what is act

The ACT, or American College Testing, is a standardized test used for college admissions in the United States. It is administered by ACT, a nonprofit organization. The test covers four academic skill areas: English, mathematics, reading, and science. The purpose of the ACT test is to measure a high school students readiness for college and provide colleges with a common data point to compare all applicants. The test is 2 hours and 55 minutes long, and if taken with the optional writing test, it is 3 hours and 35 minutes long. The ACT test is a curriculum-based education and career planning tool for high school students that assesses the mastery of college readiness standards. The optional writing test measures writing skills taught in high school English classes and entry-level college composition courses. The ACT test motivates students to perform to their best ability and test scores reflect what students have learned throughout high school. The test is widely used by colleges and universities to make admissions decisions, and most colleges and universities accept scores from either the SAT or ACT.