As high school students prepare for college admissions, one standardized test that looms over their heads is the ACT (American College Testing). A common question among test-takers is, “How long is the ACT?” In this article, we will delve into the duration of the ACT, explore its different sections, and provide valuable time management strategies to help you maximize your performance on test day. And with big changes coming to the ACT—particularly those affecting timing—it’s important to understand how these updates will impact the way you study for and take the test.
How Long is the ACT Test?
The ACT is a comprehensive exam designed to evaluate a student’s college readiness. The duration of the test, excluding optional writing, features a total of 215 questions and takes approximately 3 hours and 5 minutes to complete. This time includes four main sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science, each with its unique set of challenges and time constraints.
However, starting in 2025, the ACT will be shortened by about one-third, reducing both the number of questions and the total test time to just over 2 hours. The new test features a total of 171 questions (131 without the optional Science section) and takes approximately 2 hours and 55 minutes to complete (2 hours and 15 without Science).
English Section: 45 Minutes to Polish Your Language Skills
The English section of the ACT assesses students’ grasp of grammar, punctuation, and overall writing skills. Test-takers are presented with 75 questions in a tight timeframe of 45 minutes. With the shortest per-question time on the whole exam, time management is crucial in this section. Students can gauge their progress through the section by making sure that they complete each of its five passages in under 9 minutes.
Math Section: Crunching Numbers in 60 Minutes
In the ACT Math section, students are given 60 minutes to solve a total of 60 questions. This section tests mathematical knowledge across various topics, including algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. Pacing yourself becomes vital to ensure you allocate sufficient time to each problem while avoiding getting stuck on challenging ones.
But don’t go spending a full minute on the first question in the section! Questions get harder as the section progresses, so students need to hurry through earlier, easier questions to allow time for later, harder questions. A good rule of thumb is that the first 30 questions should take between 20 and 25 minutes, and the second section should take the remaining 25 to 30 minutes.
Reading Section: Engaging with Texts in 35 Minutes
The ACT Reading section measures your ability to comprehend and analyze written passages. In this section, test-takers encounter four sets of questions based on different texts, with each set accompanied by 10 or 11 questions. In total, there are 40 questions to be answered within 35 minutes. Effective time management involves reading efficiently, understanding the main ideas, and strategically allocating your time to each passage (about 8 minutes each).
Science Section: Analyzing Data in 35 Minutes
The ACT Science section evaluates students’ scientific reasoning and interpretation skills. Within 35 minutes, test-takers must answer 40 questions that require analyzing graphs, tables, and experimental data. Efficiently navigating through this section involves skimming the information provided and comparing key details while managing your time effectively.
Timing in the ACT Science section is the trickiest on the exam, because each of the section’s 6 passages can vary in length from 6 to 7 questions. A rule of thumb is that you should spend about 5-6 minutes per passage in the section—but do expect to spend more time on the one passage that asks you to compare different hypotheses. These passages typically require more reading and always feature seven questions.
Optional Writing Test: Additional 40 Minutes
While the ACT optional writing section does not contribute to the composite score, it is offered separately after the main sections. Your school district may offer the writing section for all students. On the writing test, you will be given an additional 40 minutes to craft a well-structured essay on a given prompt. This section provides an opportunity to showcase your writing abilities to colleges, and time management is crucial to allow for brainstorming, organizing your thoughts, and revising your essay.
Upcoming Changes to ACT Timing
Starting in 2025, the ACT will feature a new structure with adjusted section timing and question counts. The “Enhanced ACT” will consist of three mandatory sections—English, Math, and Reading—with the Science section becoming optional. The optional Writing section remains available.
Updated Section Timing (Effective 2025):
- English: 35 minutes (50 questions)
- Math: 50 minutes (45 questions)
- Reading: 40 minutes (36 questions)
- Optional Science: 40 minutes (40 questions)
- Optional Writing: 40 minutes
Key Changes:
- The test is shorter while maintaining core assessment areas.
- The Science section is now optional, allowing flexibility based on college admission requirements.
- The Math section answer choices are reduced from five to four, making the section slightly easier.
- There are fewer total questions, allowing students more time per question.
- Scoring Adjustments: The Composite score will now average the English, Math, and Reading sections. If you take the Science section, you will report it separately, and it will not affect the Composite score.
Transition Timeline:
- April 2025: The new test structure will take effect for students taking the digital ACT.
- September 2025: The changes will apply to the paper-based ACT, making the transition complete.
Strategies for Effective Time Management on the ACT
In addition to knowledge and skills, mastering the ACT requires effective time management. Understanding the structure and duration of the ACT is essential for developing a successful test-taking strategy. With the English, Math, Reading, and Science sections and the optional writing test, the ACT demands careful planning and efficient use of time.
You can optimize your performance on test day by familiarizing yourself with the sections and question formats, practicing with timed mock tests, and developing a time allocation strategy. Remember to prioritize easier questions, skip and return to difficult ones, and maintain a steady pace throughout the exam.
- Familiarize Yourself with the Test Structure: Understanding the ACT’s sections, time constraints, and question formats will help you plan and swiftly execute your approach.
- Practice with Timed Mock Tests: To simulate the real exam environment, take regular full-length practice tests under timed conditions. This will improve your pacing and build confidence in your time management.
- Develop a Time Allocation Strategy: To ensure you stay on track during the actual test, assign specific time limits to each passage. Prioritize easier questions to complete them quickly and allocate more time to challenging ones.
- Skip and Return: If you encounter a particularly difficult question, don’t dwell on it for too long. Instead, give it a guess, mark it, and come back to it later if time permits. Remember, every question carries the same weight, so it’s better to answer as many as possible, and you won’t be penalized for a wrong answer.
Time management is a valuable skill that extends beyond the ACT. Developing the ability to allocate your time effectively will benefit you in various aspects of your academic and professional life. As you work on improving your time management skills for the ACT, you will also be honing an essential life skill that will serve you well in future endeavors.
Conclusion
Remember, the ACT is not just a test of knowledge but also a test of your ability to perform under pressure within strict time constraints. With dedication, preparation, and strategic time management, you can conquer the ACT and take a significant step toward your college aspirations. Best of luck on your ACT journey!
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