How Does the New PreACT 9 Compare to the HSPT and ISEE?

The announcement that Chicago Public Schools has replaced the CPS HSAT with the PreACT 9 for Selective Enrollment High School admissions marks a big change to the city's high school application process. Although all three exams are designed to assess a student's academic readiness for high school, they were created for different school systems and each has its own structure, format, and testing philosophy. Understanding where the exams overlap, and where they differ, can help families prepare more efficiently.

Overall, like the HSPT and ISEE, the PreACT 9 is designed to measure a student's overall academic readiness through multiple sections rather than focusing primarily on math and reading as the old CPS HSAT did. Students will now complete Math, Reading, English, and Science sections over approximately two and a half hours, making the exam much more comparable in length and scope to the HSPT and ISEE.

While the tests have more in common with each other than with the old CPS HSAT, there are still differences in format, structure, and content. The PreACT 9 consists of four sections: Math, Reading, English, and Science. Students complete the exam digitally in approximately two and a half hours, are permitted calculators on the Math section, and receive no guessing penalty. The HSPT is organized somewhat differently, as it includes five multiple-choice sections: Verbal Skills, Quantitative Reasoning, Reading, Math, and Language. The HSPT is administered using paper and pencil, calculators are not allowed, and students receive very little time per question, making pacing one of the biggest challenges on the exam. The ISEE similarrly contains five sections, including Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, Math, and an optional essay. Unlike the HSPT, students may take the ISEE once per testing season, giving families more flexibility when scheduling the exam. Schools may administer the ISEE digitally or on paper, but calculators are not permitted.

Despite these structural differences, the exams test many of the same core academic skills. All three include substantial reading comprehension and math components designed to measure middle school academic readiness. Students are expected to analyze passages, solve multi-step math problems, think logically, and work efficiently under timed conditions. Regardless of which exam a student is taking, strong reading, careful reasoning, and solid math knowledge foundations remain essential.

The English and language components illustrate both the similarities and differences among the exams. The HSPT's Language section focuses on grammar, punctuation, capitalization, spelling, and composition through standalone multiple-choice questions. The PreACT 9 also evaluates grammar and writing skills, but it does so through ACT-style editing passages in which students choose the best revisions for sentences and paragraphs. Instead of simply identifying grammar rules, students must consider clarity, organization, style, and rhetorical effectiveness within the context of a longer passage. The ISEE, on the other hand, approaches language somewhat differently. Rather than including a dedicated grammar section, it places greater emphasis on vocabulary through Verbal Reasoning questions involving synonyms and sentence completion. Students with strong vocabularies often have an advantage on the ISEE, while students taking the PreACT 9 may spend more time applying grammar and writing conventions in context.

The reasoning sections also distinguish the exams from one another. Both the HSPT and ISEE include separate quantitative reasoning sections that combine math with logic and pattern recognition. Students encounter number series, comparisons, and reasoning-based problems that extend beyond straightforward math problems and calculations. The PreACT 9 does not include a standalone reasoning section; instead, reasoning is integrated directly into the Math portion of the exam alongside algebra, geometry, functions, statistics, probability, and other grade-level math concepts.

Perhaps the most significant difference is the Science section, which appears only on the PreACT 9. For many families, this initially sounds like the biggest obstacle, but the section is somewhat different from a traditional science test. Students are presented with graphs, tables, experimental results, and scientific scenarios, then asked to interpret data, evaluate investigations, and draw logical conclusions. The emphasis is on scientific reasoning and data analysis rather than memorizing scientific facts, formulas, or vocabulary.

Timing is another important consideration. Although all three exams require students to work efficiently, they do so in different ways. The HSPT is known for its exceptionally fast pacing, with students often having well under a minute, and sometimes only seconds, to answer each question. The ISEE generally provides more time per question for students, while the PreACT 9 falls somewhere in between depending on the section. The English section of the PreACT 9 is particularly fast-paced, while the Math, Reading, and Science sections allow students slightly more time to analyze each problem.

Families should also keep in mind that preparing for one exam does not automatically prepare a student for another. A student applying to CPS selective enrollment high schools and Catholic high schools will likely need to prepare for both the PreACT 9 and the HSPT. Likewise, students applying to independent schools will still need to take the ISEE, even if they are also applying to selective enrollment high schools. However, preparation is far from independent. Improving reading comprehension, strengthening math skills, developing vocabulary, mastering grammar, and learning effective pacing strategies all benefit students across multiple exams.

