ACT Archives - 91 /blog/category/act/ Prep for Success Fri, 22 May 2026 22:04:29 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://assets.testinnovators.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/cropped-TI-favicon_512x512-32x32.png ACT Archives - 91 /blog/category/act/ 32 32 SAT and ACT Informational Packet /blog/sat-act-informational-packet/ Fri, 22 May 2026 17:18:39 +0000 /?p=9631 91 can help students manage the SAT and ACT testing process by providing resources about the tests. We recommend creating an informational packet that you can give to your families as they start the testing process. Here’s a sample packet for inspiration. Please feel free to download and use it. Get a PDF of the […]

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91 can help students manage the SAT and ACT testing process by providing resources about the tests. We recommend creating an informational packet that you can give to your families as they start the testing process. Here’s a sample packet for inspiration. Please feel free to download and use it.

Originally published on August 23, 2023. Updated on May 22, 2026.

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]]> Enhanced ACT Infographic /blog/enhanced-act-infographic/ Thu, 21 May 2026 19:23:13 +0000 /?p=15553 Learn about the structure, format, and content of the enhanced ACT with our visual guide to the new version of the test.

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The enhanced ACT is here. This infographic offers a clear visual overview of the test’s structure, timing, and content.

A visual overview of the ACT, including its structure, sections, timing, and scoring.

Click here to download

We’ve updated our ACT practice materials to align with the enhanced ACT. Students can now practice with 10 full-length enhanced ACT practice tests.

Explore Enhanced ACT Practice Options

Originally published on January 14, 2025. Updated on May 21, 2026.

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]]> Digital SAT vs Enhanced ACT Infographic /blog/digital-sat-vs-enhanced-act-infographic/ Thu, 21 May 2026 19:15:18 +0000 /?p=15624 Deciding whether to take the SAT, ACT, or both is an important choice. See how the new, enhanced ACT compares to the digital SAT.

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Both the SAT and ACT have recently undergone major changes. Compare the two updated tests side by side to see how they stack up.

A visual comparison of the SAT vs. the ACT from 91, including differences in structure, sections, timing, and scoring.

Click here to download

Start preparing for the SAT and ACT today!

SAT Practice
ACT Practice

Originally published on January 17, 2025. Updated on May 21, 2026.

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]]> How is the ACT Changing? Which Version Will You Take? /blog/enhanced-act-vs-legacy-act/ Thu, 21 May 2026 17:09:11 +0000 /?p=15564 The ACT is changing this year. The new version of the test is shorter and offers students more choice and flexibility. The infographic below compares the new version (“Enhanced ACT”) to the old version (“Legacy ACT”), so you can see what’s changing and what’s staying the same.

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How is the ACT Changing?

The ACT has changed. The new version of the test is shorter and offers students more choice and flexibility. The infographic below compares the new version (“Enhanced ACT”) to the old version (“Legacy ACT”), so you can see what’s changing and what’s staying the same.

A visual comparison of the Enhanced ACT vs. the Legacy ACT, including differences in structure, sections, timing, and scoring.

Click here to download

When can I take the new, enhanced ACT?

It depends on how you’re taking the test.

  • If you’re a U.S. student taking the online test on a standard national test date, you’ll see the new version starting in April 2025.
  • If you’re a U.S. student taking the paper test on a standard national test date, you’ll see the new version starting in September 2025.
  • If you’re an international student, you’ll see the new version starting in September 2025.
  • If you’re taking the test during the school day, you’ll see the new version starting in February 2026.

Check out our flowchart to see which version of the ACT you’ll see on test day.

A flowchart from 91 helping students determine whether they will take the Legacy ACT or Enhanced ACT based on their testing format and test date.

Click here to download

Practice for the Enhanced ACT

Our team has updated our practice materials to reflect the changes to the ACT. We now have 10 full-length enhanced ACT practice tests, as well as 1,650+ targeted practice questions. 

Explore ACT Practice from 91

Originally published on January 15, 2025. Updated on May 21, 2026.

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]]> How to Study for the ACT and SAT /blog/how-to-study-for-the-act-and-sat/ Thu, 30 Apr 2026 20:38:38 +0000 /?p=19700 Whether your test date is three weeks away or still months out on the horizon, a good study plan makes a real difference. This post walks you through the full process: how to choose between the ACT and SAT, how to build a study schedule based on how much time you have, and what to […]

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Whether your test date is three weeks away or still months out on the horizon, a good study plan makes a real difference. This post walks you through the full process: how to choose between the ACT and SAT, how to build a study schedule based on how much time you have, and what to focus on as test day approaches.

