How hard is the ACT test?

The ACT challenges test-takers with a total of 215 questions across four sections. Complex reading passages and tricky math questions can make the ACT difficult for some. Taking ACT practice tests and learning key strategies can make the test easier for you.

Which is a harder test ACT or SAT?

The SAT is not harder than the ACT. Both tests vary slightly in terms of subjects covered and structure. These variations can affect each test-taker differently, making one exam more challenging than the other. Taking full-length practice tests of each type can help you determine which may be best suited for you.

What is the hardest part of the ACT test?

Obviously, it's not a good idea to take the ACT® unless you have a good grasp on the content that will be tested. The ACT® Reading and ACT® Science sections are both the hardest and easiest to prepare for.

Is it easy to get a 27 on the ACT?

A 27 ACT score puts you at the 85th percentile, meaning you scored higher than 85% of test takers.

How long should you study for the ACT test?

It's ideal to spread your ACT prep over two or three months, but one month is still enough to see score gains.

ACT Tips & Tricks that ACTUALLY work (perfect score) in 2024

Can I study for ACT in 2 weeks?

Unfortunately, there's no substitute for putting in ample prep time, whether that's an hour a day over five weeks, or a more concentrated plan like this one. If you do have more time before your test date, we highly recommend spending at least five weeks studying for the ACT.

Can you study for the ACT in 10 days?

Though quality matters in your ACT prep, quantity is also important: you have to invest a lot of time if you want to see big improvements. You can make a lot of progress in 10 days, but you need to dedicate the necessary time to improve your ACT score.

What is a 70% on the ACT?

Your ACT score percentile is not like a grade out of 100; rather, it's a comparison between you and other students. For example, if you get in the 70th percentile, this means you scored the same as or higher than 70% of test takers. It doesn't mean you got exactly 70% of the test questions correct.

Can I get into Harvard with a 27 ACT?

There's no absolute ACT requirement at Harvard, but they really want to see at least a 34 to have a chance at being considered.

Is the online ACT harder?

While the ACT online does all it can to make this easy, it still is tougher than with a paper test, which means that many students won't focus on getting all the easy points first. Instead, they'll do the questions in the order they are presented, often resulting in wasted time.

Why is ACT English so hard?

1 Strict Time Constraints. The structure of the ACT makes it difficult for some test-takers. Consider the English section. You'll get just 45 minutes to answer 75 questions, meaning you'll need to answer a question every 36 seconds to complete the section in time.

Why does the ACT give you so little time?

Why does the ACT have less time and more questions than the SAT? That's simple. The questions are easier. For marketing reasons, since the ACT was created to steal customers away from the well-established SAT, the questions were designed to be easier.

Does the ACT have an essay?

The ACT writing test is an optional 40-minute essay that comes after the main ACT exam. It's designed to measure your writing skills — skills you've been honing in high school and will need in college. You'll get a prompt with a complex issue and three perspectives.

Are SATS better than acts?

Both ACT and SAT scores are used for college admissions decisions and awarding merit-based scholarships. Most colleges do not prefer one test over the other. Neither the SAT nor the ACT is harder than the other. Different students tend to do better on one test over the other.

Can you take the ACT online at home?

No. The online ACT is not available as a “remote” exam and must be taken on a test center-managed device at your chosen test center.

Is a 28 bad on ACT?

With a score of 28, you are in the 91st percentile of all test takers. More likely than not, with a score of 28, you'll often be in or near the commonly accepted range at highly selective colleges. The exception may be the Ivy League where the score required may be higher than 30 on average.

Is a 14 ACT score good?

Each section has a test score range of 1-36: Below Average Score Range: 1-16. Average Score Range: 17-24. Above Average Score Range: 25-36.

Is 19 a good ACT score?

A good ACT score ranks you higher than the majority of test-takers. As such, any composite score above the 50th percentile, or 19-20, can be considered a solid score.

How rare is a 36 ACT?

Unsurprisingly, a full 36 is the rarest score of all—just 0.25% of all test takers earned a perfect ACT score. Roughly three times more students earned the next-highest score of 35; however, this is still a very rare score that just 0.775% of test takers earned.

Is 15 a good ACT score?

Scores below a 15 on the ACT are considered low at just about any four-year college. You can overcome low scores with a great GPA or an outstanding college application. But even if you're accepted, the school may ask you to take some remedial courses before enrolling.

How good is a 13 on the ACT?

13 ACT Score Standings

Out of the 1.91 million test-takers, 1780773 scored the same or higher than you. You can apply to 2 colleges and have a good shot at getting admitted. You have a very low chance of getting into 1505 schools with this score.

Does the ACT take 5 hours?

The ACT is 3 hours long (technically 2 hours and 55 minutes). Including breaks, the exam takes 3 hours and 30 minutes to complete. If you sign up for the optional essay (the ACT Plus Writing), the test clocks in at 3 hours and 40 minutes or just over 4 hours with breaks.

Is 2 months enough time to study for the ACT?

As a rule of thumb, begin studying at least three months before you plan to take the ACT–or, if you want to improve by much more than 10 points, at least six months of prep time is advised.

Is 1 week enough to study for ACT?

We don't think that one week is enough time to fully prepare for the ACT and get the highest score you are capable of. But it is a reality for some students, so we want to help you make the most of your ACT test date.