Overall each exam is designed for a different school system. Students applying to multiple types of schools will need to take more than one exam, which is why it is important for families to understand which test each school requires and what differentiates them before beginning the admissions process. Though there is some overlap in terms of content, preparing for these exams presents different challenges. Test Prep Chicago can help your student prepare for any combination of exams that they plan to take. With the end of the school year just around the corner, now is the right time to get started! Parents can view our 8th-Grade HSEE Prep course offerings for the summer here and our one-day workshops for HSEE Prep here. Students can also sign up for individual tutoring for any combination of HSEEs here.

Breaking Down the Four Sections on the PreACT 9

Recently, it was announced that Chicago Public Schools has replaced the CPS HSAT with the PreACT 9 Secure, a nationally recognized assessment that is now being administered to rising Chicago 8th-graders as part of the Selective Enrollment High School admissions process.

The change represents far more than a simple name swap. The PreACT 9 is a fundamentally different type of exam. While the CPS HSAT was built specifically for CPS admissions, the PreACT 9 was created to measure academic readiness and predict future success on the ACT, the college entrance exam many students take during high school. As a result, families are encountering a test that is longer, more comprehensive, and more closely aligned with the skills students will need throughout high school and beyond.

One of the first things families notice about the PreACT 9 is its length. The exam includes four separate sections (English, Math, Reading, and Science) and requires students to maintain concentration for two and a hours. Success on the exam depends not only on academic ability, but also on a student's capacity to stay focused and work efficiently over an extended period of time. Here is a breakdown of each of the sections seen on the PreACT 9:

The English section focuses on grammar, sentence structure, punctuation, usage, and writing effectiveness. Students are presented with passages and asked to identify the best revisions, correct grammatical errors, improve sentence flow, and strengthen organization. Questions frequently require students to understand comma usage, subject-verb agreement, sentence boundaries, transitions, and word choice. Students are tested on writing production (27-33% of questions), language knowledge (12-18% of questions), and English conventions (48-55% of questions), and students are given 35 minutes to answer 44 questions.

The Math section combines computational skills with higher-level reasoning. Students encounter questions involving algebra, geometry, ratios, proportions, statistics, and data analysis. Students must analyze information, interpret graphs, and choose efficient solution strategies while managing strict time limits. Students are tested on the real number system (10-13% of questions), algebra (20-27% of questions), functions (20-27% of questions), geometry (10-13% of questions), and statistics/probability (10-13%), and are given 45 minutes to answer 35 questions.

The Reading section involves reading passages drawn from literature, social studies, humanities, and science before answering questions that assess comprehension and analytical thinking. Rather than focusing solely on straightforward details, many questions require students to infer meaning, identify an author's purpose, evaluate tone, and determine how evidence supports an argument. The challenge lies in balancing speed with accuracy; students must process substantial amounts of information without sacrificing careful analysis. Students are tested on key ideas and details (52-60% of questions), craft and structure (28-36% of questions), and integration of knowledge and ideas (12-16% of questions), and are given 40 minutes to answer 33 questions.

For the Science section, many students enter the test expecting questions that emphasize memorized scientific facts, formulas, or vocabulary. Instead, the Science section is largely an exercise in data interpretation and reasoning. Students are presented with science-oriented reading passages, graphs, charts, experimental results, and research summaries. They must identify trends, evaluate conclusions, compare experimental designs, and draw logical inferences from evidence. In many cases, prior scientific knowledge plays a smaller role than the ability to analyze information quickly and accurately. Students who are comfortable reading tables and scientific passages, as well as interpreting visual data often perform well, even if they do not consider science to be their strongest subject. Students are tested on interpretation of data (23-50%), scientific investigation (15-35% of questions), and evaluation of models, inferences, and experiments (19-38% of questions), and are given 35 minutes to answer 32 questions.

Beyond the test itself, one of the most significant features of the PreACT 9 is the detailed score report students receive afterward. Unlike many admissions exams that provide only a single score, the PreACT 9 offers a comprehensive breakdown of performance across multiple areas. Students receive individual scores for English, Math, Reading, and Science, along with an overall composite score that reflects their performance across the entire assessment. This allows families to see where students excel and where additional support may be needed.

