The United States of America (USA) is one of the most popular study abroad destinations for students. If you’re planning to pursue your education in this country, you need to take and pass the ACT test.
ACT (originally an abbreviation of the American College Testing) is one of the largest standardized tests used for college and university admissions in the United States. The test measures the following core skills:
English
Mathematics
Reading
Science
Writing (optional)
The ACT test consists of four multiple-choice questions in English, Math, Science, and Reading. Though the writing test is optional, some schools may require the ACT writing scores, so you may want to consider taking this test section. Here is the breakdown of the ACT test:
Component No. of Questions
Minutes for Section
English Production of Writing (29-32%)
(Comprehension of various pieces of writing)
Knowledge of Language (13-19%)
(Word choice, style, and tone)
Conventions of Standard English (51-56%)
(Sentence structure and formation, punctuation, language usage)
Mathematics Preparing for Higher Mathematics (57-60%)
Number and Quantity (7-10%)
Algebra (12-15%)
Functions (12-15%)
Geometry (12-15%)
Statistics and Probability
Integrating Essential Skills (40-43%)
(Application of mathematics in daily life)
(Interpretation of data, setting up models)
Reading Key Ideas and Details (55-60%)
(Identification of central ideas and themes)
Craft and Structure (25-30%)
(Analyzation of text structures)
Integration of Knowledge and Ideas (13-18%)
Science Data Representation(30-40%)
Research Summaries (45-55%)
Conflicting Viewpoints (15-20%)
Interpretation of Data (45-55%)
(Recognition of trends in data, translation of tabular data into graphs)
Scientific Investigation (20-30%)
(Comprehension of experimental tools, procedures, and design)
Evaluation of Models, Inferences, and Experimental Results (25-35%)
(Formulation of conclusions based on available information)
Writing (optional) Ideas and Analysis
(Generation of relevant ideas)
Development and Support
(Thorough discussion of ideas, arguments, and rationale)
(Presentation of ideas with clarity and purpose)
Language Use and Convention
(Convention of grammar, syntax, word usage, and mechanics)
According to the ACT official website, the ACT with writing test costs USD 166.50. Meanwhile, the ACT with no writing test costs USD 150.00.
There are seven accredited ACT testing centers in the Philippines. See which testing centers are available in your location:
St. Carmen Salles School – Bacolod City
Brent School – Baguio City
SME Networks Philippines Training Center, Inc. – Cebu City
Veritas English Teaching and Learning Institute – Muntinlupa City
The Forum Institution for International Studies – Pasig City
International School Manila – Taguig City
British Council Philippines – Taguig City
By joining a review center, you can have an in-depth understanding of the topics covered in the exam. You’ll also learn test-taking strategies that can increase your chances of passing the test. Here are some of the ACT review centers in the Philippines that you can try:
The Princeton Review Philippines
Address: 2/F Serendra Piazza, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City
Contact Number: 0915-123-1636
Address: Manhattan Review, Roxas Boulevard, Metro Manila
Contact Number: +1-212-316-2000
Eureka Review Center
Address: 2/F JEMP Building, J. Cabarrus cor. Monserrat, BF Homes Commercial Center, Paranaque City
Contact Number: (02) 833-1617
AHEAD Tutorial and Review
Address: 170 B. Gonzales St., Loyola Heights, Quezon City
Contact Number: +426-0034, 426-0036
The ACT test can be your gateway to your dream university in the US! Aside from being a college entrance exam, ACT also helps you prepare for your future career path. After taking the test, you will receive personalized career information. You can see your strengths and development areas in the subjects tested. These results can help you choose which career path is best for you!
Are you ready to take the ACT test? Read more tips and guides about the different proficiency exams like SAT, TOEFL, IELTS, TOEIC, and a lot more at Edukasyon.ph’s Study Abroad blog section.