The ACT is an internationally administered test used for admission to American colleges and universities.
Bespoke has been helping students succeed on this challenging exam for nearly two decades. Our comprehensive approach to test prep incorporates individualized tutoring sessions, weekly homework from our proprietary ACT textbook, and frequent mock testing to comprise a program that is both thorough and tailored to your student’s specific needs.
Whether you’re ready to begin tutoring immediately or just have questions about the test, our client services team is looking forward to speaking with you! You’ll talk to a knowledgeable, caring individual who will create a test prep plan and pair you with the perfect tutor for your student’s personality and learning style. Your student will then learn the actionable skills to build confidence and thrive on test day and beyond.
ACT vs. SAT
Most colleges give applicants a choice of submitting scores from the ACT or its counterpart, the SAT. One of the most common questions families have when beginning test prep is, “Which exam should my child take?” We can help!
The best way to learn about the ACT and SAT is to take a practice test of each. Bespoke’s mock testing program makes it easy to take realistic practice exams in our offices or from the comfort of your home. Our experienced client services team then uses your student’s scores, experience of the exams, and learning profile to help you make an informed decision.
While we believe the best way to compare a student’s performance on the exams is to administer full practice tests of each, we also offer a joint ACT/SAT diagnostic test if time is limited.
“OMG! I got a 33 on the test!!! I got a 34 science, 34 math, 29 english, and 36 READING!!!”
– Trevor Day 11th grader, happily emailing his tutor, Josh
About the ACT
What is the ACT?
The ACT is produced by ACT, Inc. It is used by American colleges to assess students’ readiness for college and is an important part of admissions decisions.
Who takes the ACT?
The ACT is generally taken by high school juniors and seniors.
What’s on the test?
The ACT consists of four multiple choice sections—English, Math, Reading, and Science—followed by an optional Writing test essay. Students receive a scaled score of 1–36 for each multiple choice section; these scores are then averaged and rounded to the nearest whole number to produce a student’s composite score.
The optional Writing test is graded on a scale of 2–12. This is considered a separate score and does not factor into a student’s composite score. Whether or not a student needs to complete the Writing test depends upon individual college requirements, so be sure to check with schools early.
| Section | Time | Questions | Score Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 45 mins | 75 | 1-36 |
| Math | 60 mins | 60 | 1-36 |
| Reading | 35 mins | 40 | 1-36 |
| Science | 35 mins | 40 | 1-36 |
| Writing (optional) | 40 mins | 1 essay prompt | 2-12 |
I’m hearing a lot about “superscoring.” What does that mean?
Some colleges employ a process called “superscoring” which can be very beneficial for students. When superscoring, colleges take a student’s highest score for each multiple choice section and then re-average those scores into a new composite score. This composite score is the student’s “superscore.”
(For example, if a student scored 34 English, 24 Math, 28 Reading, and 22 Science for a 27 composite in February and 31 English, 29 Math, 31 Reading, and 28 Science for a 30 composite in April, the student’s superscore would be 34 English, 29 Math, 31 Reading, and 28 Science for a new composite of 31.)
Because of superscoring, we highly recommend students take the ACT at least twice. Check with individual colleges to see if they employ superscoring.
If students take the ACT multiple times, do they have to send colleges all of their scores?
The ACT allows students to select which scores to send to colleges; however, some colleges require applicants to submit all scores received. Check with individual schools to confirm their policies.
(Note: If students elect to send ACT scores from a given test date, they must send all of the section scores from that date—i.e. they cannot opt to send their Math score but not their Reading score. Admissions offices that allow “superscoring” will calculate superscores on their own from all of the scores submitted.)
When is the test offered?
The ACT is currently offered as a pencil-and-paper test and is administered at schools in the United States seven times per year: in September, October, December, February, April, June, and July*. Click here for more details about test dates.
*As of now, the July ACT will not be offered in New York state. Students must travel to nearby states such as New Jersey or Connecticut if they wish to test on this date.
When will students receive their scores?
According to the ACT, scores from the multiple choice sections are usually available about two weeks after the test but can sometimes take up to eight weeks. Writing scores are normally available about two weeks after the multiple choice scores.
Where can I get more information on the ACT?
For more information on the ACT, and to register online, please visit the ACT website.
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