The Ultimate Guide to the ACT Exam (2026–2027)
目录
What Is the ACT Exam?
The ACT Exam (American College Testing) is a standardized college admissions test used by most four-year colleges and universities in the United States. It measures high school students’ academic readiness and critical thinking skills in core subjects.
New for Spring 2026: The ACT has undergone its biggest change in decades. It is now a shorter, roughly 2-hour exam (down from 3 hours) designed to reduce test fatigue.
While still covering English, Math, and Reading, the new format offers more time per question than before. Unlike the SAT, the ACT retains a straightforward question style and offers a distinct advantage: the Science section is now optional, allowing students to customize the test to their strengths.
The ACT is accepted equally with the SAT by nearly all U.S. colleges—including Ivy League schools and top private universities.
ACT Exam Format (2026–2027)
The 2026 Enhanced ACT is a shorter, more flexible exam. It consists of three required sections (English, Math, Reading) and two optional sections (Science and Writing).
New Total Time (Core): ~2 hours
Total Time (with Science): ~2 hours 40 mins
Total Time (with Science & Writing): ~3 hours 20 mins
| Section | Number of Questions | Time | Time per question | Changes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 英语 | 50 | 45 mins | 42 sec | ⬇️ 25 fewer questions |
| Math | 45 | 60 mins | 67 sec | ⬇️ 15 fewer questions; 4 choices only |
| Reading | 36 | 35 mins | 67 sec | ⬇️ 4 fewer questions; Passages are shorter |
| 科学 | 40 | 35 mins | 60 sec | Now Optional; Not in Composite Score |
| Writing | 1 prompt | 40 mins | 40 mins | Optional |
ACT – English Section (50 Questions | 35 Minutes)
The English section has been streamlined to test your editing skills without the fatigue. You will face 50 questions (reduced from 75) across 5 passages. The focus is on fixing errors and improving style.
Production of Writing (29–32%): Topic development, organization, unity, and cohesion.
Knowledge of Language (13–19%): Word choice, tone, and style.
Conventions of Standard English (51–56%): Sentence structure, punctuation, and grammar usage.
📌 IvyMax Tip: With 25 fewer questions, the pacing is more forgiving. Focus on precision. Review your punctuation rules (commas, semi-colons, dashes) thoroughly, as these are high-value targets.
ACT – Math Section (45 Questions | 50 Minutes)
The Math section is now significantly more student-friendly. There are 45 questions (reduced from 60), and significantly, questions now have only 4 Answer Choices (A, B, C, D) instead of 5. This increases your statistical probability of guessing correctly.
Preparing for Higher Math (57–60%): Algebra, Functions, Geometry, Statistics & Probability.
Integrating Essential Skills (40–43%): Rates, percentages, proportional relationships, and area/volume.
Calculator Policy: An approved calculator is allowed on all questions.
📌 IvyMax Tip: Unlike the SAT, the ACT does not provide a reference formula sheet. You must memorize essential formulas (especially for Geometry and Trigonometry) before test day.
ACT – Reading Section (36 Questions | 40 Minutes)
The Reading section has transformed from a “speed sprint” into a “deep dive.” You now have 40分钟 to answer just 36 questions (formerly 35 mins for 40 questions). This additional time per question allows for deeper analysis.
Key Ideas and Details (55–60%):**Identify central themes and summarize information.
Craft and Structure (25–30%): Analyze word choice and text structure.
Integration of Knowledge and Ideas (13–18%): Compare viewpoints and analyze arguments.
📌 IvyMax Tip: You no longer need to “skim” frantically. Read the passages (Literary Narrative, Social Science, Humanities, Natural Science) carefully to catch subtle details that you might have missed in the old fast-paced format.
ACT – Science Section (Optional | 40 Questions | 40 Minutes)
Note: This section is now OPTIONAL and is NOT included in your main Composite Score.
The Science section tests your ability to interpret graphs, tables, and research summaries—not your memorization of biology facts.
Data Representation (30–40%): Reading graphs and tables.
Research Summaries (45–55%): Analyzing experimental designs.
Conflicting Viewpoints (15–20%): Comparing inconsistent hypotheses.
📌 IvyMax Tip: We strongly recommend taking this section if you are applying for STEM majors (Engineering, Pre-Med, CS) to demonstrate data literacy. For Humanities majors, skipping it can save mental energy.
