The ACT has changed significantly for international students. If you are preparing for the 2026–27 undergraduate admission cycle, your ACT test preparation should focus on the current format rather than the older three-hour version.
The updated ACT includes fewer questions and gives you more time per question than the previous format. English, Math, and Reading contribute to the Composite Score, while Science and Writing are optional.
As part of your ACT preparation, review the current structure, understand how each section is scored, and identify which subjects require the most practice. International students applying to undergraduate programmes should also compare the ACT with the SAT based on their academic strengths, preferred test format, preparation timeline, and university requirements.
This guide covers the current ACT format, sections, scoring, fees, test dates, score expectations, registration process, preparation strategies, and other important details for the 2026–27 admission cycle.
What Is the ACT and Where Is It Accepted?
The ACT is a standardised test used for undergraduate admissions, particularly in the United States. It is accepted by US colleges and universities, and ACT states that the ACT and SAT are equally accepted by US colleges and universities, including the Ivy League.
For Indian students applying to bachelor's programs in the US, the ACT can be taken as an alternative to the SAT where the university's current testing policy allows or requires standardised test scores.
The current ACT has three required sections: English, Math, and Reading. Students can also choose to take Science and Writing as optional sections. This makes the current test different from the traditional ACT structure that many students may have encountered through older preparation materials.
The right choice between the ACT and SAT depends on your academic strengths, preferred question style, test-taking approach, available test dates, and the policies of your target universities.
The 2026 ACT Format: What Has Changed?
The ACT's current format was introduced in stages. The new Composite Score calculation, based on English, Math, and Reading, took effect from September 2025. Additional changes to the international ACT, including fewer questions and more time per question, began in February 2026.
The current core ACT has three required sections:
English
The English section has 50 questions and gives you 35 minutes to complete them.
Math
The Math section has 45 questions and gives you 50 minutes.
Reading
The Reading section has 36 questions and gives you 40 minutes.
Together, these three sections contain 131 questions and take 125 minutes, or 2 hours and 5 minutes.
Your Composite Score is calculated using your English, Math, and Reading scores. Each section is scored from 1 to 36, and the three scores are averaged and rounded to the nearest whole number.
Optional ACT Sections
Science is now an optional section. It contains 40 questions and has a 40-minute time limit. It does not contribute to your Composite Score. Students who take Science receive separate Science and STEM scores.
Writing is also optional. It consists of one essay and has a 40-minute time limit. The Writing score is reported separately and does not affect the Composite Score.
Students should check the requirements of their target universities and programs before deciding whether to take either optional section.
What Happened to the ACT Math Section?
One notable change is that ACT Math questions now have four answer choices instead of five.
The reduced number of choices is part of the broader changes to the enhanced ACT and can make the question-solving process more straightforward for some students.
Section-by-Section ACT Exam Breakdown
English: 50 Questions, 35 Minutes
The ACT English section measures your ability to revise and edit written passages.
The questions cover areas such as:
• Grammar and usage
• Punctuation
• Sentence structure
• Organisation and development
• Clarity and precision
• Style and word choice
You need to work quickly because the section gives you 35 minutes for 50 questions. Strong knowledge of English grammar, sentence construction, and editing principles can help you improve both accuracy and speed.
Math: 45 Questions, 50 Minutes
The ACT Math section covers mathematical concepts generally taught through the beginning of Grade 12.
Topics can include:
• Pre-algebra
• Algebra
• Functions
• Geometry
• Statistics and probability
• Trigonometry
Students may use a permitted calculator throughout the Math section, subject to ACT's calculator policy. ACT also provides an on-screen Desmos calculator for online testing.
Because the section contains 45 questions in 50 minutes, students need both mathematical knowledge and efficient problem-solving skills.
Reading: 36 Questions, 40 Minutes
The ACT Reading section contains 36 questions and gives you 40 minutes.
It tests your ability to read closely, identify key information, make logical connections, analyse evidence, and understand the purpose and structure of written material.
The section requires you to balance reading speed with accuracy. Practising with timed passages can help you become more comfortable with the pace of the test.
Science: Optional, 40 Questions, 40 Minutes
Science is now an optional ACT section and does not affect the Composite Score.
The section focuses on scientific reasoning rather than simply testing your ability to memorise scientific facts. Questions can involve interpreting data, analysing experiments, evaluating evidence, and understanding scientific information.
