Best ACT Exam & Test Preparation Online 2025
ACT Exam & Test Preparation Online in 2025
Studying in an Ivy League college is definitely a dream that many of us have. But sometimes, without the right guidance and support, the dream feels so out of reach. Well, if that’s how you feel, too, you’re in the right place! With Rostrum, your dream of studying in an Ivy League wouldn’t remain a dream; it can become your reality!! Our tutoring on the ACT® test gets you strong scores that will get you into the best colleges. Over 80% of Rostrum students from all over the world, including India and UAE, score 32/36. Become a part of that ratio!
What is ACT?
The ACT is a commonly used entrance test by higher education institutions to determine admissions decisions. Its goals are to evaluate a student’s college preparation and give all applicants access to a common source of information. In addition to high school GPA, course selection, extracurricular activities, recommendation letters, essays, and interviews, admissions staff often consider ACT scores. Universities differ in how important ACT scores are when applying to colleges.
The ACT consists of four tests, and a composite score between 1 and 36 is provided based on their average. The actual testing time is 2 hours and 55 minutes while taking the optional 40-minute writing test extends the total testing time to 3 hours and 40 minutes. A high score on the ACT can be highly beneficial for college applications.
ACT Format
The ACT is divided into four sections: English, Reading, Mathematics, and Science, with an optional Writing Test. Some schools may require the Writing Test, so check with them before taking the ACT. The ACT test has a total of 215 multiple-choice questions.
| Section | No. of Questions | Duration | Syllabus |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 75 | 45 minutes | Usage/mechanics and rhetorical skills |
| Mathematics | 60 | 60 minutes | Algebra, geometry, elementary trigonometry, reasoning, and problem-solving |
| Reading | 40 | 35 minutes | Reading Comprehension |
| Science | 40 | 35 minutes | Interpretation, analysis, evaluation, reasoning, and problem-solving |
| Optional Writing Test | 1 essay prompt | 30 minutes | Writing Skills |
Why Take the ACT?
ACT is a standardised test for admission to undergraduate schools/colleges in the US and Canada, which includes all public universities and colleges, most private universities and colleges, and many community colleges.
If we have to put a number on all this, we can safely say it’s beyond 3000. Therefore, it’s not reasonable to enlist each and every college, but we have gone and enlisted the top universities accepting ACT for their admission. So, if your dream is to study in these colleges, you must take the ACT!
Below is the list of some of the top universities that allot ACT scores for their admission process.
Public Universities:
- University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
- University of Virginia
- University of California, Berkeley
- University of Texas at Austin
- Ohio State University
- University of Florida
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Georgia Institute of Technology
- University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Arizona State University
- University of Washington
- University of Colorado Boulder
- Purdue University
- University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Private Universities:
- Harvard University
- Stanford University
- Yale University
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- University of Chicago
- Columbia University
- Princeton University
- University of Pennsylvania
- California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
- Duke University
Important Notes:
- Test-Optional Policies: Many colleges have adopted test-optional policies, meaning you may not be required to submit ACT scores. However, these schools still accept ACT scores if you choose to submit them.
- Score Ranges: The competitiveness of your ACT score will depend on the specific college and its admission requirements.
- This is not an exhaustive list: Thousands of colleges in the US accept ACT scores!
We recommend checking the websites of the specific colleges you’re interested in to get the most up-to-date information on their admission requirements and ACT score ranges. Good luck with your college applications!
Note: Some universities have removed the ACT® score requirement due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, universities are slowly bringing back the ACT requirements. We recommend checking the websites of the colleges you’re interested in to get the most up-to-date information on their admission requirements and ACT score ranges. Good luck with your college applications!
When Should I Take the ACT?
The ACT is not given at a specific time. The exam mainly includes questions from the academic material studied till the 11th grade. Therefore, students prefer to usually take the ACT exam in the second half of 11th grade. When it comes to the college application process, most students find having their ACT results handy. Furthermore, taking the exam in 11th grade gives you plenty of time to prepare and retake the exam if your initial score isn’t good.
If you haven’t already done so, you can register for the exam on the ACT website. If you haven’t previously done this and if this is your first ACT attempt, you’ll need to create an account on the ACT website to register for the exam.