ACT – Writing Section (Optional | 1 Prompt | 40 Minutes)
The optional essay asks you to read a short passage on a complex issue and analyze three different perspectives.
Your Task: Generate your own perspective and analyze the relationship between your view and the provided perspectives.
Scoring: 2–12 scale across four domains (Ideas & Analysis, Development & Support, Organization, Language Use).
📌 IvyMax Tip: Check your college list! Most universities do not require the essay, but some specific programs or scholarship applications might still request it.
ACT Exam Test Dates (2026–2027)
Here are the upcoming official ACT Exam test dates and registration deadlines, sourced from the ACT.org schedule:
| Test Date | Regular Deadline | Late Registration | Photo Upload Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 14, 2026 | January 7, 2026 | January 21, 2026 | February 6, 2026 |
| April 11, 2026 | March 6, 2026 | March 24, 2026 | April 3, 2026 |
| June 13, 2026 | May 8, 2026 | May 27, 2026 | June 5, 2026 |
| July 11, 2026 | June 5, 2026 | June 24, 2026 | July 3, 2026 |
| September 12, 2026 (Est) | Early August | Late August | Early September |
| October 24, 2026 (Est) | Late September | Early October | Mid October |
📌 Note: Registration is available at www.act.org. Seats fill quickly—especially for June and July sessions. Important: Starting Spring 2026, you will be taking the new, shorter ACT format. Make sure your practice tests match the new timing!
ACT Scoring Explained
Each section of the ACT is scored from 1 to 36.
Important 2026 Update: Your Composite Score is now the average of the three required sections only (English, Math, and Reading), rounded to the nearest whole number. The optional Science section does not count toward your Composite Score.
| Section | Score Range | NOTE |
|---|---|---|
| 英语 | 1–36 | Counts toward Composite |
| Math | 1–36 | Counts toward Composite |
| Reading | 1–36 | Counts toward Composite |
| 科学 | 1–36 | Optional. Reported as a separate score. |
| Writing | 2–12 (separate) | Optional. Reported as a separate score. |
How Your ACT Score Is Calculated
The Core Composite: Calculated by taking the average of your English, Math, and Reading scores only. (e.g., If you get English: 34, Math: 32, Reading: 33, your Composite is 33).
Science is Separate: If you choose to take the Science section, you receive a standalone score (1–36). This allows you to show STEM proficiency to colleges without risking your main Composite score if science isn’t your strength.
The Essay (Writing) score is not factored into your composite but is sent separately to colleges.
What’s a Good ACT Score?
36 = Perfect (Top 0.1%)
34–35 = Ivy League–level competitiveness
30–33 = Strong candidate for Top 50 schools
24–29 = Above national average
What Is Superscoring?
Superscoring is when colleges take your highest section scores across multiple ACT test dates to create a new, higher composite score.
Example of How It Works (2026 Format):
Test Date 1: English 30, Math 28, Reading 27
Test Date 2: 英语 32, Math 26, Reading 30
Your New Superscore: Admissions officers take your best English (32), best Math (28), and best Reading (30).
*Calculation: (32 + 28 + 30) ÷ 3 = 30 (Note: Your Science score is superscored separately as a standalone data point, but it does not affect this main Composite score.)
🎯 Most top schools now accept superscores, including:
Harvard, Yale, Duke, UChicago, MIT, USC, and Stanford.
⚠️ Important Exception:
University of California (UC) System: The UCs are Test-Blind. They will not review your ACT scores at all, regardless of whether you superscore.
ACT Exam Format vs SAT Exam Format
In 2026, the “time gap” between the two exams has vanished. Both tests are now approximately 2 hours long.
The real choice now comes down to your testing style: Do you prefer the Adaptive nature of the SAT (where questions get harder based on performance) or the Linear, predictable structure of the ACT?
| Feature | ENHANCED ACT (2026) | DIGITAL SAT |
|---|---|---|
| Total Time | ~2 Hours (Core) | 2 Hours 14 Minutes |
| Test Structure | Linear (Standard difficulty) | Adaptive (Difficulty changes by module) |
| Science Section | Optional (Separate Score) | None (Science topics in Reading) |
| Math Focus | Geometry & Trig heavy | Algebra heavy |
| Calculator | Allowed on all Qs (Bring your own) | Allowed on all Qs (Desmos built-in) |
| Reading Style | 4 Long Passages | Short Paragraphs (25–150 words) |
| Format | Paper OR Digital | Digital Only (Bluebook App) |
How to Decide: The IvyMax Strategy
Since colleges accept both equally, play to your strengths:
Choose the Digital SAT if: You are strong in Algebra, struggle with Geometry, and are comfortable using the built-in Desmos calculator to solve problems graphically. You also prefer short reading passages over long narratives.