Test Prep Chicago can help your student prepare for the new PreACT 9. Note that Test Prep Chicago is a licensed participant in the NTPA ACT Affiliate Tutor Program. Through our connection, we have been aware that such a change might occur, and our team had already begun creating new PreACT 9 Secure curriculum. As such, students enrolled or looking to enroll in any courses or one-day workshops, or students beginning individual tutoring, can be assured that the content they are being taught will reflect the content seen on the new exam. All of our scheduled courses (sign up here) and one-day Palooza workshops (sign up here) will continue to run as planned, as will our individual tutoring sessions (sign up here), with the new PreACT 9 Secure content instead of the old CPS HSAT curriculum.

Why Test Prep Matters for the ACT: How Practice Makes Perfect

The ACT is more than just a test of what you know in math, English, reading, and science–it’s a test of how well you can apply those skills under time pressure. For many students, the difference between an average score and a standout score doesn’t come down to intelligence or effort in school, but to preparation. This is where focused ACT test prep makes a real and measurable difference.

Practice is essential for the ACT because it has its own structure, pacing, and logic. Even strong students can struggle if they aren’t familiar with the way questions are worded or how quickly they need to move through each section. Regular practice with practice exams, material seen on the exam, and keeping time helps students recognize patterns, anticipate common traps, and build confidence with the test format. Over time, this familiarity reduces anxiety and allows students to focus on accuracy rather than panic. The ACT is quite fast-paced, and, as such, while many students may know the material, they can still simply run out of time. Through consistent practice, students learn pacing strategies, when to move on from a difficult question, and how to maximize points by prioritizing accuracy on questions they can control. These are skills that rarely develop on their own without guided practice and feedback.

Targeted ACT prep also helps students identify and strengthen their weaknesses. Practice tests reveal patterns—maybe grammar rules are costing points in English, or data interpretation is an issue in Science. Once those gaps are clear, focused tutoring can turn weak areas into strengths. Instead of studying everything at once, students learn how to study smarter, not longer.

At Test Prep Chicago, we are a proud Licensed Provider of Official ACT® Content, our material includes Officially Licensed ACT® Content, making our practice tests some of the most accurate out there. We often see firsthand how structured preparation changes outcomes for students, regardless of where they are in their ACT prep journey. Our ACT tutoring is designed to combine content review, test-taking strategy instruction, and realistic practice so students know exactly what to expect on test day. Tutors can work one-on-one with students to personalize instruction, track progress, and adjust strategies as scores improve (sign-up here). We also have a summer ACT course coming up in July, perfect for students taking the exam in summer/fall of 2026 (sign up here)!

Average ACT and SAT Scores at Ivy League Universities

When people talk about Ivy League “cutoff scores” for the SAT and ACT, it’s important to start by correcting a common misconception: there are no official minimum scores that guarantee admission or automatically eliminate an application to an Ivy League school. Ivy League universities, which are elite, well-respected colleges with a rich American history, evaluate applicants holistically; they consider grades, course rigor, essays, recommendations, extracurricular involvement, character, and personal background alongside any standardized test scores that students choose to submit. Even so, understanding the average or typical score ranges of admitted students can be useful for setting goals and gauging competitiveness.

Across the Ivy League as a whole, SAT scores for admitted students are consistently far above the national average. Most schools report middle 50 percent SAT ranges that fall roughly between 1430 and 1580 on the 1600-point scale. While this range varies slightly by institution, many admitted students cluster toward the upper end, especially at the most selective schools. ACT scores follow a similar pattern, with most admitted students scoring between 33 and 35 out of 36, and a significant number earning scores at the very top of that range. Now, let’s break down average scores at each Ivy.

Harvard
At Harvard University, admitted students who submit SAT scores typically score near the top of the scale, often around 1550 to 1580, while ACT composite scores commonly fall between 34 and 36. 

Princeton
Princeton University shows very similar averages, with SAT scores usually landing in the low to high 1500s and ACT scores centered around 34 or 35. 

