American College Testing (ACT)

ACT Math Standards & Overview

60 questions in 60 minutes

  1. Multiple choice

  2. No calculator restrictions (calculator use is allowed)

Content Areas Breakdown

The ACT Math Test measures the skills students have typically acquired in courses taken through grade 11. The test focuses on mathematical reasoning, not memorization. The ACT Math section is divided into six reporting categories:

1. Preparing for Higher Math (57–60%)

This category tests the foundational skills needed for more advanced math.

Subcategories:

  • Number & Quantity (7–10%)

    • Real and complex numbers

    • Integer operations

    • Rational exponents and radicals

    • Absolute value

  • Algebra (12–15%)

    • Solving linear equations and inequalities

    • Solving quadratic equations

    • Systems of equations

    • Algebraic expressions and polynomials

  • Functions (12–15%)

    • Function notation and evaluation

    • Linear, quadratic, exponential functions

    • Domain and range

    • Composition of functions

  • Geometry (12–15%)

    • Properties of geometric shapes

    • Perimeter, area, volume

    • Circles (angles, arcs, sectors)

    • Coordinate geometry

    • Trigonometric ratios and identities

  • Statistics & Probability (8–12%)

    • Mean, median, mode

    • Probability, combinations & permutations

    • Interpreting charts and graphs

    • Standard deviation, data modeling

2. Integrating Essential Skills (40–43%)

This tests the ability to apply math concepts in various contexts.

  • Proportional relationships (rates, ratios, percentages)

  • Area, surface area, and volume in real-life settings

  • Multi-step problems involving equations and inequalities

  • Solving for a variable in a formula

  • Data interpretation and modeling

3. Modeling (Integrated Throughout)

Rather than being its own section, modeling is embedded across the entire test and includes:

  • Setting up and solving word problems

  • Interpreting and building mathematical models

  • Understanding relationships in graphs and equations

ACT Science Test Overview

The ACT Science section assesses students’ ability to interpret, analyze, evaluate, reason, and problem-solve within the natural sciences. Rather than testing specific science facts, it focuses on scientific reasoning skills using passages that include charts, graphs, experiments, and conflicting viewpoints.

  • Time: 35 minutes

  • Questions: 40

  • Passages: 6-7 passages covering biology, chemistry, physics, and Earth/space sciences

  • Question Types: Multiple-choice

ACT Science Standards Breakdown

I. Interpretation of Data (40–50%)

These questions require students to analyze and manipulate data presented in:

  • Graphs

  • Tables

  • Charts

  • Diagrams

Key Skills:

  • Read and interpret visual data representations

  • Identify patterns and trends in data

  • Compare data across multiple figures or trials

  • Interpolate (within the range) and extrapolate (beyond the range) data

II. Scientific Investigation (20–30%)

Focuses on understanding experimental design and procedures.

Key Skills:

  • Understand and compare experimental designs

  • Identify variables (independent, dependent, and controlled)

  • Recognize cause and effect relationships

  • Determine validity of conclusions

  • Evaluate experimental improvements

III. Evaluation of Models, Inferences, and Experimental Results (25–35%)

Involves reasoning and analysis beyond the presented data.

Key Skills:

  • Understand scientific hypotheses, models, and theories

  • Determine the implications of new data on a model or theory

  • Distinguish between alternative explanations

  • Analyze assumptions and limitations of models

  • Predict outcomes based on scientific principles

ACT Science Passage Types

  1. Data Representation (2–3 passages):

    • Focus on charts, graphs, or tables

    • Minimal text

    • Emphasis on data interpretation

  2. Research Summaries (2–3 passages):

    • Summarize one or more related experiments

    • Focus on experimental design and interpretation

  3. Conflicting Viewpoints (1 passage):

    • Presents two or more theories or hypotheses on the same topic

    • Requires comparison and critical analysis of differing perspectives

Scientific Content Areas Covered

Although no specific prior science knowledge is tested, students should be familiar with general concepts from:

  • Biology – cells, genetics, evolution, ecosystems, human body

  • Chemistry – atomic structure, chemical reactions, gases, solutions

  • Physics – motion, forces, energy, magnetism, electricity

  • Earth/Space Science – geology, weather, climate, astronomy

Additional Skills Emphasized

  • Quantitative Reasoning: Understanding scales, units, and numerical data

  • Scientific Literacy: Reading comprehension of technical texts and jargon

  • Critical Thinking: Making inferences, drawing conclusions, evaluating the strength of arguments

  • Problem Solving: Applying logic to unfamiliar scientific scenarios

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