What topics are covered on the ACT test?

I've heard that the ACT is a bit different from the SAT. What sections does it have? And what subjects should I be most prepared for?

The ACT test is indeed a bit different from the SAT, consisting of four major sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science. Each section is scored individually on a scale of 1-36, and there's also a composite score which is the average of these four sections. Let's delve a bit into what each of these sections cover:

1. English: This section assesses your understanding of standard written English and rhetorical skills. It includes topics like grammar and usage, punctuation, sentence structure, strategy, organization, and style relevant to English language.

2. Math: The questions in the Math section cover pre-algebra, elementary algebra, intermediate algebra, coordinate geometry, plane geometry, and trigonometry. It's important to note that you're allowed to use a calculator in the Math section.

3. Reading: This section involves reading passages and answering questions based on them. The passages often span a variety of subjects such as humanities, social studies, natural science, and literary fiction.

4. Science: The Science section tests your interpretation, analysis, evaluation, reasoning, and problem-solving skills. It typically involves reading scientific passages and diagrams and answering questions about them.

Additionally, there is an optional Writing section, which requires writing an essay on a provided topic. It's scored separately on a scale of 1-12.

As far which subjects you should be most prepared for, it largely depends on your own strengths and weaknesses. Keep in mind that the ACT is a time-intensive test, so you'll need to work on your time management skills for all sections, irrespective of subject knowledge.