Yale
Yale University’s admitted students also post extremely strong results, with SAT scores often ranging from about 1500 to the mid-1500s and ACT scores generally in the low to mid-30s.

Penn
The University of Pennsylvania reports SAT scores for admitted students that commonly sit in the mid-1500s, alongside ACT composite scores around 34 or 35. 

Columbia
Columbia University’s averages closely mirror those of Harvard and Princeton, with SAT scores often falling between the low 1500s and upper 1500s and ACT scores clustered near the top of the scale. 

Brown
Brown University tends to show a slightly wider range, but its admitted students still usually score in the high 1400s to mid-1500s on the SAT and around 33 to 35 on the ACT.

Dartmouth
Dartmouth College, similarly, presents broader score ranges compared to some of the other Ivies, yet their averages remain highly competitive. Dartmouth’s admitted students frequently earn SAT scores in the high 1400s to mid-1500s and ACT scores in the low to mid-30s. 

Cornell
Cornell University, which is the largest Ivy League school, often reports SAT scores beginning in the mid-1400s and extending into the high 1500s, with ACT scores commonly ranging from about 32 to 35.

None of these averages should be mistaken for requirements or guarantees. Admissions offices at Ivy League universities consistently emphasize that standardized test scores are just one part of a much larger picture. A perfect SAT or ACT score does not ensure admission, and a score below the average does not automatically disqualify an applicant. Factors such as GPA, leadership, creativity, resilience, and impact outside the classroom often play a decisive role. Still, knowing typical SAT and ACT score ranges can help students understand how their scores compare to those of admitted students and decide whether submitting test results strengthens their overall application.

If you have a student looking to attend an Ivy League school, or any top American university, Test Prep Chicago can help. As a Licensed Provider of Official ACT® Content, our material includes Officially Licensed ACT® Content, making our practice tests some of the most accurate out there. Though our ACT and SAT prep courses have already begun, we are offering one-day workshops for students preparing for the ACT (enroll here), and can always provide individual tutoring (learn more and sign up here) for students preparing for one or both of the exams.

Identifying Areas for Improvement: Steps to Take After an ACT Practice Test

Taking an ACT practice test can be a useful tool for understanding your strengths and weaknesses, but the real growth comes from analyzing your results afterward. Understanding exactly why a student made errors on a practice test can help them make strides in the next practice test, and on the real exam!

To identify areas for improvement, a student can start by reviewing every question they answered incorrectly or guessed on. It is important to pay attention not only to the questions themselves, but also to the type of mistakes made. Was it a misunderstanding of the content, a misreading of the question, a careless error, or a timing issue? Recognizing patterns in these mistakes is key to understanding where you need the most improvement. 

On that note, it can also help to categorize errors by subject or skill. In English, a student might notice recurring issues with punctuation, grammar rules, or sentence structure. In Math, there may be an issue with specific topics like algebra, geometry, or trigonometry. Science questions often test interpretation and reasoning skills rather than factual knowledge, so difficulties here may indicate challenges in reading and interpreting graphs or understanding experiments. The Reading comprehension section presents students with a variety of passage categories and includes questions relating to main ideas, inferences, and details. For this section, it will be useful to review which types of passages or questions caused the most trouble for your student.

Finally, timing is another important factor to consider when reviewing test results. If a student consistently runs out of time or rushes through sections, it may indicate a need for better pacing strategies in addition to content review. Analyzing the thought process a student had while answering questions can also provide insight. Did a student know how to solve a question, but felt too rushed to go through their learned methods? Did a student spend a huge chunk of time on a question they did not know how to solve? It is often better for a student to take their best guess at a difficult question, rather than waste 10 minutes pondering it, and thus lose crucial time on the rest of the section.

After identifying common and underlying patterns in mistakes, students should prioritize the areas that most frequently impact their score. Rather than memorizing answers, go back to the basics; what fundamentals are missing? Overall, consistent improvement comes from strengthening skills and habits. Students should try to keep track of progress over multiple practice tests to see if targeted practice is helping. While this may feel meticulous, it is one of the most effective ways to turn weaknesses into opportunities for improvement.

