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Get ready for high scores with StudySmarter ACT prep

The StudySmarter App provides all the features you need to prepare for your ACT in less time for free! We want to support you in making your ACT practice easy, faster & more successful!

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What is the ACT?

The ACT is a standardized test used by many colleges and universities to assess your readiness for entering and studying at their institution. Your score on the ACT can play an important role in college admissions, so comprehensive prep is crucial!

Score high in all areas of the ACT

StudySmarter’s features are designed to help you prepare for the ACT.

English

Math

Reading

Sciences

Writing

ACT prep: exercise

The StudySmarter App provides a free exercises feature, which is tailored to help you prepare for all areas of the ACT. It's also ideal for tracking your progress.
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ACT prep: flashcards

We know that quizzing yourself is a helpful study strategy. The easiest way to do so for ACT? Using the StudySmarter flashcards feature!
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ACT prep: even more StudySmarter features

Guess what? StudySmarter provides even more free features to help you achieve high scores in the ACT.

Collect points while studying

Reach new highs and unlock badges by studying.

Get statistics on your progress

Track your progress with your personalized study analytics dashboard.

Study anywhere

Available offline and across all your devices.

Scan

Scan your paper notes.

Share

Share notes with your study group

Add exam dates

We create a study plan for all of your Study Sets.

Essential tips for ACT prep

  • Start studying early (months in advance at best)
  • Create an ACT study plan with StudySmarter and track your progress
  • Study in groups to help each other
  • Get familiar with the details of the ACT (how many questions, how much time)

StudySmarter tips for getting a high score on the ACT

Make sure you understand the layout and instructions of the ACT sections before the test

Scan for questions you are able to answer instantly

Apply the exclusion principle if you are not 100 percent sure about the correct answer

Only one answer is correct, so make sure you only mark one answer per question!

Don’t leave any answers blank. If you don’t know the answer, guess!

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Frequently asked questions:

How do you study for the ACT?

When studying for the ACTs, you need to create a study plan (you can do this with the StudySmarter App). This will help you set goals and keep track of your progress. It’s important to create your study plan and start studying as early as possible (don’t cram the night before the test!), and studying in groups can also help you learn more effectively. Lastly, familiarize yourself with the ACT by getting an official ACT preparation booklet, taking a practice test, understanding its structure and scoring, evaluating which areas you may need more practice in, and seeing how much time you have to complete it.

What is a good ACT score?

A good ACT score largely depends on which college/university you’re applying to, but, in general, a good ACT score is 24 or higher (i.e., a score in or above the 75th percentile). There are four sections in the ACT, and your total score will be the average of these four sections. Therefore, you should aim for at least 24 in each section.

What’s the average ACT score?

The national average ACT score is currently 20.6.

How long is the ACT?

The ACT is 2 hours and 55 minutes long (without breaks). With breaks, the test will take you about 3 hours and 30 minutes. However, if you also take the optional writing section (40 minutes), the test will be slightly over 4 hours with a break. The English section is 45 minutes, Math is an hour, Reading is 35 minutes, and Science is also 35 minutes.

What are the differences between the SAT and the ACT?

The SAT and ACT are accepted by schools in the US, but there are a few differences between the two. Here are some differences between the SAT and ACT:
  • You have more time per question for each section in the SAT.
  • The ACT has more questions (215) than the SAT (154).
  • The ACT scoring system works on a scale of 1 to 36 (an average of each section), whereas the SAT has a total score between 400 and 1600 points (each section has a score between 200 and 400).
  • The ACT has one Math and one Science section, and the SAT has two Math sections (one with and one without a calculator).
  • The SAT gives students some Math formulae and diagrams (the ACT doesn’t).
  • The ACT includes questions on geometry and trigonometry.

How often can you take the ACT?

You can take the ACT 12 times. Your results are valid for five years after the test.

How many questions are on the ACT?

The ACT has 215 questions in total. The English section has 75 questions, Math has 60, Reading and Science both have 40, and you'll need to write one essay if you take the optional writing section.