Choose the Enhanced ACT if: You prefer a Paper & Pencil experience (available at select centers), excel at Geometry/Trig, or get anxious about “Adaptive” testing where the second module might feel suddenly harder.
📌 Final Step: The only way to know for sure is to take a full-length Diagnostic Test of both. IvyMax offers simulated 2026-format exams to help you compare your scores accurately.
📍 IvyMax ACT Prep Near You
We offer online and in-person ACT prep programs in key California cities:
Cupertino / Fremont / Pleasanton – Bay Area families trust IvyMax for structured, score-based ACT coaching.
Arcadia – Our San Gabriel Valley office provides elite tutoring for high-scoring students.
Irvine / San Diego – ACT prep in Southern California with advanced math, science, and writing support.
📩 Ready to build your ACT success plan?
How to Prep for the ACT Exam
Success on the 2026 Enhanced ACT isn’t about rushing against the clock—it’s about precision and strategy. With more time per question, the focus shifts from “speed” to “accuracy.” Here is how IvyMax recommends students structure their prep:
🛠️ 1. Start with a “New Format” Diagnostic
Don’t use old practice tests. Begin with a diagnostic test specifically designed for the 2026 Enhanced Format (shorter duration) to accurately gauge your starting baseline.
🎯 2. Set Target Scores
Research average ACT scores for your top schools. Many Ivy League colleges look for 33+, while strong public universities may accept 28–32. Remember: Your Composite Score now only comes from English, Math, and Reading.
⏱️ 3. Shift from Speed to Accuracy Major Change
The new ACT gives you ~22% more time per question. You no longer need to “speed read.” Practice slowing down to eliminate careless errors. Accuracy is now more valuable than speed.
🧪 4. Make a Strategic Decision on Science
Since Science is optional, decide early:
Applying for Engineering/Pre-Med? Prep for it. It proves your data skills.
Applying for Humanities/Law? You might skip it to save brainpower for the core sections.
📐 5. Memorize Math Formulas
Unlike the SAT, the ACT provides no reference sheet. You must memorize essential Geometry and Trigonometry formulas before test day.
✍️ 6. Consider the Essay
While optional, some competitive programs still value the Writing score. Focus on structuring a clear argument that analyzes three different perspectives.
IvyMax ACT Prep Strategy
With over two decades of admissions success, IvyMax helps students master the new 2026 format. Our strategy includes:
✅ Updated Curriculum: Practice materials that match the new question counts (50 Eng / 45 Math / 36 Read). ✅ Precision Training: Shifting focus from “rushing” to “critical analysis” to utilize the extra time effectively. ✅ Science Strategy: Consulting on whether taking the optional Science section benefits your specific major. ✅ Full-length Proctored Exams: Simulating the exact 2-hour testing environment.
📍 IvyMax has helped hundreds of students reach 34–36 scores and gain acceptance to Harvard, Stanford, UChicago, USC, and beyond.
ACT Prep Tips from IvyMax Experts
- Discard Old Practice Tests: Do not use pre-2025 practice exams for timing drills. They have the wrong question counts (e.g., 75 English vs. the new 50), which will ruin your internal pacing clock.
Prioritize Precision Over Speed: With ~22% more time per question, the “speed rush” is gone. The curve for top scores (34–36) will likely be stricter, so you cannot afford careless mistakes.
Memorize Math Formulas: Unlike the SAT, the ACT does not provide a reference sheet. You must memorize Geometry and Trig formulas (Volume, Area, SOH-CAH-TOA) before test day.
Be Strategic About Science: If you are not applying to a STEM major, consider skipping the Science section to save mental energy and avoid “test fatigue.”
Simulate Your Specific Format: If you plan to take the Digital ACT, practice on a screen to master the highlighting tools. If taking Paper, practice with a real bubble sheet.
Create an “Error Log”: Don’t just count your score. Record why you missed a question (Content gap? Misread? Formula forgotten?) to fix the root cause.
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