One of the most exciting elements of Test Prep Chicago’s one-day workshops is that they include an opportunity for students to get inside information on their mindsets and the “why” of the errors they are making. After taking an ACT practice exam based on a real ACT test (TPC is a Licensed Provider of Official ACT® Content, and our material includes Officially Licensed ACT® Content) and breaking for a pizza lunch, students review test-taking strategies, along with answer explanations how to solve each problem seen on the practice test. On our test-taking platform, Testpress, students will also have the opportunity to complete “Mindset Reflections,” for each question answered incorrectly. Once submitted, students can access a detailed breakdown of their reflections, along with insights drawn from the pre- and post-exam questionnaires. The purpose of Mindset Reflections is to help students understand why mistakes are occurring, identify recurring error patterns, and receive tailored test-taking strategies to support meaningful improvement. Interested in signing up for one of our ACT one-day workshops? Click here.

How the ACT & SAT Can Affect Scholarship Opportunities for Students

ACT and SAT scores do more than influence college admissions; they can also play a critical role in scholarship opportunities. Many merit-based scholarships consider standardized test scores as part of their eligibility criteria, making strong performance on the ACT or SAT a potential financial advantage.

Some scholarships use ACT or SAT scores as a straightforward cutoff. For example, a scholarship might require a minimum SAT score of 1300 or an ACT composite score of 28 in order to qualify. Students who meet or exceed these thresholds may automatically be considered, while those below the cutoff are ineligible. These types of awards make test performance a clear, measurable factor in scholarship eligibility.

Other scholarships are more holistic, using ACT and SAT scores alongside GPA, extracurricular activities, essays, and leadership experience. In these cases, a higher test score can strengthen a student’s overall application, improving their chances of receiving an award, even if it isn’t the sole deciding factor. Some programs weigh test scores heavily, while others use them as a tie-breaker when multiple candidates meet other criteria.

Overall, scholarship requirements can vary widely. Some state and university programs set minimum scores for eligibility, while private organizations may consider a combination of scores and achievements. Early research into scholarship criteria helps students target their preparation and set a target score, ensuring their test performance aligns with potential funding opportunities.

Ultimately, strong ACT or SAT scores can open doors to financial support that makes college more affordable. At Test Prep Chicago, we can help to ensure that students are scoring where they need to in order to be considered for life-changing academic and merit-based scholarships. Although our ACT prep courses have already begun, we have an SAT prep course that is still available for enrollment (click here). We also offer one-day ACT workshops (click here) in advance of April ACT testing dates. Note that TPC is a Licensed Provider of Official ACT® Content, and our material includes Officially Licensed ACT® Content. For students looking for a more personalized prep program, TPC offers individual tutoring for students taking either or both the ACT and SAT. Click here to learn more.

Superscoring on the ACT & SAT: How it Works

Superscoring is a college admissions practice that can significantly benefit students who take the ACT or SAT more than once. Rather than evaluating a single test date in isolation, colleges that superscore consider a student’s highest section scores across multiple test dates and combine them to create the strongest possible overall score. The practice has become popular among many top universities over the last few years, and understanding how superscoring works can help families make smarter test prep decisions.

For the SAT, superscoring is straightforward. The SAT has two main sections: Reading/Writing, and Math. When a college superscores the SAT, it takes the highest Reading/Writing score from one test date and the highest Math score from another test date, even if those scores were earned on different days. These two best-section scores are added together to create a new, higher composite score. For example, a student might earn a stronger Math score on one test and a stronger Reading/Writing score on another, and both scores can count toward the final superscore.

ACT superscoring works slightly differently, but follows the same general principle. The ACT has four main sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science. Colleges that superscore the ACT take the highest score earned in each of these four sections across all test dates. They then average those four highest section scores to calculate a new ACT composite score. This means a student could improve their English score on one test, their Math score on another, and still benefit from both improvements when applying to superscoring universities.

It is important to note that superscoring policies vary by college. Some schools superscore both the ACT and SAT, while some superscore only one exam, while others do not superscore at all. Colleges that superscore typically allow students to submit all test scores and will automatically calculate the highest possible superscore during the admissions review process. Because policies can change, it is always wise for students to confirm each school’s testing policy directly.

