American College Test (ACT)

  • What is the ACT?

    The ACT stands for “American College Test”. It is a standardized test that determines a high school graduate's preparedness for college. It covers five areas: Math, English, Reading, Writing and Science.

    The SAT and ACT generally cover the same topics. 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 or ACT is harder than the other. Different students tend to do better on one test over the other.

    Who takes the ACT?
     
    All college-bound juniors should take the ACT or the SAT, typically in the spring.
     
    When is the ACT offered?
     

    Location:  Roy C Ketcham High School is an official testing center

    How do I Register for the SAT?

    • For John Jay Students: Register for ACTs at the ACT Registration Site: Use Test Center Code: 264470 (RCK), John Jay CEEB Code: 332458
    • For Roy C Ketcham Students: Register for ACTs at the ACT Registration Site:  Use Test Center Code: 246470 (RCK), Roy C Ketcham CEEB Code: 335770

    *CEEB = College Entrance Exam Board

    ACT Test Prep:

    Here are the ACT test prep options offered by the ACT directly.

    ACT / SAT Comparison Chart:

      SAT ACT
    Why Take It

    Colleges use SAT scores for admissions and merit-based scholarships.

    Colleges use ACT scores for admissions and merit-based scholarships.
    Test Structure

    • Reading

    • Writing & Language

    • Math

    • English

    • Math

    • Reading

    • Science Reasoning

    • Essay (Optional)
    Length

    • 3 hours

    • 2 hours, 55 minutes (without essay)

    • 3 hours, 40 minutes (with essay)
    Reading

    5 reading passages

    4 reading passages
    Science

    None

    1 science section testing your critical thinking skills (not your specific science knowledge)
    Math Covers:

    • Arithmetic

    • Algebra I & II

    • Geometry, Trigonometry and Data Analysis

    		 Covers:

    • Arithmetic

    • Algebra I & II

    • Geometry, Trigonometry, and Probability & Statistics
    Calculator Policy

    Some math questions don't allow you to use a calculator.

    You can use a calculator on all math questions.
    Essays

    None

    Optional. The essay will test how well you evaluate and analyze complex issues.
    How It's Scored

    Scored on a scale of 400–1600

    Scored on a scale of 1–36