We recommend you choose a location close to you to avoid any exam day chaos while you’re on the way to the exam in the morning.
Make sure you allow yourself enough time to prepare before you choose a date. If you’re completely unfamiliar with the test, schedule it at least three months in advance to allow yourself enough time to study.
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ACT Format and Exam Structure
Section 1: English
English Section is the first section you will encounter in your ACT Exam. It contains 75 MCQS, which need to be answered in 45 minutes. The English section is divided into three sub-sections these are;
- Production of writing (30 – 32%): This section evaluates the candidates’ ability to analyze, comprehend, and produce the given passage with proper sentences and words while maintaining the proper structure, flow and tone of the passage.
- Knowledge of writing (12 – 18%): In this section, the candidate’s proficiency in the English language is judged.
- Conventions of Standard English (50 – 55%): This section has the most weightage. It evaluates the candidate’s ability to create proper sentences that are grammatically fit and follow proper punctuation and grammar usage.
- Time: 45 minutes
- Topics Covered: grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and rhetorical skills are also assessed.
- Five passages
- Questions are essentially based on information from a particular paragraph or the entire passage
- Skills like rhetorical ability and usage mechanics (which assesses understanding of grammatical rules including usage, punctuation, and sentence structure) are assessed through this section
Tips you can follow for this section:
- In this section, it is necessary to be really time-efficient and quick while answering the questions.
- Keep in mind the secret to promptness: Practice, practice, and more practice!!
- Some tips to keep in mind while preparing for this section-
- In each passage you try, pay attention to the style of writing.
- You must carefully observe the tone and emphasis of the text, as well as other writing elements.
- Pay attention to questions without underlined divisions because they indicate that you will receive information about a portion of the entry or the section as a whole.
- Consider the differences between each answer choice and the others. Numerous questions on the exam will require you to write in more than one way.
- Choose the best response. Before choosing the response that best responds to the question, look over and consider all of the possible responses.
- To improve your rhetorical skills, focus on comprehending the meaning and purpose of a passage.
- To master punctuation, practice using semicolons, dashes, commas, and other punctuation marks correctly.
- To improve your grammar usage, learn the rules for subject-verb agreement, pronoun-antecedent agreement, verb tense, pronoun use, and adverb placement.
- To improve your sentence structure, pay attention to sentence construction, modifiers, and parallelism.
- To improve your style, focus on using language that emphasizes the quality and flow of your writing. Use an active voice, avoid repetition, and vary your sentence structure to keep your writing engaging.
Section 2: Mathematics
This section has 60 questions and a time period of 60 minutes. A calculator is allowed for this section.
The syllabus and some details about it are as follows-
| Topic | Weightage | Questions | Topics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-algebra | 20-25% | 14 | Questions on this will consist of number problems, multiples/factors/primes, divisibility, Percentage, fractions, square roots, ratios, mean/median/mode, probability, place values, absolute values, exponents, series, and simple descriptive statistics. |
| Elementary Algebra | 15-20% | 10 | Questions on this will consist of number problems, multiples/factors/primes, divisibility, Percentage, fractions, square roots, ratios, mean/median/mode, probability, place values, absolute values, exponents, series, and simple descriptive statistics. |
| Intermediate Algebra | 15-20% | 9 | Questions on this will consist of solving systems of equations, functions, matrices, logarithms, inequalities, sequences and patterns, and complex numbers. |
| Coordinate geometry | 15-20% | 9 | surface area, volume, lines and angles, properties of circles, triangles, parallelograms, and other shapes |
| Plane geometry | 20-25% | 14 | inequalities, distance and mid-points, slope calculation, line equation, conic sections. |
| Trigonometry | 5 – 10% | 4 | trigonometric identities and graphs, graphing trigonometric functions, trigonometric equations |
Some tips-
- Questions in this section can be tricky. It is suggested that you read the questions carefully to determine the appropriate response.
- To avoid bringing a prohibited calculator with you, keep up with the most recent information regarding the types of calculators that are permitted. However, the exam contains simple mathematical problems that can be solved with a single hand.
- Practice mathematics on a daily basis to improve fundamental skills. Be thorough with the fundamentals: Multiplication and division of numbers with two to three digits, as well as large number addition and subtraction.
