Description of the ACT

The ACT (No Writing) consists of four multiple-choice tests: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science. The ACT Plus Writing includes the four multiple-choice tests and a Writing Test.

English - 75 questions   

Math  60 questions

Reading  40 questions

Science  40 questions

Optional Writing 1 prompt

Colleges use ACT results in a variety of ways:

• Admissions decisions
  ACT test results, high school grades, academic preparation, out-of-class accomplishments, and future plans—these and other kinds of information help admissions officials identify applicants who can benefit most from their programs.
• Course placement
  Colleges usually try to take into account individual strengths and weaknesses as they place students in first-year courses. For example, a college may offer three sections of a subject—developmental, regular, and advanced. A student's ACT test results, academic background, and high school grades might be used to determine which section would be most appropriate.
• Academic advising
  College academic advisors may consider ACT results, high school academic program, high school grades, planned extracurricular activities, areas in which there is a need for help, and part-time employment plans to help a student tailor an appropriate program of study.
• Scholarships and loans
  Some scholarship and loan agencies may use ACT test results with other information such as high school grades to identify qualified candidates. However, the agencies may not look only at academic potential. The ACT score report provides information about a student's educational needs, extracurricular achievements, and educational plans. This information, along with high school grades and test scores, helps the agencies evaluate applications for scholarships, loans, and other financial assistance.

From the offical ACT website ACT