Should I Take the ACT, SAT, or Both?

If you haven’t already decided which test to take, try taking an ACT practice test and an SAT practice test to see if you have a preference. The two tests cover similar content but have meaningfully different formats. The SAT is digital and adaptive. Each section is divided into two modules, and the difficulty of your second module adjusts based on how you do on the first. The ACT is offered both on paper and on the computer, with a fixed format and optional Science and Writing sections.

Some students have a clear preference or find they do better on one test over the other. Others end up taking both. It isn’t necessary to take both tests, but some students find having options reduces stress and anxiety. For a quick side-by-side overview, check out our SAT vs ACT infographic.

What Is the Best Way to Study for the ACT and SAT?

We’ve helped over half a million students prepare for admissions tests, and we’ve found that the following process works very well no matter which test you’re studying for: take a practice test, review your results carefully, and then do targeted practice on your weak areas. Repeat this cycle until test day.

Step 1: Take a Practice Test

Before you do anything else, take a full-length practice test under test-day conditions. That means timed, in one sitting, and without your phone or other distractions. The goal is to find an honest baseline so that you learn what you need to improve in order to reach your goal.

Step 2: Review Your Results

Going through a completed practice test carefully is one of the most valuable parts of test prep, and well worth your time. Don’t just look at your score. Look at your results by content area, by question type, and by timing. Which sections cost you the most points? Which question types tripped you up repeatedly? Where did you run out of time?

Flag three categories of questions to review: ones you missed, ones you skipped, and ones you guessed on even if you got them right. A lucky guess may not repeat itself on test day.

Read our full guide on how to learn from your practice test mistakes for a step-by-step walkthrough of this process.

Step 3: Do Targeted Practice

Once you know what to work on, focus your practice sessions there. Targeted practice can involve reviewing content, practicing sets of questions similar to the ones you missed on your practice test, or practicing test-taking skills like pacing and endurance.


Then take another practice test and repeat the cycle.

Study Plans by Timeline

How you structure your prep depends on how much time you have. Here’s what we recommend based on when you’re starting.

6+ Month ACT and SAT Study Plan

Six or more months is the ideal runway to prepare for the ACT or SAT. It gives you plenty of time to build your test-taking skills, address content gaps, and still have room to adjust your approach as you get closer to test day.

Start by building a consistent study schedule and stick to it. Make ACT and SAT prep part of your routine. Use the first few weeks to familiarize yourself with the test format, identify your weakest areas, and build strong study habits. Spacing out your sessions over time promotes long-term retention, which means you’ll actually remember what you learned on test day.

Practice tests: One full-length test every three to four weeks, gradually increasing to every one to two weeks as you approach your test date

Targeted practice: 30 to 45 minutes, two to three times per week

2 to 5 Month ACT and SAT Study Plan

Two to five months is enough time to make meaningful gains across multiple areas without feeling rushed. If you’re just getting started, you’re in a good position.

As you continue to take practice tests, make note of what’s improved and what you still need to work on. Adjust where you focus your targeted practice sessions accordingly.

Practice tests: One full-length test every one to two weeks

Targeted practice: 30 to 45 minutes, three to four times per week

1 Month ACT and SAT Study Plan

One month is still enough time to improve your score, but only if you’re strategic about it. Read our dedicated guide: How to Study for the SAT in One Month.

Focus first on the areas where you can improve the fastest. For example, reviewing grammar and punctuation rules can have a big impact on your SAT Reading & Writing and ACT English scores.

Practice tests: One full-length test per week

Targeted practice: 45 to 60 minutes, three to four times per week

The Week Before the ACT or SAT

One week is not a lot of time to prepare for the ACT or SAT. If you haven’t started studying yet, the most valuable thing you can do right now is familiarize yourself with the test format. Knowing what to expect on test day (the structure, the timing, the question types) can make a real difference. However, it’s unlikely you’ll see dramatic score improvements. Instead, focus on doing your best for where you are right now. Read our guide: How to Study for the SAT With One Week Left.

If you’ve been preparing consistently, now is the time to pull back on new material and focus on review. Identify one or two areas that are still costing you points and concentrate your energy there. Read our guide on what to do in the final week before the SAT for a day-by-day breakdown.

Practice tests: One full-length test early in the week

Targeted practice: 30 to 45 minutes, two to three times per week; keep sessions short and focused

The Day Before the ACT or SAT

If your test is tomorrow, put down your books, shut off your computer, and get some rest. Trust the work you’ve put in and don’t try to cram. Pack your bag, plan your morning, and eat a good dinner. Read our full guide: What to Do the Night Before the SAT or ACT.