Topics may draw from areas such as biology, chemistry, Earth and space sciences, and physics.
Students considering Science should check the requirements or preferences of their target universities and programs before adding the section to their ACT registration.
Writing: Optional, 1 Essay, 40 Minutes
The ACT Writing section is an optional 40-minute essay.
You receive a prompt presenting a complex issue along with different perspectives. You then develop your own position and analyse its relationship to one or more of the perspectives provided.
The Writing score is reported separately on a 2–12 scale and does not affect your ACT Composite Score.
Since individual universities can have different testing requirements, check your target institutions before deciding whether ACT Writing is necessary for your application.
ACT Scores: What Score Do You Need?
Each of the three core ACT sections — English, Math, and Reading — is scored from 1 to 36.
Your Composite Score is calculated by averaging those three section scores and rounding the result to the nearest whole number.
For example, if your English score is 32, Math is 30, and Reading is 34, your average is 32, giving you a Composite Score of 32.
There is no universal ACT score requirement for US universities. The score you should target depends on the universities you are applying to, their testing policies, the competitiveness of the program, and the strength of the rest of your application.
For highly selective universities, students generally aim for very high ACT scores. However, a particular score should never be presented as a guaranteed admission cutoff.
ACT's national-rank information can help students understand how their scores compare with other ACT test-takers. For example, a Composite Score of 34 is within the very highest range of ACT performance nationally.
The best approach is to check the latest testing policy and admitted-student information published by each university on its official website.
ACT Superscoring
ACT automatically calculates a Superscore for students who take the ACT more than once.
The current ACT Superscore uses your highest English, Math, and Reading scores across your test dates. The resulting Composite Superscore is calculated from those highest section scores.
For example, if your English score is higher on your first attempt but your Math and Reading scores improve on your second attempt, your Superscore can use the highest results from both tests.
However, universities decide how they use ACT scores. Some institutions accept or consider superscores, while policies can differ by university and admission cycle.
Always check the current testing policy of your target universities before planning multiple ACT attempts.
Test-Optional ACT Policies
Test-optional policies vary between universities and can change from one admission cycle to another.
At a test-optional university, you may have the choice of submitting an ACT score. Whether you should submit one depends on the university's current policy and how competitive your score is compared with the institution's applicant or admitted-student profile.
A test-optional policy does not necessarily mean that test scores have no value. A strong ACT score may strengthen an application at some institutions, particularly when considered alongside grades, coursework, extracurricular activities, and other application materials.
Before deciding whether to submit your ACT score, check the latest requirements directly on the university's official admissions website.
ACT Fees for International Students
International ACT fees differ from standard US registration fees and depend on which sections and services you select.
For the 2026 testing cycle, commonly listed international registration prices include approximately US$186.50 for the core ACT, with additional charges when Science or Writing is added.
The combined cost can reach approximately US$221.50 when both optional sections are included.
Additional charges may apply for services such as late registration or test-date changes.
Because ACT fees can change, students should confirm the final amount displayed in MyACT when completing their registration rather than relying on an older fee list.
For Indian students, the final amount shown during international registration should be treated as the amount applicable to the selected test date and centre.
ACT Test Dates and India Registration
For the 2026–27 international testing cycle, ACT has scheduled international testing windows in September 2026, October 2026, December 2026, February 2027, April 2027, June 2027, and July 2027.
The official international testing dates are:
• September 5, 2026
• October 23–24, 2026
• December 11–12, 2026
• February 12–13, 2027
• April 2–3, 2027
• June 11–12, 2027
• July 9–10, 2027
These are international testing windows, so students in India should confirm whether their preferred Indian test centre is available on the selected date.
Students applying through Early Action or Early Decision should plan their ACT attempt early enough to receive scores before their application deadlines. Students applying through Regular Decision should similarly work backwards from their university deadlines when selecting a test date.
Taking the ACT earlier can also give you time for a second attempt if your first score is below your target.
How to Register for the ACT as an International Student
Registering for the ACT as an international student is completed online.
Step 1: Create a MyACT Account
Create your account using the official ACT registration system.
Step 2: Select International Testing
During registration, indicate that you will be taking the test outside the United States.
Step 3: Select Your Test Date
Choose an available international testing window that fits your university application timeline.
Step 4: Choose a Test Centre
Select an available test centre in India or another country where you plan to take the exam.
Step 5: Complete Your Details
Enter your personal and registration information carefully. Make sure your details match your identification documents where required.
