can you take the act online

With the SAT’s transformation into a digital format, you may be wondering about the other standard college admissions test that recently got a revamp: can you take the ACT online?

In this article, we will answer all your ACT online testing questions, diving into the logistics of ACT online testing and what you can expect from this exam.

ACT FAQs

When Do You Take the ACT? 

Most students take the ACT for the first time during the spring of their junior year. If you follow suit, you will have an entire school year to prepare and have time to retake it if you so desire. Use Piqosity’s ACT test preparation materials to practice for the upcoming test!

Can You Retake the ACT?

Yes, you can retake the ACT as many times as you’d like before test day!

There are a number of factors to consider before jumping into a second or third test date, like the cost of a second test, the time commitment, or the potential strain on your mental health. That being said, if you are unhappy with your score, the insights you gain from the first ACT test day and your subsequent studying will help you perform better on a retake. Check out the in-depth article linked above before making your decision.

Should I Take the ACT With Writing? What About the ACT With Science?

The writing & science portions of the ACT are optional, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you should skip them.

First, check to see if it’s required. Eight states require the writing section to graduate high school, and many individual districts require one or both ACT Writing & ACT Science.

Even if it’s not required, taking the optional sections of the ACT may still be in your best interest, since including the additional scores can make you a more attractive prospect to colleges. (This is especially true with an ACT Writing score for prospective humanities majors and an ACT Science score for prospective STEM majors.

What is a Good ACT Score? 

This is a loaded question. The highest you can score on the ACT is a 36, but most students will be highly competitive with a 28 or higher. A “good” ACT score is one which helps you meet your goals. Research the colleges of your choice and learn what score they are looking for; then, aim for that score. Very few schools are only looking for students with a perfect 36 on their ACT.

So, Can You Take the ACT Online?

The short answer is YES, the ACT now has a digital format!

ACT-takers can choose whether they want to take the ACT on paper or online during ACT registration. Like the paper test, the online ACT must be taken at a testing location, not from home. (Students with extenuating circumstances who would need to test at an alternate location may be able to do so if they request an accommodation.)

The ACT online is administered through a web application called TestNav. (For those also taking the SAT, this is similar to Bluebook.) Some testing centers will provide devices on which to take the test, while others are BYOD (“Bring Your Own Device”)—if you sign up for the latter, you will need to bring a device of your own. You’ll still be able to bring your calculator, although there is also a calculator application built into the exam if you take it online.

What is the Online ACT Test Like?

Essentially, everything about the online ACT is the same as the paper ACT test. You will still have 3-5 sections, depending on whether or not you opt for the optional sections of the ACT. You will have the same amount of time to complete each section. The scoring system also remains the same.

The only differences are the administration format, some helpful virtual tools, and a timer. Tools include a magnifier, highlighter, line reader, and answer eliminator. There is also an answer masking feature that allows you to focus on a specific answer choice. This helps eliminate distractions. These testing tools are very similar to the ones Piqosity uses in its own test preparation materials.

Should You Take the ACT Online?

If you have a choice about taking the test online, consider your experience taking tests online versus on paper. Let’s dive into some of the benefits of ACT online testing:

  • Digital ACT testing is cleaner and more efficient. You don’t have to worry about making accidental marks on the paper, or not fully erasing wrong answers. The online format cleans this up nicely for you. It also has additional tools to mimic the ways you’d normally mark a test packet (similar to the tools available in Piqosity’s testing and practice software):
    • A highlighter tool
    • Color choice & magnification
    • Answer eliminators
    • A built-in calculator
    • An indicator of the remaining test time
    • The ability to mark a question for later review
  • Online ACT scores are typically delivered more quickly. While all ACT results are said to be delivered as soon as two weeks, students have reported receiving scores from an online ACT test faster than those who took paper tests.
  • ACT Writing–takers, say goodbye to hand fatigue. Especially if you’re a fast typer, the ACT Writing essay can be a breeze when the exam is taken digitally. Plus, if you’re someone with bad handwriting, typing the essay will erase all your penmanship worries!
  • Online test prep can align with testing. If you’re planning to take (or already undergoing) online ACT prep, taking the ACT online will be familiar to you, helping you feel comfortable and prepared to succeed.

However, the online test is not for everyone. If you relate to any of the following issues of digital testing, signing up for the paper ACT may be a better choice.

  • Eye strain. Many people experience eye strain, watery eyes, and even headaches when staring at a screen for hours, especially when putting in 100% effort to focus.
  • Slow typing. If you’re a slow typer, sticking with a handwritten ACT essay may be your best choice.
  • Potential technical issues. Technical issues are not likely, but they are always possible. The proctor can help with technical issues if they come up, or they will replace your device if it is a BYOD testing center. If swapping devices does not help, ACT will work to reschedule your exam. If you are worried about the potential of technical issues, consider just opting for the physical test. Removing any extra factors that make you stress about your ACT will help you approach the test with a clearer head!

Prepare for the ACT with Piqosity!

Can you take the ACT online? Students in the United States can, while international students must. Eegardless of how you’re taking the ACT, you’ll want to prepare as much as you can for the test content with Piqosity’s suite of online ACT test prep! Whether you’re in the process of preparing for your first ACT or you’ve already received your score report and want to know how to improve your ACT Score, Piqosity has you covered.

Along with our full-length, online ELA and Math courses for grades 5-11, we offer full SAT, ACT, and ISEE test prep courses. Piqosity’s wide range of ACT prep materials, perfect for both tutored and self-guided ACT practice, include:

  • 12 full-length ACT Practice tests
  • Over 70 concept lessons, including tutorial videos
  • Real-time Score prediction (both Composite and for each subject)
  • Interactive interface allowing teachers, tutors, or parents to assign and track student work
  • Piqosity Virtual Tutor
  • …And much more!

Don’t forget to explore our FREE series of deep-dive blogs dedicated to each section of the ACT:

Piqosity provides personalized practice test questions that help you address and improve upon your weaker test subject areas. Our software is engineered to help students study smarter, not harder. The best part? You can try out all of Piqosity’s features with our free community account. When you’re ready to upgrade, Piqosity’s year-long accounts start at only $89.

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