How much time do you get for the ACT?

Hi! I'm starting to prepare for the ACT and I was curious about the time limit. How much time do you have to take the whole ACT test, and is the time divided evenly between sections? Any advice on pacing would be super helpful too. Thanks!

Hello! The ACT is divided into four sections, each with its own time limit. Here's the breakdown:

1. English: 45 minutes, 75 questions

2. Math: 60 minutes, 60 questions

3. Reading: 35 minutes, 40 questions

4. Science: 35 minutes, 40 questions

If you decide to take the optional Writing test, you'll have an additional 40 minutes to complete your essay.

The time is not divided evenly between sections, as you can see. For pacing, it's essential to practice managing your time during each section. Here are some tips:

English: You have about 36 seconds per question. Prioritize answering the questions related to grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure first, as they are quicker to answer. Leave time-consuming questions related to passage organization and rhetorical skills for last.

Math: You have 1 minute per question. Since questions get progressively more difficult, try to complete the first 30 questions in less time, like 20-25 minutes, to allocate more time for the tougher questions. Make use of shortcuts like estimation and process of elimination when possible.

Reading: You have 52.5 seconds per question, or about 8-9 minutes per passage. Skim the passage quickly to understand the main idea and structure rather than trying to memorize every single word. Then, search for specific information as you answer the questions. Don't spend too much time on any single question.

Science: You have 52.5 seconds per question. Focus on understanding graphs, tables, and charts first, as most questions are related to these data representations. You don't need extensive scientific knowledge - rather, rely on your ability to interpret data and make logical connections.

Lastly, take multiple practice tests to familiarize yourself with the ACT format and to gauge your timing, as that will help you improve your pacing and feel more comfortable on test day. Good luck!