ACT flashcards and a study plan to test day
Study for the ACT with short daily flashcard sessions for grammar rules and math formulas, plus timed sections to build speed. The ACT has English, Math and Reading, with Science optional. It takes 2 hours 5 minutes, or 2 hours 45 minutes with Science, and is scored 1 to 36.
Facts checked Oct 27, 2026 against the official site
Where are you now, and where do you want to be?
The ACT composite score runs from 1 to 36. Set your latest practice score and your target; the study plan follows it.
+5 points: we suggest 20 minutes of cards a day, plus a timed practice section every few days.
Average from ACT: class of 2025 results.
What's on the ACT?
English, Math and Reading make your composite score. Science and Writing are add-ons you can choose.
English
50 questions35 min
- Grammar, punctuation and sentence structure
- Order, tone and cutting extra words
Math
45 questions50 min
- Algebra, functions, geometry and statistics
- Calculator allowed, no formula sheet
Reading
36 questions40 min
- Passages from literature, social science, humanities and science
- Main ideas, details and the author's purpose
ScienceOptional
40 questions40 min
- Graphs, tables and experiments
- Gets its own score and a STEM score
WritingOptional
1 essay40 min
- Argue a position on an issue
- Scored apart from the composite
- Score
- 1 to 36
- Fee (US)
- $70
- Science add-on
- $5
- Writing add-on
- $25
- Format
- Paper or online
National test dates in the US. International dates can differ, so check ACT.org before you plan.
What to memorize for the ACT
The ACT moves fast, so knowing rules and formulas cold saves real time on test day.
Worth a flashcard
- Comma, semicolon and apostrophe rules
- Subject-verb agreement and pronoun rules
- Area, volume and trig formulas (there's no formula sheet)
- Experiment words for Science: variables, controls, trends
Flashcards won't fix
- Speed: English gives you about 42 seconds a question
- Long reading passages under time
- Test nerves: take timed practice sections
Quick ACT quiz
3 questions in the ACT style, written by us. Each answer says why.
1 of 3“The team celebrated ___ first win.” Which word fits?
ACT vs SAT: which one should you take?
Most US colleges accept either. The ACT moves faster and has an optional Science section; the SAT adapts to you.
ACT
- Length
- 2 h 5 min, or 2 h 45 min with Science
- Score
- 1 to 36
- Adapts to you
- No
- Format
- Paper or online
- Fee (US)
- $70
SAT
- Length
- 2 h 14 min
- Score
- 400 to 1600
- Adapts to you
- Yes, module 2 follows module 1
- Format
- Digital only
- Fee (US)
- $68
ACT questions people ask
Short answers, checked against the official site.
How long should I study for the ACT?
Many students study for 6 to 12 weeks. A short daily flashcard session plus one timed section a few times a week builds both recall and speed. The score ruler on this page suggests a daily time for your gap.
Is Science required on the ACT?
No. Science has been optional since 2025. Some colleges and scholarships still like to see it, so check what yours ask for before you register.
How is the ACT composite score worked out?
It's the average of your English, Math and Reading scores, on a scale of 1 to 36. The class of 2025 averaged 19.4.
Can I use a calculator on the ACT?
Yes, on the whole Math section. Check ACT's calculator policy, because some models aren't allowed.
Do flashcards work for the ACT?
Yes, for grammar rules and math formulas, since the ACT gives you no formula sheet. Spaced repetition brings back the cards you miss sooner.
Facts checked on Oct 27, 2026. ACT is a trademark of ACT Education Corp., which is not linked to StudyVisually. Sample cards and questions are written by StudyVisually, not taken from official tests.