Step 6: Upload Your Photo
Upload a photograph that meets ACT's current photo requirements before the applicable photo deadline.
Step 7: Pay the Registration Fee
Complete payment for your selected ACT option and any additional services.
Because international test-centre availability can vary, it is better to register early rather than waiting until the final registration period.
ACT vs SAT: Which Should You Choose?
The ACT and SAT are both widely used for undergraduate admissions in the United States, but their structures and testing experiences are different.
International students should ideally take a diagnostic test for both before making a final decision.
The current ACT has three required sections — English, Math, and Reading — with Science and Writing available as optional sections.
Choose the ACT if:
• You prefer its straightforward and consistent test structure
• You perform well in English, Math, and Reading
• You are comfortable with the ACT's pacing
• You want the option of adding Science or Writing based on your application needs
• Your ACT diagnostic score is stronger than your SAT result
Choose the SAT if:
• You perform better with the SAT's question style
• You prefer the SAT's adaptive digital format
• Your SAT diagnostic score is stronger
• Your preferred test dates or locations make the SAT more convenient
There is no universally better test. The better option is the one that gives you the strongest score and fits the testing policies of the universities you are targeting.
How to Prepare for the ACT in 2026–27
Preparing for the current ACT requires a different approach from using older ACT preparation materials.
Start by taking a diagnostic test based on the current format. This gives you a baseline score and helps identify which sections require the most attention.
Next, divide your preparation between content revision, timed practice, and error analysis.
For English, focus on grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and editing.
For Math, revise the core concepts tested by ACT and practise solving questions efficiently.
For Reading, work on comprehension, evidence-based reasoning, and time management.
If you choose Science, practise interpreting graphs, tables, experiments, and scientific information rather than relying only on memorisation.
Most importantly, use practice material that reflects the current ACT structure. Older practice tests can still help with certain concepts, but their question counts, timing, and structure may not match the current international ACT.
Conclusion
The ACT for the 2026–27 cycle is significantly different from the traditional ACT many students may remember. The current test has fewer questions, more time per question, and a Composite Score based on English, Math, and Reading.
Science and Writing are optional, allowing students to choose additional sections based on their university and academic requirements.
For international students applying to US universities, the ACT remains a valid alternative to the SAT. The most important step is to prepare for the current format, compare your performance with the SAT, check the latest testing policies of your target universities, and select a test date that fits your application timeline.
How My Study Offers Can Help
From choosing between the ACT and SAT based on your academic profile to selecting suitable test dates, building a US university shortlist, planning your applications, and preparing for the F-1 student visa process, My Study Offers provides personalised guidance for international students planning to study in the US. As a global education platform for students, My Study Offers helps you plan your study-abroad journey with reliable information, personalised guidance, and application support at every stage.
FAQs
Q1. What is the ACT format for 2026–27?
The current ACT has three required sections: English, Math, and Reading. English has 50 questions and 35 minutes, Math has 45 questions and 50 minutes, and Reading has 36 questions and 40 minutes. The three sections together contain 131 questions and take 125 minutes. Science and Writing are optional and do not affect the Composite Score.
Q2. Is Science still part of the ACT in 2026?
Yes, but Science is now optional. It contains 40 questions and has a 40-minute time limit. It does not contribute to the Composite Score. Students who take Science receive separate Science and STEM scores.
Q3. What ACT score do I need for Ivy League universities?
There is no single ACT score that guarantees admission to an Ivy League university. Students applying to highly selective universities generally aim for very high scores, but each university has its own testing policy and admissions process. Check the latest requirements and admitted-student information published by each university.
Q4. How much does the ACT cost for international students?
International ACT fees depend on the sections selected and other registration services. The core ACT has commonly been listed at around US$186.50 for international students, while adding Science or Writing increases the total. Students should confirm the final fee shown in MyACT when registering because ACT fees can change.
Q5. Can I superscore the ACT?
Yes. ACT automatically calculates a Superscore for students who take the test more than once. The current ACT Superscore uses your highest English, Math, and Reading scores across test dates. However, universities determine how they use ACT Superscores, so check each institution's current policy.
Q6. How do I register for the ACT as an international student?
Create a MyACT account, select international testing, choose an available test date and test centre, complete your personal information, upload the required photograph, and pay the registration fee. Students in India should check the international ACT schedule and confirm test-centre availability before registering.
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