Though superscoring can be a useful tool, students should still aim for balanced performance, as some colleges may consider all submitted scores in context, even if they ultimately rely on the superscore. Test Prep Chicago can help students improve their ACT and SAT scores. While all of our ACT prep courses have already begun, we still have an SAT prep course available for enrollment (click here). We will also be offering one-day ACT workshops (click here) in advance of April ACT testing dates. Note that TPC is a Licensed Provider of Official ACT® Content, and our material includes Officially Licensed ACT® Content. 

For students looking for a more personalized prep program, TPC offers individual tutoring for students taking either or both the ACT and SAT; for students who plan to take the test more than once, individual tutoring between exams can help students improve their scores from test to test. Click here to learn more.

Test-Taking Tips for the ACT & SAT

Standardized tests like the ACT and SAT can feel intimidating, but strong test-taking skills can make a meaningful difference regardless of a student’s starting score. While content knowledge and preparation is important, success on these exams also depends heavily on strategy, pacing, and mindset. Understanding how to approach the test itself allows students to stay focused, avoid common pitfalls, and make the most of the time they have on test day.

Time Management

One of the most important skills for both the ACT and SAT is time management. Neither test is designed for students to leisurely work through every question, so pacing must be intentional and practiced. Students should work within official time limits when taking practice tests and develop an internal sense of how long they can spend on each question. If a question is taking too long, it is usually better to move on and return later if time allows. Both exams reward accuracy, but it is always better to make educated guesses and answer all questions on the test than to leave any unanswered, as there is no penalty for incorrect answers.

Familiarity

Familiarity with question types is another key factor. The ACT and SAT are highly predictable in structure, meaning students will see the same styles of questions repeatedly from test to test. When students know what a question is really asking, recognize common traps, and have common conversions, equations, and rules memorized, they can respond more efficiently and with greater confidence. 

Process of Elimination

Process of elimination is a powerful tool on both exams. Even when a student is unsure of the correct answer, removing clearly incorrect options increases the odds of choosing correctly. Many wrong answer choices are designed to sound reasonable but contain subtle errors, exaggerations, or ideas not supported by the text. Slowing down just enough to compare answer choices carefully can prevent avoidable mistakes, and can also improve the accuracy of educated guesses.

Avoid Rushing & Double Check Work

Students should pay close attention to instructions and question wording. Rushing through directions often leads to simple errors that have nothing to do with content knowledge. Taking a brief moment to understand the task and double-checking work and answers can save time and points overall.

Organization

For math sections, organization matters. Writing down steps, labeling diagrams, and keeping work neat helps to avoid careless errors, especially on multi-step problems. On both the ACT and SAT, where a calculator is available for the entire math section, students should still think critically about whether using the calculator is efficient or if mental math is faster. 

Active Reading

Reading and science-style sections benefit from active reading. Rather than trying to memorize details, students should focus on understanding the main idea, purpose, and structure of each passage. Denoting where important information is located makes it easier to answer questions quickly and accurately. In data-heavy sections, students should rely on charts, graphs, and tables instead of overanalyzing the surrounding text.

Mindset

Finally, mindset plays a major role in performance. Staying calm after a difficult question or section is critical, as one challenging problem does not determine the overall score. Students who maintain focus, trust their preparation, and keep moving forward tend to perform more consistently. With practice, smart strategies, and confidence, students can approach both the ACT and SAT prepared to show what they know and reach their testing goals.

One of the benefits of working with Test Prep Chicago on ACT and SAT Prep is that our material includes practicing and reviewing test-taking strategies for each section seen on both exams. Our practice tests also include mindset reflections for questions that students answered incorrectly, helping them to understand exactly what errors are preventing them from getting question types correctly and providing them with strategies to help them improve.

Though all of our ACT prep courses have already begun, we still have an SAT prep course available for enrollment (click here to sign up). We are also offering one-day ACT workshops (click here) in advance of April ACT testing dates. Note that TPC is a Licensed Provider of Official ACT® Content, and our material includes Officially Licensed ACT® Content. For students looking for a more personalized prep program, TPC also offers individual tutoring for students taking either or both the ACT and SAT. Click here to learn more.

A Breakdown of the ACT

Colleges use ACT and SAT scores alongside grades, extracurriculars, and interviews to evaluate applicants and determine admissions. Scoring well on the ACT can broaden your student’s horizons, allowing them admittance to additional schools and, in some cases, access to additional scholarships.