A Few Things to Keep in Mind as You Study

Consistency beats intensity. Short, regular study sessions are more effective than marathon cramming. An hour three times a week will outperform three hours the night before every practice test.

More practice tests aren’t always better. Taking a practice test without reviewing it carefully is a missed opportunity. The review is where most of the learning happens.

Nerves are normal. It’s completely normal to feel anxious about the ACT or SAT. If test anxiety is affecting your performance, check out our test anxiety resources for practical strategies.

You can retake the test. Most students take the ACT or SAT more than once. Knowing you have another chance can take some pressure off, and it’s worth planning your test schedule to allow for a retake if you need one.

More ACT and SAT Resources

Understanding the Tests

Study Plans

Test-Taking Skills

Test Day

Start Practicing Today

91 has everything you need to prepare for the ACT and SAT, including full-length practice tests, detailed score reports, and thousands of targeted practice questions.

Explore SAT Practice
Explore ACT Practice

Sara Laszlo

Sara Laszlo has nearly ten years of experience in private tutoring. An opera singer by training, Sara is especially interested in exploring better ways to practice and improve skills, whether musical or test-related. She holds a B.A. in Classical Civilization from Duke University and a Certificate of Merit in Voice from the New England Conservatory of Music.

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]]> Learning from Your Mistakes: How to Get the Most Out of Your Practice Tests /blog/learning-from-practice-test-mistakes/ Tue, 28 Apr 2026 20:11:38 +0000 /?p=19649 You’ve just finished a practice test. Now what? At 91, we talk about test prep in three steps: (1) take a practice test, (2) review your results, and (3) do targeted practice. This post is about step two. Going through a completed practice test carefully is one of the most valuable but overlooked parts […]

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You’ve just finished a practice test. Now what?

At 91, we talk about test prep in three steps: (1) take a practice test, (2) review your results, and (3) do targeted practice. This post is about step two.

Going through a completed practice test carefully is one of the most valuable but overlooked parts of test prep. This post walks you through how to review your results step by step, and while we’ll point to some tools inside 91 along the way, this process works no matter what materials you’re using to prepare.

Start With the Big Picture, Then Zoom In

Before you dive into individual questions, take a step back and look at your results from the top down.

Start with your overall scores. How did you do on the test as a whole? Which section was your strongest? Which needs the most work?

Then look at each section individually to see how you did by content area. Once again, make note of both your strengths and your weaknesses. Knowing what you’re already doing well is just as useful as knowing where you need to improve.

91 SAT Score Report Module Summary
91 breaks down each section or module by difficulty level, content area, and time.

Once you have your bearings, it’s time to dive in and go question by question. As you do, you’re looking for three categories of questions to review:

  • Questions you missed
  • Questions you skipped
  • Questions you flagged, even if you ended up getting them right

That last category is easy to overlook. You may have ultimately guessed correctly, but that doesn’t mean you’d actually know how to solve a similar question on the real test. Those questions belong in your review too.

Example of a incorrect question from 91' SAT Practice Test #1
For each question, 91 shows your answer, the correct answer, a full explanation, and a follow-up exercise to practice similar questions.

Reread the Question and Figure Out Why You Missed It

Start by rereading the question. Do you remember what tripped you up? Do you see how to solve it now that the pressure of the test is over? Or is it still giving you trouble?

It helps to think about missed questions in two broad categories:

Execution Errors

Execution errors are mistakes that have nothing to do with your understanding of the content. Perhaps you misread the question. Or you meant to bubble in C but filled in D instead. Or you ran out of time and had to guess randomly. Or you skipped a line on your answer sheet and threw off everything that followed. These happen to everyone, and they’re frustrating precisely because you know the material.

Knowledge Gaps

On admissions tests, you may run into questions where you genuinely aren’t sure how to approach the problem. Perhaps you haven’t studied the material in school yet, or it has been a while and you need to refresh your memory.

To determine whether a question is a knowledge gap or execution error ask yourself: “would I have known how to solve this with no time pressure and no stakes?” Better yet, try it now. Cover the answer and work through the question again from scratch. If you can get there on your own, it was likely an execution error. If you still can’t, you have a knowledge gap.

As you go, jot down what you think went wrong for each question. If you identify a knowledge gap, note the specific topic (e.g. right triangles, comma splices, reading inference questions, etc). That list will help you determine where to focus your targeted practice.

