ACT® | American College Testing®

1. Key Points

  • Used for applications to universities in the United States, as well as some institutions in Canada, the UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand.
  • Accepted as an alternative to the SAT when applying to U.S. universities.
  • Offered in April, June, September, October, and December each year, with a maximum of 12 attempts per person.
  • Also used as one of the criteria for scholarship consideration.

2. Exam Overview | What is the ACT?

The ACT® (American College Testing) is a standardized test designed to assess students’ academic readiness for college. It serves as one of the two main admissions tests in the United States, and applicants typically submit either ACT® or SAT® scores when applying to American universities. In addition to U.S. colleges, many institutions in Canada, the UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand also accept ACT scores. Beyond college admissions, ACT results are also commonly used as a reference for scholarship applications. Below is an overview of the test structure and key information:

  1. Test Format and Scoring

    The ACT takes a total of 3 hours and 25 minutes to complete, or 2 hours and 55 minutes without the optional writing section. The exam is divided into five main sections:

    • English

    • Mathematics

    • Reading

    • Science

    • Writing (Optional Essay)

  2. Why Take the ACT®?

    The ACT® is not merely a language proficiency test it is a comprehensive assessment of a student’s overall academic ability. Many private high schools in the U.S. now require ACT scores as part of their admissions process. Additionally, ACT results are recognized by top tier universities across the United States, including prestigious institutions such as Harvard and other Ivy League schools, as well as over 3,000 colleges and universities nationwide.

  3. Test Dates and Registration

    The ACT® is administered annually in April, June, September, October, and December. Students may take the ACT up to 12 times in total; however, we recommend limiting attempts to no more than three and submitting the highest score.

    The regular registration deadline is typically three to four weeks before the test date. For international test centers outside the U.S., late registration is accepted up to one week before the test, but a late registration fee will be charged in addition to the standard test fee.

  4. Scoring

    Each subject is scored on a scale of 1 to 36, and the composite score is the average of the four mandatory sections, also ranging from 1 to 36.
    The optional Writing (Essay) section is scored separately on a scale of 2 to 12.

3. How Long Should You Prepare for the ACT®?

Each student’s starting level and target score are different, so the preparation timeline will vary.

For students in international school systems, more than three months of preparation is generally sufficient. This allows time to build a solid foundation, understand key concepts, and practice extensively with real test questions.

If you only have 1 to 3 months to prepare, expect a more intensive and fast-paced study plan focused on targeted improvement and test  taking strategies.

4. Key Features of VALOUR’s ACT® Courses

Personalized One on One Lessons:
Whether you have ample time and want to build a strong foundation, or only one to two months left for an intensive review, our tailored courses are designed to meet your specific needs. Feel free to contact a Valour advisor for more details.

No Long Term Contracts:
At Valour, we don’t require students to sign binding contracts or purchase large prepaid packages. You’re welcome to try your first lesson at half price continue only if you’re satisfied!

Regular One on One Consultations:
Every two months, students meet with an educational consultant for a personal check-in. We believe there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to learning understanding each student’s unique traits allows us to provide truly effective support.

Go through each section of the course

During the meeting, the education consultant will first go through the course chapters covered over the past two months with the student to ensure they have fully absorbed and understood the material.。
Qualitative and quantitative performance assessment

Through data recording and categorized performance analysis, we conduct effective evaluations from both quantitative and holistic perspectives. This allows us to accurately identify strengths and weaknesses across different areas, helping students gain a clear understanding of their current learning progress.
Overall Estimated Performance Score

The education consultant will use the results from qualitative and quantitative performance assessments to predict the student’s potential score in the subject if they continue progressing. This helps the student consciously work towards achieving their target score.
Continuous monitoring and progress adjustment

Based on the results of each regular one-on-one meeting and the recorded data, continuous monitoring of the student’s learning performance is conducted. The education consultant will also adjust the teaching pace according to the student’s progress, keeping a close eye on their status at all times.

Whether your goal is to attend an Ivy League university in the U.S. or other top English speaking universities, the ACT exam is a key indicator of your academic ability and college readiness. By fully understanding the test structure, mastering effective preparation strategies, and managing your time wisely, you can stand out on the ACT.

If you are preparing for the ACT or want to learn how to integrate your ACT scores into your application plan, feel free to contact our study abroad consulting team. Your future, Valour is with you!

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