To maximize the opportunity the ACT presents, students need to have a clear understanding of the structure of the exam and a prior knowledge of what types of questions to expect. Test Prep Chicago is a Licensed Provider of Official ACT® Content, and our material includes Officially Licensed ACT® Questions. Thanks to this, we are in a uniquely strong position to offer insights into this exam.

Here is an overview of the sections you can expect to see on the ACT:

English (50 questions. 35 minutes. 42 seconds per question)

The English test includes six to seven personal and informational essays of varying lengths. Longer passages of ~340 words will be accompanied by 10 questions, and shorter passages of ~185 words will be accompanied by 5 questions. You will be tested on a variety of topics, including grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, style, tone, topic development, organization and cohesion.

Math (45 questions. 50 minutes. ~67 seconds per question)

The math test includes questions that require you to solve practical math problems using logical reasoning. Approximately 80% of the math questions test high school level concepts, with the remaining 20% focusing on complex, multi-step problems and applicable knowledge of those concepts. At least 20% of all problems in the math section utilize mathematical models, such as graphs, diagrams, charts, matrices, etc. Note that an approved calculator is allowed for the math section.

Reading (36 questions. 40 minutes. ~67 seconds per question)

The reading test consists of three long passages and a pair of short passages. Passages will include both literary narratives and informational texts from the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Each passage will have approximately 9 corresponding questions involving main ideas, details, point of view, and analysis of the author’s word choice and purpose.

Science* (40 questions. 40 minutes. 60 seconds per question)

The science test consists of six or seven passages that present scientific information from the natural sciences, including biology, chemistry, physics, earth science, and astronomy. The information is presented in reading passages and graphic representations. Most questions in the science section will not test outside scientific knowledge but will instead rely more heavily on reading comprehension and interpretation of data. The answer to each question will typically be in the corresponding passage.

Writing* (1 prompt. 40 minutes.)

The writing test is a 40-minute essay designed to measure your writing skills. The prompt will present three different perspectives on a contemporary issue. You will be tasked with writing an essay in which you develop your own perspective on the issue and explore how it relates to at least one of the other perspectives. Essays are graded based on ideas and analysis, development and support, organization, and language use and conventions.

You can view upcoming ACT test dates and register your student for the exam at act.org. Test Prep Chicago offers 8-week ACT courses and one-day workshops throughout the city. We have many courses that begin the weekend of January 31st, that line up perfectly with the April 11th ACT testing date. You can register for one of our ACT courses here, and sign up for one of our one-day ACT Palooza workshops here. Want a more personalized approach that works with your schedule? Click here to see our individual tutoring options.

*The science and writing tests are optional for students testing privately. However, in Illinois public schools, students in grade 11 will take the ACT with writing, which includes tests in English, mathematics, reading, science, and writing.

ACT Enhancements

The ACT has made major structural changes to the exam that will be implemented in the coming months. The ACT will now have 44 fewer questions and students will receive more time to answer each question. The length of the test in total will be reduced to 125 minutes rather than 195 minutes as in previous years. Students will also have the option to opt out of the science section unlike previous years.

Math and English portions of the exam will be adjusted slightly. For math questions, the ACT will be eliminating a response option from each question. Options that are rarely chosen or of poor quality will be removed from the exam, leaving four potential answers rather than five. Additionally, when questions contain a graphic, answer options that can be easily eliminated by looking at the image will be removed from the test. This is designed to match the format of other assessments and improve the test-taking experience for students.

During the English section, students will be provided with clear instructions for each question. Previously, portions of text would be underlined or numbered to denote which phrases pertain to each grammar and language question. However, no instructions were given for each individual question, so students needed to reference the instructions at the beginning of the section. This will no longer be the case, as the ACT will provide instructions for each question such as “which choice makes the sentence most grammatically acceptable?” followed by the answer choices. Additionally, the “No Change” options will be bolded so they are easier to see. These changes are being introduced to promote clarity for all students.

ACT enhancements will begin going into effect starting in April of 2025 for students taking the exam online. By September of 2025, all students taking the exam on paper or online will receive these benefits as well. The adjustments will be reflected in all schools and districts by spring of 2026.

Kayley Horton, Tutoring Coordinator
kayley@testprepchicago.com
(312) 848-1266