Self-Administering an ACT

The New Computer-Based Format

Please note that the ACT recently changed its format from a paper-based test to a computer-based test. However, due to the limited availability of computer-based mocks, paper-based mocks continue being a valid form of preparation and assessment. What follows here are instructions to self-administer a computer-based mock.

Instructions for Self-Administering a Computer-Based ACT Test (Form 2176CPRE)

1) Prepare a notebook or some scrap paper to use during the test. On the actual test you should be provided with a paper-sized dry-erase board and a marker, but for this mock sheets, sheets of paper will do.

2) Do Section 1, Section 2, Section 3, and Section 4 in that order, but before clicking the links below, please observe the following directions:

• The test should be done in one sitting, with only small breaks between each of the four sections

• Each section is timed and the remaining time will be displayed on your screen.

• A calculator is allowed only for the Math section (Section 2).

• There is no penalty for a wrong answer, so make sure to answer to every question before the time expires.

• After each section is done, write down the number of correct answers you got.

• The Writing Section is optional and does not count toward your main ACT score. It's increasingly likely that colleges will not pay much attention to your writing score. A section analogous to the ACT Writing section on the SAT has been scrapped, for example. Moreover, it's difficult to properly score the Writing test on one's own, so there won't be much benefit to do the Writing Section on a self-administered mock, but it's included here to give you a sense of what it's like.

3) Click on the links below to start your mock test, remembering to write down the number of correct answers after time on each of the sections has expired.

Section 1 - English

Section 2 - Math

Section 3 - Reading

Section 4 - Science

Writing

4) Now we move on to scoring your test. The number of questions you answered correctly in each section is called your raw score. The SAT, however, is scored on a scale of 1-36. To convert your raw scores into these scaled scores, we can use Table 1 below. Directions are included on the Table itself, but an example might make the process easier.

If you got 60 right on the English section, look for the number 60 on the column that reads "Test 1 English" and find the corresponding scaled score, which would be 27. Likewise, if you got 30 questions right in the Math section, you'd look for the number 30 on the column that reads "Test 2 Math" and you'll find that the corresponding scaled score would be 21.