91 lets you hide the answers when you review a practice test.
Use the Hide Answer toggle to cover the correct answer and try the question again on your own.

Read the Answer Explanation

Once you’ve thought through why you missed the question, read the answer explanation. Does the solution make sense to you now? If so, great. You’ve got a clearer picture of what happened and you’re ready to move on to targeted practice.

If the explanation doesn’t fully click, that’s useful information too.

91 has detailed answer explanations.
91 has detailed answer explanations.

Talk Through the Problem if You're Still Stuck

If you’re still stuck after reading the explanation, try working through the problem out loud with a tutor, parent/guardian, or a study partner. Explaining your reasoning forces you to slow down and can help you identify exactly where your thinking breaks down.

If you’re using 91, you can also try Wild Zebra, an AI study buddy, by clicking the zebra icon in the lower left corner of the screen. Wild Zebra uses Socratic conversation to guide your reasoning, asking questions and checking your understanding rather than just handing you the answer. Working through a problem this way can either help the solution click or confirm that there’s a knowledge gap that needs some dedicated study time. All 91 accounts include 10 free Wild Zebra conversations.

Wild Zebra helps students think through problems.
Wild Zebra helps students think through problems.

Do Targeted Practice

Now that you know where to focus, it’s time for step three: targeted practice.

For execution errors, or any question where the explanation made the problem click, go straight to similar practice problems. The goal is to apply what you just learned while it’s fresh to new questions. That will help reinforce the material and build confidence that you’re ready for similar problems on the real test.

If you’re using 91, you’ll notice that every question has a recommended follow-up exercise. Click the link and you’ll get a set of similar practice questions to work through right away.

For knowledge gaps, study the underlying content first, then come back and do the practice problems. Drilling practice questions on a concept you haven’t learned yet isn’t the best use of your time.

Every 91 practice test question is linked to a follow-up exercise for additional targeted practice.
Every 91 practice test question is linked to a follow-up exercise for additional targeted practice.

One More Thing: Missing Questions Is Part of the Process

It’s easy to feel discouraged when you see mistakes on a practice test. But we’d invite you to think about it differently: the questions you miss are problems you caught before they mattered. If you discover a knowledge gap now, you have time to fill it. If you find out you have a habit of misreading questions under pressure, you can work on it. And if you bubbled in an entire section offset by one line, you can be sure you’ll double-check your answer sheet on test day.

Mistakes show you how to be better, and that’s what practice is for.

Take Your Next Practice Test

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Sara Laszlo

Sara Laszlo has nearly ten years of experience in private tutoring. An opera singer by training, Sara is especially interested in exploring better ways to practice and improve skills, whether musical or test-related. She holds a B.A. in Classical Civilization from Duke University and a Certificate of Merit in Voice from the New England Conservatory of Music.

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]]> What To Expect on the ACT Writing Test (2026) /blog/act-writing/ Mon, 13 Apr 2026 16:03:19 +0000 /?p=2191 The ACT Writing Test is the final, optional section of the ACT. If you decide to take it, you’ll have 40 minutes to write one essay. You’ll be given a description of a complex issue followed by three different perspectives on that issue. You’ll be asked to state your own perspective (you may adopt one […]

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The ACT Writing Test is the final, optional section of the ACT. If you decide to take it, you’ll have 40 minutes to write one essay.

You’ll be given a description of a complex issue followed by three different perspectives on that issue. You’ll be asked to state your own perspective (you may adopt one of the three provided or introduce one of your own) and analyze how it relates to at least one of the other perspectives offered.

There is no right or wrong answer. ACT is not evaluating you on which perspective you choose; it is evaluating you on how well you articulate and support your argument. Your goal is to produce a well-reasoned, clearly organized essay.

Unlike the other sections of the ACT, the Writing Test has not changed as part of the 2025/2026 enhancements.

Sample ACT writing prompt from 91' free sample test.
Example of an ACT Writing prompt from 91' free sample test.

How is the ACT Writing Test Scored?

The ACT Writing score is reported on a scale of 2–12, and is not part of the ACT Composite score. However, if you take the ACT Writing Test, you’ll also receive an English Language Arts (ELA) score that reflects your performance across English, Reading, and Writing. You can learn more about how the ELA score is calculated .

The Four Writing Domains

Your essay is scored across four writing domains, each on a scale of 2–12. Your overall writing score is the rounded average of the four.

Ideas and Analysis: You’ll be evaluated on how well you understood the issue in the prompt, how meaningfully you engaged with multiple perspectives, and whether your ideas were relevant to the topic.

