ACT or American College Testing is one of those important tests that students will have to take to show their readiness for college study. The college board will evaluate the student’s capacity to determine if they are ready to bear the pressure of college education. Apart from the preparation, students often ask “How long is the act test?” Simply put, it is 2 hours and 55 minutes long (175 minutes) but 3 hours and 35 minutes long if you have chosen the writing option as well. Each section is present in a group and each section may take up to 30-60 minutes.
Knowing this isn’t enough. Your time management is important to stay stress-free. While some level of stress is inevitable given the nature of the test, knowing the timeline can help you create a strategy accordingly.
Length Of ACT Test
This is the length of the ACT Test according to the subject and the time you will be provided to complete it.
- Total Time: 2 hours and 55 minutes (175 minutes) for the ACT Test without Writing.
- Total Time: 3 hours and 35 minutes (215 minutes) for the ACT Plus Writing.
Time Pressure Of ACT
Though ACT Test may take up to 3 hours, the time pressure is still too intense for the students. Even the basic English and writing tests may seem too stressful to complete in the given time. In the following table, you will be provided with information about the time you have to spend on each question. Even with too much practice, your pacing will heavily depend on the difficulty and questions. However, this will give you a good idea regarding how much you need to complete during each minute of the ACT Test.
Here’s a table illustrating the approximate time per question on each section of the ACT Test:
| Subject Area | Approximate Time Per Question |
|---|---|
| English | 36 seconds |
| Math | 1 minute |
| Reading | 52 seconds |
| Science | 52 seconds |
It takes a lot of stamina and focus to do well on the ACT sections. On the ACT Test, you have to manage your time and energy efficiently throughout each section, even if you’re good at a subject.
How To Prepare For Each Section Of ACT Test?
Time management is the key to success in the ACT Test. Even when you are fully prepared, you will need to understand how to manage your answer in a tight period. Here is what you can do!
Math
The ACT main test will require you to complete 60 questions in 60 minutes. This means you will need to spend 60 seconds or 1 minute on each question. Set your speed accordingly. However, if you think this can be a little difficult to compete then give yourself unlimited time during practice tests. Then reduce it to 85 or 75 minutes and then gradually come to 60 minutes. Your goal should be not to compromise on accuracy but to reduce the time consumption for the section.
English
One of the toughest parts would be English in the ACT Test as you will have to answer 75 questions in 45 minutes. You will need to take care of it accordingly especially if English is a tough subject for you. You will not only have to practice the content but the pacing of the section. The best way to improve your performance is to start practicing with unlimited time for English. Divide the content into small chunks and study accordingly. Then reduce the time to 60 minutes and finally to 45 minutes. You will improve on so many levels from accuracy to getting the comfortable ACT format.
Science And Reading
The ACT’s reading and science sections are formatted similarly to the despite these test areas being very different. These test sections are mostly about breaking down the information, whether it’s a chart, research report, or a longer passage. Develop a study system while you’re preparing for the ACT. Understand your studying pattern: do you read the passage or chart first, then read the questions, or read the questions first, then read the passage?
Learn also about Should you take Digital ACT?
Test Day Tips
Just when the test day arrives, you will wake up and most probably be nervous and may not have slept well. Before starting the ACT Test, you may feel your energy is all gone. So here is what you should do.
- So the first and most important part is to get a good night’s sleep.
- Have a nutritious breakfast that has complex carbohydrates. They will provide you with better energy.
- During your ACT, you will be provided with the breaks. This will be the perfect time to rest your mind and go to the restroom. Even if you don’t feel like using it, use it. You will not want to use it in the middle of your test.
- Bring your snack and water so you can get a bit of your energy restored.
Go For the Mocking / Practice Test
ACT is important but entering the examination center just by studying may not be a good idea. It is recommended that some ACT practice be taken. These tests are designed around the original format of the ACT. These are the timed tests that will help you manage your time while providing answers. You will be better prepared for the test and will be confident regarding how to complete your ACT.
Take practice tests seriously and it will reduce your ACT preparation stress. You will act confidently and come out most probably, successfully. For guidance, visit Ivy Learning and start your journey toward ACT success.
