What Is the ACT and Why Is It Important?

Understanding the ACT

The ACT (American College Testing) is a standardized test used across the United States to assess high school students’ academic readiness for college. It is designed to measure skills in four core areas:

• English
• Mathematics
• Reading
• Science*

An optional Writing (Essay) section is also available, depending on the requirements of the colleges or universities you're applying to.

The ACT is scored on a scale of 1 to 36, with each section contributing to your composite score, which is the average of the four main test sections.

Click HERE to visit the ACT Website. 

Why is the ACT Important?

The ACT is a crucial step in your college and career journey for several reasons:

College Admissions

Most colleges and universities in the U.S. accept the ACT as part of their admissions process. A strong ACT score can:

Strengthen your application

Offset a lower GPA

Set you apart in competitive applicant pools

Scholarship Opportunities

Many institutions use ACT scores to award merit-based scholarships. Higher scores can open the door to thousands of dollars in financial aid, making college more affordable.

Placement and Readiness

Some colleges use ACT scores to place students in the appropriate level of courses or to waive certain placement exams. Your scores may help you skip remedial classes, saving time and tuition.

High School Accountability

In some states (including Tennessee), ACT performance is used to measure high school effectiveness and student achievement. Your score can reflect your readiness and help your school evaluate and improve its programs. the ACT is a graduation requirement.