Development and Support: You’ll be evaluated on how effectively you developed and supported your argument, backed your ideas with examples, and explored the implications of your thinking.

Organization: You’ll be evaluated on how clearly you structured your essay, whether the relationship between your ideas was easy to follow, and how effectively you guided the reader through your argument.

Language Use and Conventions: You’ll be evaluated on how effectively you used grammar, syntax, vocabulary, and mechanics to express your ideas and establish an appropriate style and tone.

ACT has published sample essays on their website to illustrate what strong and weak responses look like. Visit the to understand what they’re looking for.

How is the Writing Test Graded on the Paper ACT?

If you take the ACT Writing Test on paper, you’ll handwrite your essay. Two trained readers will read your essay and each assign a score from 1–6 for the four writing domains. The two scores for each domain are added together, giving you a domain score between 2–12. Your overall writing score is the rounded average of the four domain scores.

Note: If the two readers disagree by more than one point on any domain, a third reader will step in to resolve the discrepancy.

How is the Writing Test Graded on the Online ACT?

If you take the ACT Writing Test on the computer, you’ll type your essay, which will be scored by, ACT’s automated scoring engine. CRASE first evaluates your essay to determine whether it can assign a score with high confidence. If it can, it will assign a score of 2–12 for each domain. If it cannot, your essay will be sent to human readers. A random sample of all essays are also reviewed by human readers as part of ACT’s quality assurance process.

Note: State, district, and international ACT administrations pair one human reader with CRASE.

Do I Have to Take the ACT Writing Test?

No, unless you are required to for graduation or are applying to a school or program that requires it.

As of spring 2026, only a handful of colleges in the United States require or encourage ACT Writing. Requirements can change from year to year, so check directly with any schools, programs, or scholarships you’re applying to.

Some states, districts, or schools also require the ACT Writing Test for graduation. If you are taking the ACT through your school, check with your counselor to find out whether your test will include the Writing section.

If You Decide to Take It, Don't Take Science the Same Day

The enhanced ACT has two optional sections: Science and Writing. When you register, you can choose to add Science, Writing, or both.

If you decide to take both optional sections, we recommend doing them on separate test dates. The ACT is already a long test, and the Writing section comes last. The essay also requires a different kind of mental effort than the multiple-choice sections that precede it. After three multiple-choice sections, you’ll have more focus and energy for the essay than you would after four.

Your Guide to the Enhanced ACT

This post is part of our comprehensive series on the 2025/2026 ACT updates. Explore our guides for every section of the new test:

Enhanced ACT Practice

Get ready for the new ACT format with 10 full-length practice tests. Try a free sample test today.

Explore ACT Practice Options

Sara Laszlo

Sara Laszlo has nearly ten years of experience in private tutoring. An opera singer by training, Sara is especially interested in exploring better ways to practice and improve skills, whether musical or test-related. She holds a B.A. in Classical Civilization from Duke University and a Certificate of Merit in Voice from the New England Conservatory of Music.

Originally published on February 11, 2020. Updated on April 13, 2026.

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]]> The ACT Embedded Field Test, Explained /blog/act-field-test/ Fri, 27 Mar 2026 15:36:35 +0000 /?p=19395 Most major standardized tests include unscored questions as part of the test development process. Depending on the test, these may be called experimental questions, pretest questions, or something else entirely. The ACT calls them field-test questions. Field-test questions are future test questions in their final stage of review. Before ACT can use a question on […]

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Most major standardized tests include unscored questions as part of the test development process. Depending on the test, these may be called experimental questions, pretest questions, or something else entirely. The ACT calls them field-test questions.

Field-test questions are future test questions in their final stage of review. Before ACT can use a question on an official test, it needs to verify that the question is fair, that it measures what it’s intended to measure, and that its difficulty is properly calibrated. The most reliable way to do that is to administer the question to real students under real testing conditions.

On the legacy ACT, the field test was its own standalone section at the end of the exam. Because students knew it didn’t count toward their scores, many students didn’t take it as seriously as the rest of the test. That made it difficult for ACT to collect reliable data on future questions.

The enhanced ACT solved this by embedding field-test questions directly into each section of the test. This change helped shorten the overall test by eliminating the 5th section. More importantly, students now have no way of knowing which questions are part of the field test, so every question gets the same effort and attention, giving ACT more reliable data on new questions.

How Many Field-Test Questions Are There?

The core ACT includes 23 field-test questions overall. If you are taking the optional Science section, the total is 29.