Section 2: Mathematics
This section has 60 questions and a time period of 60 minutes. A calculator is allowed for this section.
The syllabus and some details about it are as follows-
| Topic | Weightage | Questions | Topics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-algebra | 20-25% | 14 | Questions on this will consist of number problems, multiples/factors/primes, divisibility, Percentage, fractions, square roots, ratios, mean/median/mode, probability, place values, absolute values, exponents, series, and simple descriptive statistics. |
| Elementary Algebra | 15-20% | 10 | Questions on this will consist of number problems, multiples/factors/primes, divisibility, Percentage, fractions, square roots, ratios, mean/median/mode, probability, place values, absolute values, exponents, series, and simple descriptive statistics. |
| Intermediate Algebra | 15-20% | 9 | Questions on this will consist of solving systems of equations, functions, matrices, logarithms, inequalities, sequences and patterns, and complex numbers. |
| Coordinate geometry | 15-20% | 9 | surface area, volume, lines and angles, properties of circles, triangles, parallelograms, and other shapes |
| Plane geometry | 20-25% | 14 | inequalities, distance and mid-points, slope calculation, line equation, conic sections. |
| Trigonometry | 5 – 10% | 4 | trigonometric identities and graphs, graphing trigonometric functions, trigonometric equations |
Some tips-
- Questions in this section can be tricky. It is suggested that you read the questions carefully to determine the appropriate response.
- To avoid bringing a prohibited calculator with you, keep up with the most recent information regarding the types of calculators that are permitted. However, the exam contains simple mathematical problems that can be solved with a single hand.
- Practice mathematics on a daily basis to improve fundamental skills. Be thorough with the fundamentals: Multiplication and division of numbers with two to three digits, as well as large number addition and subtraction.
Section 3: Reading
The passage here will consist of 4 sections with 40 questions in total. The areas in focus here are – civil science, societies, education, and literary fiction. The exam assesses you in different fields- inferences and conclusions, logical reasoning, interpretation etc.
- Detailed questions in this section assess your understanding of an individual line within a paragraph.
- Function questions assess your understanding of the position of a concept within the text.
- Read all the passage(s) cautiously and at least twice.
- Skim through the questions and the responses, and then read the passage again to search for answers.
Section 4: Science
There are 7 passages in this section for 40 multiple-choice questions. The paragraphs consist of charts, lists, and sketches. The skills needed to succeed in this field are more about how well you interpret the scientific method than just how well you remember facts and figures. Some of the fields that the questions in the science section are asked from are biology, chemistry, and earth/space sciences (e.g., geology, astronomy, meteorology, and physics).
Tips and information on this section-
While practising for this section, focus on improving your ability to collect and analyze data.
The data representation questions will test your ability to understand graphs and data presented in tables, as well as your ability to utilize the suggested material
Research summaries test your knowledge of the methods of examination and related proceeds as defined in the text.
Conflicting viewpoints determine your capacity to analyse divergent perspectives. The challenges rotate around a basic idea, and you need to critique the two.
Section 5: Writing (optional)
The ACT writing test is a 40-minute essay portion that evaluates a student’s writing abilities. The test requires students to write an essay using a pencil on lined paper provided to them. The writing prompt given to the students focuses on describing a difficult issue and presenting three distinct viewpoints on it.
The purpose of the ACT writing test is to enhance the English and reading tests. The results of these tests provide undergraduate colleges with information about students’ comprehension of standard written English conventions and writing ability. In addition, all four multiple-choice tests must be taken in the same session before the writing test can be taken.
Candidates are required to read the given prompt and write an essay in which they can express their own viewpoint. You should analyze the connection between your perspective and one or more other perspectives in the essay you write. Competitors are permitted to take on a viewpoint from the brief to some extent or completely. In addition, candidates are permitted to develop their own perspectives. The perspective you choose will have no effect on your ACT score.
The ACT writing test score is rarely requested by colleges. Therefore, candidates ought to consider the requirements of the colleges to which they are applying before deciding whether or not they are required to take the test.
Tips for ACT Preparation:
- Make a schedule for your studies.
- Use practice questions and tests to sharpen your skills.
