ACT — your starting guide

The exam at a glance

The current core includes English, math and reading. Optional sections add time.

Core section time totals 125 minutes, excluding breaks and administration. Add optional sections when chosen.

Is this the test you need?

Applicants considering an ACT score under their chosen institutions’ current admissions policies.

• Use the international booking route when testing outside the United States.
• Current international enhancements began in February 2026; old longer format charts may be obsolete.
• Science and writing are optional at provider level; check whether a recipient wants either.

A sensible preparation route

1. Use practice labelled for the enhanced ACT.
2. Choose one core section and learn the pace before combining sections.
3. Practise optional science or writing only when relevant to your application plan.

Independent guidance from Via Glowbal. We are not this exam’s provider and do not guarantee admission or a particular score.