The number of field-test questions varies by section. Here’s the breakdown:

  • English: 10 field-test questions (1–2 passages)
  • Math: 4 field-test questions
  • Reading: 9 field-test questions (1 passage)
  • Science: 6 field-test questions (1 passage)

Can I Tell Which Questions Are Part of the Field Test?

No. Field-test questions are designed to be indistinguishable from operational questions. There is no label, no formatting difference, and no other signal that a question is unscored. From a student’s perspective, every question looks the same.

It’s worth noting that although ACT initially indicated that field-test questions would not appear as the first or last question in a section, that guidance no longer appears in ACT’s published materials. Some older prep resources may still reference it and advise students to complete the first and last passage on the English, Reading, and Science sections first. There’s no harm in following this pattern, but students should still treat every question as operational and avoid skipping any passage entirely.

Can I Skip a Passage to Save Time?

No. It’s not worth the risk.

In theory, you could skip an entire passage on Reading or Science without affecting your score if you guessed the right passage to skip. But in practice, you have no way of knowing which passage to skip. Skipping a passage on the assumption that it might be the field test is a gamble that isn’t worth taking. If you guess wrong, you’ve left a significant portion of the questions that do count unanswered.

The safest approach is to treat every passage and every question as if it counts. Because as far as you know, it does.

How Should I Approach the ACT Field Test?

The embedded field test doesn’t change how you should approach the ACT. You can’t identify field-test questions, and trying to guess which questions are unscored isn’t a productive use of your time or energy. Just take the test.

On a test like the ACT, your goal is to answer as many questions correctly as possible. If you get stuck on a question, skip it and come back later. Time is better spent securing easier points first. To learn how to build pacing skills in practice, see our guide to improving your pacing.

Your Guide to the Enhanced ACT

This post is part of our comprehensive series on the 2025/2026 ACT updates. Explore our guides for every section of the new test:

Online ACT Prep

Get ready for the enhanced ACT with 10 full-length practice tests and 1,650+ targeted practice questions.

Start Practicing

Sara Laszlo

Sara Laszlo has nearly ten years of experience in private tutoring. An opera singer by training, Sara is especially interested in exploring better ways to practice and improve skills, whether musical or test-related. She holds a B.A. in Classical Civilization from Duke University and a Certificate of Merit in Voice from the New England Conservatory of Music.

The post The ACT Embedded Field Test, Explained appeared first on 91.

]]> What To Expect on the Enhanced ACT Science Test (2026) /blog/act-science/ Tue, 17 Mar 2026 21:45:05 +0000 /?p=19155 The ACT Science Test is an optional section of the ACT. Students who choose to take it are assessed on their ability to interpret scientific information, reason with data, and apply scientific knowledge in context. The test is passage-based and draws on content from a range of scientific disciplines, including biology, and chemistry, physics. Students […]

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The ACT Science Test is an optional section of the ACT. Students who choose to take it are assessed on their ability to interpret scientific information, reason with data, and apply scientific knowledge in context. The test is passage-based and draws on content from a range of scientific disciplines, including biology, and chemistry, physics.

Students have 40 minutes to answer 40 total questions.

Example of an ACT Science question from 91' free sample practice test

ACT Science Passages

Passages Types and Formats

The ACT Science Test consists of six operational passages (scored) and one field test passage (unscored). There are three distinct passage formats, each of which emphasizes different aspects of scientific reasoning.

Passage Formats

  • Data Representation (DR) passages present scientific data primarily through tables, graphs, or charts.
  • Research Summaries (RS) passages describe one or more scientific investigations, including experimental design, hypotheses, and results.
  • Conflicting Viewpoints (CV) passages present a scientific topic alongside two or more competing explanations or models.

ACT Science Passage Format Breakdown

  • Total passages: 7
  • Operational (scored) passages: 6
    • 2 Data Representation | 10–12 questions total
    • 3 Research Summaries | 16–20 questions total
    • 1 Conflicting Viewpoints | 6–7 questions total
  • Field test (unscored) passages: 1
    • 1 passage from any of the 3 format categories | 6 questions total

ACT Scientific Content Areas

The ACT Science Test draws from four primary scientific disciplines. Students will always see at least one passage from each discipline on test day.

  • Biology and life science: 2 operational passages
  • Physics: 1–2 operational passages
  • Chemistry: 1–2 operational passages
  • Earth and space science: 1–2 operational passages

The field test passage can fall into any of these content categories. On test day, the maximum number of passages that students will see from a single discipline is three for life science and two for all other content areas.

