For many high school students, preparing for the ACT is an important step in the college application process. The ACT is a standardized exam used by many colleges and universities in the United States to measure a student’s academic readiness for college. The test evaluates skills in English, math, reading, and science, and many schools use ACT scores as one factor when reviewing applications.

The highest possible score on the ACT is 36 and according to testing data, the average ACT score is usually around 22–28 for students nationwide. While every college has different expectations, many competitive universities often look for scores in the mid-20s to low-30s, while other colleges may accept lower scores depending on the student’s overall application.

Sophomore Isabella Heredia said, “I would say that the PSAT was more difficult because the math tricked me a little bit, but overall I feel like the ACT was easier and I feel like the prep I had before the test was way better.”

Students applying to college can usually choose whether to submit scores from the ACT or the SAT, since most schools accept either exam. While both tests measure similar academic skills, they have slightly different formats and question styles. Because of this, many students decide to take the test that they feel matches their strengths or testing style. Some prefer the ACT’s faster pace and science section, while others feel more comfortable with the SAT’s structure. These differences often lead students to have strong opinions about which test they prefer and why.

Sophomore Lavinia Iacobellis said, “For me personally, the ACT was easier because it felt shorter and the material seemed to be less advanced. It felt like I knew what I was doing.”

Recently, the ACT has introduced an important change. Beginning in upcoming testing formats, students will have the option to take the science section separately or leave it out of the main composite score. In the past, science was required and counted toward the final ACT score. With the new format, the core composite score will mainly include English, math, and reading. However, students interested in science-related fields may still choose to take the science section to demonstrate their strengths.

Overall, while the ACT may seem stressful, it can also provide students with an opportunity to demonstrate their abilities and strengthen their college applications.