US Students
District Testing
Why Take the ACT Test
The ACT is accepted by 100% of U.S. colleges and unlocks access to 10,000+ score-based scholarships. With optional sections, more time per question, and your choice of paper or digital, it's designed to help you perform at your best.
Why Students Choose the ACT
2M+
Students Test Annually
100%
US Colleges Accept ACT
10,000+
Score-Based Scholarships
60+
Years of Results
A Test Built Around Your Strengths
Science and Writing are now optional. Play to your strengths and show colleges what makes you unique.
Take the ACT on paper or computer — same score, same validity, your preferred format. 25% more time per question means room to think, not just react.
40% fewer questions means less fatigue and more time to show what you know. Students report feeling more confident and less rushed.
STUDENT STORIES
Real Students, Real Results
Hear from students who took the new ACT and felt the difference.
"When I signed up, I was a little nervous, so when I saw that I had the option [to choose sections], I loved it because I didn't have to be forced to take something that I didn't want to."
Brooklyn Dismuke
Grade 11 - Dallas, TX
"I just kind of wanted to take the science because if I didn't it'd be like the same thing as taking the SAT. I want to go into medicine."
Addison Barnes
Grade 11 - Mansfield, TX
"I feel like [having more time] significantly helped. When I would do practice tests, I was getting on the edge of the time every single time. This time I had time to review almost every section."
Noah Clements
Grade 11 - North Caldwell, NJ
SCHOLARSHIPS
Your Score Could Be Worth Thousands in Scholarships
50%+
Average 1 pt increase in composite score with retest
2.4 pts
Average superscore increase with retest
$5B
Dollars in scholarships; increase your eligibility with the ACT
$6,000
Estimated difference from a 2-point increase*
*Illustrative example based on published institutional merit grids; actual awards vary by college and year.
Opt-in to ACT Recruit Me when you're registering for the ACT! Get discovered by colleges and improve your scholarship opportunities.
ACT Recruit Me helps you choose the right college and enhances your scholarship opportunities by sending you the personalized information you need about your college options and financial aid directly to your inbox.
It’s FREE and only available when you register for the ACT test.
ACT vs. SAT - Understand the Differences
See a detailed comparison between the ACT and SAT to help you decide which test might be the best fit for you.