In addition, up to 3 passages per test incorporate a focus onEngineering and Design Thinking, meaning the passage centers on applying science to real-world problems. These passages can overlap with any of the primary disciplines above.

ACT Science Reporting Categories

ACT Science questions are organized into three reporting categories that reflect the transferable science skills students need for college and career readiness. The Science Test is designed to reward careful reading and reasoning, not memorization. Most questions can therefore be answered using only the information provided in the passage. A small number of questions (5–8 per test) do require some basic scientific background knowledge, but nothing beyond what students encounter in standard high school coursework.

Interpretation of Data (IOD)

Interpretation of Data questions assess students’ ability to read, analyze, and draw conclusions from scientific data presented in tables, graphs, and diagrams. Students can expect 13–17 operational questions in this category.

Data Representation passages are the primary home of Interpretation of Data questions, though students will also encounter these questions in Research Summaries passages.

Skill Areas:

  • Locating and Understanding (LU): Questions ask students to identify specific data points and interpret features of scientific graphs (such as units, legends, axes, and table headings).
  • Inferring and Translating (IT): Questions ask students to look across one or more graphs and make sense of what the data show, whether that means spotting a relationship, making a comparison, or reframing the information in a new visual format.
  • Extending and Reevaluating (ER): Questions ask students to use trends in data to make predictions beyond what is directly shown.

Scientific Investigation (SIN)

Scientific Investigation questions assess students’ understanding of how scientific experiments and studies are designed and conducted. Students will see 6–11 operational questions in this category.

Research Summaries passages are the primary home of Scientific Investigation questions.

Skill Areas:

  • Locating and Comparing (LC): Questions ask students to find and compare information across one or more experiments.
  • Designing and Implementing (DI): Questions ask students to evaluate how an experiment was set up, including the choice of methods, tools, variables, and controls.
  • Extending and Implementing (EI): Questions ask students to think beyond the experiment at hand, predicting results of future experiments or identifying steps that could improve an experiment.
  • Engineering and Design (ED): Questions ask students to consider the practical challenges, goals, and tradeoffs involved in a scientific experiment or design problem. This is a new skill area on the enhanced ACT as of 2025.

Evaluating Scientific Arguments and Models with Evidence (EMI)

Evaluating Scientific Arguments and Models with Evidence questions assess students’ ability to judge the validity of scientific claims, evaluate competing models, and draw conclusions supported by evidence. Students will see 8–13 operational questions in this category.

Conflicting Viewpoints passages are the primary home of Evaluating Scientific Arguments and Models with Evidence questions, though students will also encounter these questions in both Research Summaries and Data Representation passages.

Skill Areas:

  • Inferences and Results: Evaluating and Extending (IE): Questions ask students to evaluate the strength of a scientific claim and support their conclusions with evidence.
  • Models: Understanding and Comparing (MU): Questions ask students to compare and contrast two or more scientific models. These questions only appear in Conflicting Viewpoints passages.
  • Models: Evaluating and Extending (ME): Questions ask students to evaluate competing models and use evidence to form predictions or hypotheses. These questions only appear in Conflicting Viewpoints passages.
  • Engineering and Design Thinking (ED): Questions ask students to evaluate whether a proposed solution works, consider alternatives, and identify what evidence supports or undermines a design’s effectiveness. This is a new skill area on the enhanced ACT as of 2025.

Should I Take the ACT Science Test?

Yes. We recommend taking the Science section at least once.

Check with your target schools first. Colleges and universities set their own policies on whether they require or consider the Science score. Since policies can change — especially in the years following a major update like the shift to the enhanced ACT — it is better to be prepared now than to have to retake the test later just to add the Science section.

A strong Science score is another data point in your favor. If you are applying to a STEM program, it is a meaningful way to demonstrate readiness. But even if you are not, it is a chance to show well-roundedness. The ACT Science Test rewards strong reading skills, so it may play to your strengths even if science is not your strongest subject.

Students who take the Science section will receive a STEM score, which is an average of their Science and Math scores. The Science section does not affect the composite score, which remains an average of English, Math, and Reading.

It builds on skills you are already developing. The Science Test rewards careful reading and logical reasoning, the same skills you are strengthening as you prepare for the Reading Test. Preparing for one naturally supports the other.

Your Guide to the Enhanced ACT

This post is part of our comprehensive series on the 2025/2026 ACT updates. Explore our guides for every section of the new test:

Sources

ACT. . February 2026.