- Recognize and address your flaws.
| Section | Duration | Questions | Topics |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 45 minutes | 75 questions |
|
| Mathematics | 60 minutes | 60 questions |
|
| Reading | 40 minutes | 35 questions |
|
| Science | 40 minutes | 35 questions |
|
| Writing (optional) | 40 minutes | 1 essay |
|
How Rostrum Can Help You Ace the ACT Exam?
Rostrum Education offers the most up-to-date and thorough ACT® study resources. Learn from our qualified teachers, who have the knowledge and experience to help you reach your ACT® preparation goals. Book a free consultation with us to learn more about the coaching.
How to Register for the ACT Exam:
Here’s a detailed procedure regarding the registration for your ACT Exam.
- Create a MyACT Account.
You must create a MyACT account prior to ACT registration. If a student has never registered for the exam before, they must enter their full name, birth date, email address, nationality, and phone number when creating a new account. The terms and conditions must also be accepted by them. - Visit Your ACT Dashboard and Click “Register for the ACT”
You can start the ACT registration procedure after making an account on MyACT. To get a link to register, students should go to the ACT dashboard page.After that, you can choose whether you’ll be taking the test domestically or abroad and specify if you require any special accommodations for a recognized impairment. Additionally, you have to choose whether to take the optional Writing section of the ACT or not. - Choose Your Test Center and Test Date.
You will be presented with a screen where you can choose your testing location and date after indicating the kind of exam you wish to take (e.g., with or without the Writing component). To locate the nearest testing facilities, enter your zip code. - Review Your Selections
Once the testing day and venue have been confirmed, check your choices to make sure everything appears to be in order.You can pay the exam fee using a credit or debit card if you are paying for the ACT out of pocket. In this phase, learners who have received a promotional code, voucher, or ACT fee waiver can input the confirmation number. - Add Your Photo ID and Additional Personal Information
- Indicate Your College Choices and Score Preferences (Optional)
After that, you can choose to name the colleges you want to attend so that they can receive your ACT results directly. You can send your ACT scores for free to up to four different colleges, according to ACT Inc.In order to save time and money, many students choose to do this with colleges they are certain they want to attend. In order to be sure their score is high enough before sending score reports to potential universities, students applying to highly competitive schools could choose to omit this stage. - Enter Your Parent or Guardian’s Information (Optional).
To allow your parents or guardians to view your test results as well, you can choose to add their contact details. This stage is optional, and you have the option to keep your ACT score reports confidential if you’d like. - Submit Payment and Confirm Your ACT Registration.
You’ll finish paying for all of the extras and add-ons you choose on the earlier pages on the last registration page. Before agreeing to the terms and conditions stated by ACT Inc., carefully read them over.
Once the conditions and payment details have been reviewed, submit the form to obtain confirmation details.
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US universities require 4 years of UG, but the expertise of Rostrum helped shortlisted universities where I could apply with 3 year degree undergrad degree. From timely follow ups, to working on applications of 10 universities, my counsellor helped me craft more than 10 university specific essays. The great attention to minute detail was something which truly made the process exciting. Dea and Ratish were available round the clock to address to queries ( some extremely stupid ones too). When I look back 10 years down the lane, Rostrum’s mentorship will be my life’s happiest roller coaster memory.
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FAQS on ACT Exam And ACT Test preparation online.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer; the best way depends on individual to individual; for example, to all the students who scored 30 plus on their ACT, every one of them did something correctly. However, it is not safe to conclude that they all followed the same plan; there could be similarities but also key differences. Therefore, you must gauge your own strengths and weaknesses and then come up with a plan accordingly.
This is where rostrum can help you. We have a highly specialised diagnostic test that will tell exactly what your strengths and weaknesses are, and then we will create a learning plan for you accordingly.
Yes, two months can be enough if you create a strong foundation, study consistently, and use resources effectively.
The average ACT Score can fluctuate from year to year; current data indicates that the average composite score is approximately 19.6.
This depends on whether you take the ACT with or without the writing (essay) section. With writing, the ACT Exam will take 3 hours and 35 minutes, and without it, it will take 2 hours and 55 minutes.
Also, this is with regard to time actively spent on tests; there would be some time spent on filling out the paperwork, checking in the test centres, etc.
