My ACT Test Planning Guide
Everything I need to know about the ACT, how to build my testing strategy, and how to access support for my college journey.
Last Updated: May 2026
Understanding the ACT
Here's everything I need to know about the ACT—from test structure and timing to scoring and what to expect on my test day.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Purpose | College admissions and readiness assessment |
| Accepted By | All U.S. colleges and universities |
| Test Length | 2 hours 55 minutes (without writing) 3 hours 35 minutes (with writing) |
| Cost | $68 (without writing) $93 (with writing) |
| Best For | Students who prefer timed tests with science content and straightforward reading passages |
| Registration | Visit ACT.org to create an account and register |
A ACT Sections
ACT Score Range
Your composite score is the average of your four section scores (English, Math, Reading, Science), each scored 1-36.
What's a Good Score?
Your target score depends on your college goals. Use the Common Data Set to see the middle 50% range (25th-75th percentile) of admitted students' ACT scores at schools you're interested in.
Example: If a school's middle 50% is 26-31, aim to score at least 26 for competitiveness. Scoring 30+ puts you above the median.
Understanding Holistic Review
Learn how test scores fit into the complete picture of who you are as a student.
What is Holistic Review?
Holistic review means colleges evaluate me as a complete person, not just a collection of numbers. Admissions officers look at my entire application to understand my achievements, potential, and fit for their institution. Every part of my application tells a piece of my story. Learn more about the complete Application Process and how to approach Building Candidacy.
My Academic Components
- • High school transcript and GPA
- • Course rigor (High School Courses)
- • Standardized Testing scores (SAT/ACT)
- • Class rank (if provided)
My Personal Components
- • Extracurricular activities and leadership
- • Essays and personal statements
- • Letters of Recommendation
- • Work experience and community involvement
How Test Scores Support Your Application
Test scores are one valuable piece of your academic profile. They work alongside other components to demonstrate your strengths:
ACT Performance Acknowledgements
Special distinctions that appear on your official ACT score report
Performance Acknowledgements are automatic recognitions awarded by ACT when you demonstrate exceptional performance in specific subject areas or overall achievement. These appear directly on your official score report and can strengthen your college applications by highlighting your academic excellence.
Why They Matter
- • Official recognition that appears on all score reports sent to colleges
- • No additional testing required—earned automatically based on your ACT performance
- • Demonstrates readiness for college-level coursework in specific subjects
- • May help with course placement and scholarship consideration at some institutions
Available Performance Acknowledgements
Demonstrates you've achieved the current CCMR readiness benchmarks for college and career success. This certificate shows employers and colleges that you possess college-ready skills in English language arts and mathematics.
ELAR (English + Reading): Combined score of 40 or higher
Math: Score of 22 or higher
Example: English 22 + Reading 18 (combined 40) AND Math 22 = Career Readiness Certificate ✓
Shows you're ready for college-level STEM coursework (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). This acknowledgement is particularly valuable for students applying to engineering, computer science, pre-med, or science-related majors.
Indicates you're prepared for college-level reading and writing courses. This acknowledgement highlights your ability to comprehend complex texts, analyze arguments, and communicate effectively in writing.
Strategic Testing Tip
If you're close to earning an acknowledgement, consider retaking the ACT with focused preparation on specific sections. With superscoring policies at many colleges, you can combine your best section scores from multiple test dates to meet acknowledgement thresholds while also improving your composite score.
Understanding Superscoring
Here's how superscoring policies can work in my favor when applying to colleges.
Superscoring is a policy where colleges combine your highest section scores from multiple test dates to create your best possible composite score.
This means if you take the ACT three times and score highest in English on one date, Math on another, and Reading/Science on a third, the college uses all your best scores together.
Example:
Superscored Composite: 29 (vs. best single-sitting: 27.5)
ACT Superscoring
Widely accepted. Many colleges superscore ACT results, including:
- • Most Texas public universities
- • Many private universities
- • Check each school's policy
Plan Multiple Attempts
Take the test 2-3 times to maximize superscore potential. Most students improve with practice.
Focus Preparation
After your first test, concentrate study time on weaker sections to improve your superscore.
Research Policies
Confirm superscoring policies at your target schools before finalizing your testing strategy.
Fee Waivers & Financial Support
Testing shouldn't be a financial barrier. Here's what I need to know about available Fee Waivers and how to access them. For comprehensive information about paying for college, explore Financial Aid options including FAFSA and TASFA.
ACT Fee Waivers
What's Covered
- Full test registration fee (up to 4 waivers total)
- Unlimited free score reports to colleges
- Waived application fees at participating colleges
Eligibility
- • Currently enrolled in 11th or 12th grade
- • Qualify for free/reduced lunch
- • Family income meets federal guidelines
- • Enrolled in federal/state assistance programs
How to Get One
See your school counselor. They have ACT fee waiver codes and can verify your eligibility directly in the system.
2026-2027 Test Dates
Plan ahead with my upcoming national test dates. Registration deadlines are typically 4-5 weeks before test day.
Using the Common Data Set (CDS)
The Common Data Set is a standardized document that colleges publish annually, containing detailed information about admissions, enrollment, student demographics, and institutional policies. It's an invaluable tool for me to make informed decisions about whether to submit my test scores.
1 How to Find the CDS
"[College Name] Common Data Set"
Example: Search "University of Texas at Austin Common Data Set 2023-2024"
2 Where to Look: Sections C7 & C9
Navigate to Section C: First-Time, First-Year Admission, then find subsections C7 and C9 which together give you the complete picture of test score policies.
- • Test score requirements (required, recommended, optional)
- • Percentage of students who submitted scores
- • Whether institution superscores
- • Application deadline for test scores
- • 25th percentile scores (bottom 25% of admitted students)
- • 50th percentile scores (median of admitted students)
- • 75th percentile scores (top 25% of admitted students)
- • Breakdown by test type (ACT vs. SAT)
How They Work Together: C7 tells you the policy (whether they require/recommend scores), while C9 shows you the actual score ranges so you can evaluate if your scores are competitive. Together, they help you decide whether to submit.
Should You Submit Your Scores? Use the CDS to Decide
Your scores strengthen your application and demonstrate you're academically competitive with admitted students. This helps validate your academic performance.
Example: School's middle 50% is ACT 26-31. You scored a 28 → Submit!
If the school's middle 50% is ACT 26-31 and you scored 25-26, evaluate your full profile instead of automatically submitting or skipping.
Example: School's middle 50% is ACT 26-31. You scored a 25-26 → Evaluate your full profile
If you're applying test-optional, scores below this range are unlikely to strengthen your application. Focus on highlighting your GPA, coursework rigor, essays, and achievements instead.
Example: School's middle 50% is ACT 26-31. You scored a 23 → Skip submitting scores
Pro Tip: If the CDS shows that 80%+ of admitted students submitted test scores, this suggests scores play a significant role in admissions. If fewer than 50% submitted, the school may truly weigh other factors more heavily.
Ready to Get Started?
Taking a strategic approach to testing can make a meaningful difference in my college journey.
Talk to My Counselor
Discuss my testing timeline, fee waivers, and school-based testing options. Consider scheduling a Session.
Set Target Scores
Research my target schools using the Common Data Set for average scores and scholarship requirements.
Register for the ACT
Create your account and sign up for an upcoming test date on the ACT website.
Ms. Thrash helps students like me build comprehensive candidacy by combining academic readiness with strategic planning. Her approach emphasizes making informed decisions based on individual strengths and goals, not external pressure. Students who work with her move forward with clarity and confidence in their postsecondary path.
Schedule a Planning Session