ACT Science Practice

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Sara Laszlo

Sara Laszlo has nearly ten years of experience in private tutoring. An opera singer by training, Sara is especially interested in exploring better ways to practice and improve skills, whether musical or test-related. She holds a B.A. in Classical Civilization from Duke University and a Certificate of Merit in Voice from the New England Conservatory of Music.

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]]> What to Do the Night Before the SAT or ACT /blog/night-before-sat-act/ Fri, 13 Mar 2026 16:22:10 +0000 /?p=19122 The night before the SAT or ACT is not a time for studying. Your preparation is behind you. What you do tonight won’t change what you know, but it can absolutely affect how you feel and perform tomorrow. Here’s how to spend the evening well. Don’t Try to Cram The SAT and ACT reward skills […]

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The night before the SAT or ACT is not a time for studying. Your preparation is behind you. What you do tonight won’t change what you know, but it can absolutely affect how you feel and perform tomorrow.

Here’s how to spend the evening well.

Don't Try to Cram

The SAT and ACT reward skills built over time, not last-minute memorization. A late-night cramming session is more likely to leave you tired and anxious than it is to boost your score.

If you’ve been studying consistently, trust the work you’ve already done. If you feel like you need to do something, a short, focused review of one or two question types is fine. Avoid taking a full-length practice test or any attempt to rework your approach to an entire section.

You are much better off completing a few practice problems in an area where you feel confident and then stepping away. That way you’ll wrap up your prep feeling sharp rather than overwhelmed.

Pack Your Bag Tonight

Don’t leave this for the morning. Gather everything you need now.

For the SAT, make sure you have:

  • Your photo ID
  • Your SAT admission ticket from Bluebook (printed)
  • Your fully charged testing device (laptop or tablet with the Bluebook app installed)
  • Your College Board login information
  • A charger for your testing device (bring it just in case)
  • Pencils or pens
  • A permitted calculator with fresh batteries
  • Snacks and water for the break

See the College Board’s for the complete and current list of what to bring.

For the ACT, make sure you have:

  • Your photo ID
  • Your ACT admission ticket (printed)
  • Several sharpened No. 2 pencils with erasers
  • If you’re taking the computer-based ACT, your fully charged laptop, charger, and any required login information
  • A permitted calculator with fresh batteries
  • Snacks and water for the break
  • A simple analog watch (no smartwatches, no watches with alarms)

See ACT’s for the complete and current list of what to bring.

Plan Your Morning

Look up your test center address tonight and figure out how long it will take to get there. Build in extra time, just in case you encounter weekend traffic or construction delays.

Set your alarm (and a backup), lay out your clothes, and decide what you’re having for breakfast. Stick with something familiar. Tomorrow is not the morning to try a new food or skip a meal.

It's Normal to Feel Nervous

Some nervousness before a big test is completely normal. It means the test matters to you, and a little adrenaline can actually help you stay focused and sharp once you sit down.

If anxiety is making it hard to settle down tonight, try stepping away from screens, taking a few slow deep breaths, or doing something that you enjoy. You don’t need to feel perfectly calm to perform well tomorrow. You just need to rest.

For more on managing test anxiety in the moment (including what to do when nerves show up once the test begins), read our guide to managing test anxiety on test day.

Relax

You’ve put in the work, and you’ve earned a relaxing evening.

Do something you genuinely enjoy that has nothing to do with the SAT or ACT. Watch a favorite show, take a short walk, cook a good dinner, or call a friend. You’ll approach the test feeling more refreshed and ready.

A note for parents: The way you approach tonight matters too. If your student picks up on your stress or feels pressure to perform, it can make it harder for them to relax. The most helpful thing you can do is keep the evening normal and calm. A good meal, a calm house, and an early bedtime go a long way.

Go to Bed Early

A rested brain reads faster, retains information better, and makes fewer careless errors than a tired one. No amount of last-minute studying can make up for a poor night’s sleep.

Wind down, put your phone away, and go to bed at a reasonable hour. You’ve worked hard to get here. Tomorrow is about showing what you already know. Good luck!

Taking the test again, or preparing for a future date?

91 has full-length practice tests and thousands of additional targeted practice questions to help you put your best foot forward.

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Sara Laszlo

Sara Laszlo has nearly ten years of experience in private tutoring. An opera singer by training, Sara is especially interested in exploring better ways to practice and improve skills, whether musical or test-related. She holds a B.A. in Classical Civilization from Duke University and a Certificate of Merit in Voice from the New England Conservatory of Music.

The post What to Do the Night Before the SAT or ACT appeared first on 91.

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