ACT Prep
What is the average ACT score in the country?
20.3
What is the ACT score range?
1-36
Out of 10, what rank do college admission officers give in importance for ACT/SAT scores, when considering whether to accept of reject an applicant?
#4
How many questions are on the ACT English Subtest?
75 Questions
How many minutes do you get for the ACT English Subtest?
45 minutes
Can I combine scores from different test dates to improve my overall score?
Yes, some colleges and universities allow you to use a SUPERSCORE of your best subtest scores from the different testing dates.
What is the average ACT in Iowa?
21.5
How many subjects are on the ACT test?
4
What is Iowa State University's average ACT score for entering freshmen?
The average score is 24.
The middle 50% is 21 to 28.
25% of incoming freshman score below 21 and 25% score above 28.
How many questions are on the ACT Math Subtest?
60 Questions
How many minutes do you get for the ACT Math Subtest?
60 minutes
Can I take the ACT and not send the test scores to my prospective college or university?
Yes. You control which scores from which test dates get sent with your application.
How many hours do students typically spend studying/preparing for the ACT?
less than 20 hours
What are the subjects on the ACT test? (Bonus points: in order)
What is University of Iowa's average ACT score for entering freshmen?
The average score is 25.
The middle 50% is 22 to 29.
25% of incoming freshman score below 22 and 25% score above 29.
How many questions are on the ACT Reading Subtest?
40 Questions
How many minutes do you get for the ACT Reading Subtest?
35 Minutes
Is the ACT required for admission to all colleges and universities in the United States?
No, but some colleges and universities do require the ACT. Many have made the ACT or SAT optional in their admission requirements.
You should check the website of your prospective colleges/universities to see what they require?
What percentage of Iowa seniors took the ACT test?
47% of Iowa Seniors took the ACT in 2021. That was down from an average of around 66-69% that took it the previous 5 years.
How many breaks are there in between subtests?
There is a short break between the second test (Math) and the third test (Reading). This is your only break.
What is Grinnell College's average ACT score for entering freshmen?
33 - This is the highest average in the State of Iowa.
How many questions are on the ACT Science Subtest?
40 Questions
How many minutes do you get for the ACT Science Subtest?
35 Minutes
If I get a question wrong on the ACT, does it affect my score?
No. You are only scored on the number of questions you get correct. A wrong answer does not add negative points to your score.
What percentage of students score a 30 or above?
top 7% out of 1.35 million
Perfect 36 - less than 1%
34-36 - top 1%
28 - top 10-11%
24 - top 25%
Beyond acceptance into the college of your choice, what are some benefits to taking the ACT test?
It can help with earning scholarships.
It can help you identify strengths and weaknesses in your academics. (Help you find the right level of class/college)
It can prepare you for high stakes testing needed for graduate school.
What score on the ACT will typically provide more access to scholarships at the University of Iowa?
26 - at the University of Iowa, those who score above 26 on the ACT have more opportunities for merit-based scholarships.
Each college or university is different, so pay attention to their information about test scores and scholarships.
How many prompts do you get on the ACT Writing Subtest?
1 prompt
How many minutes do you get for the ACT Writing Subtest?
40 minutes
What is the 3 top factors you take into consideration when deciding your goal score?
#1. Your college list
#2. Your starting score
#3. Amount of time and dedication to prep