utah, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

On the other hand, the SAT is preferred in Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Maine, Michigan, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and West Virginia.

Among the major differences between ACT and SAT are:

ACT is slightly shorter
ACT has a science section
ACT tests geometry and trigonometry on top of algebra
ACT requires you to memorise math formulae
ACT scores range from 1 to 36

ACT candidates will have to prove their proficiency English, Math, Reading, Science, and Writing. Source: Michal Jarmoluk/Pixabay

What do I need to take the ACT?

ACT without writing takes 2 hours 55 minutes, while ACT with writing takes 3 hours 35 minutes.

Fees for 2020-2021 are $55 (no writing) or $70 (with writing). Additionally, you’ll have to pay $30 for late registration, $55 for standby testing, and $32 to change your test date.

You can determine which college entrance exam is best for you by taking official practice tests. You can also speak to the school guidance counsellor for some insight.

Try these ACT practice tests

Though many universities are going test-optional this year in the face of COVID-19 restrictions, a few dates have been announced for ACT testing in 2020. They are September 12, October 24 and December 12 (subject to change).

So, here are the top ACT practice tests you should take to prepare.