Reach Your Goals With Study First Academy: The ACT Exam Guide A Global Outlook on Your Future
For students aiming to study at a university abroad, we take a close look at the ACT (American College Testing), the strongest alternative to the SAT. Administered since 1959, the ACT is today a prestigious academic assessment accepted by the world’s most respected universities, from Harvard to Stanford and from Yale to Oxford.
What Is the ACT?
The ACT measures the academic knowledge, language proficiency and logical reasoning skills a student has built up during high school. Accepted by all universities in the US and Canada in particular, the exam is recognised by more than 225 higher education institutions worldwide.
SAT or ACT? The Key Differences
At Study First Academy, we provide professional support to help our students choose the exam that suits them best. Here are the key differences between the two exams:
| Feature | ACT | SAT |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Based on knowledge and speed. | Based on interpretation and analysis. |
| Science | Has a separate Science section (optional since 2025). | No separate Science section. |
| Wrong Answers | Wrong answers are not penalised. | Wrong answers do not affect correct ones (new system). |
| Scoring | Scored from 1 to 36. | Scored from 400 to 1600. |
| Math | Weighted towards geometry and trigonometry. | Weighted towards algebra and data analysis. |
Important Note: The ACT puts more time pressure on you, but its questions are more direct. The SAT, on the other hand, involves longer passages and requires deeper interpretation.
ACT Exam Content and Sections
Since 2025 the updated (Enhanced) ACT consists of three required sections (English, Math, Reading) and two optional sections (Science, Writing). The core test takes about 2 hours 5 minutes; adding Science makes it 2 hours 45 minutes, and Science plus Writing 3 hours 25 minutes:
-
English
- Number of questions: 50 questions (35 minutes)
- Content: Sentence structure, punctuation and usage. Speed and practice are the key to this section.
-
Math
- Number of questions: 45 questions (50 minutes)
- Content: Algebra, functions, geometry and trigonometry. A calculator is allowed throughout the section.
-
Reading
- Number of questions: 36 questions (40 minutes)
- Content: Making inferences and logical reasoning. In terms of time management, it is the most demanding part of the exam.
-
Science (Optional)
- Number of questions: 40 questions (40 minutes)
- Content: Biology, chemistry, physics and earth sciences. It focuses on interpreting tables, graphs and research results rather than memorisation. Since 2025 it is optional and does not count towards the composite score; some universities and STEM programmes may still require it.
-
Writing (Optional)
- Duration: 40 minutes
- Content: Writing an essay on a given topic. Some elite universities require this section.
Registration and Scoring
- Validity
- ACT scores have no official expiry date; universities generally accept results from the last 5 years.
- Test Frequency
- Held 7 times a year in the US and at international test centres.
- Target Score
- For elite universities such as the Ivy League, you should aim for 30 or above.
- Number of Attempts
- A candidate can take the ACT up to 12 times in total.
Make the Right Choice With Study First Academy!
To find out which exam (SAT or ACT?) better suits your abilities, we run full-length practice tests and level assessments at Study First Academy. Our expert advisors are by your side for time management, test-taking techniques and closing academic gaps.
To find out which exam will open more doors for you, get in touch with our advisory team.
Study First Academy – A Global Outlook on Your Future.
Study First Academy: ACT Preparation Program and Private Tutoring Details
At Study First Academy, while preparing our students for the world’s most prestigious universities, we determine the exam strategy that suits them best. Throughout ACT (American College Testing) preparation — which, compared to the SAT, better fits the academic background and pace of Turkish students — our expert team is by your side.
Why ACT with Study First Academy?
For our students coming from the Turkish education system, the SAT’s heavy language and complex passages can sometimes be challenging. The ACT, on the other hand:
Shorter, Clearer Questions
Passages are easier to interpret than on the SAT.
Speed-Driven Success
It measures how well you manage time rather than your English foundation.
No Penalty for Wrong Answers
With Study First Academy strategies, the goal is to reach your maximum score by answering every question.
The Science Advantage
For students strong in quantitative subjects, the “Science Reasoning” section (optional since 2025) is where they can make a real difference.
Our Course and Teaching Methodology
Our program is shaped entirely around the student’s current level and target university:
-
Free Diagnostic Test
Before the program, the student takes a real ACT practice test.
-
Performance Analysis
Our experts analyze the results to identify weak points (speed, grammar, quantitative reasoning, etc.).
-
Personalized Curriculum
A schedule that fits around school hours is built, focusing on the areas with the most gaps.
-
Regular Progress Tracking
Regular practice tests track how close the student is getting to a perfect 36.
Our ACT Course Packages and Content
Our lessons are organized as one-on-one private tutoring, online (Zoom) or in person, depending on your needs.
| Package | Who is it for? | Lesson Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Development Package | For students with a practice score between 23 and 27. | 60 Hours |
| Strategy Package | For technique-focused students with a practice score of 27 or above. | 30 - 45 Hours |
| Section Focus | For those who want extra support in a specific section only (e.g. Science or Math). | Flexible Hours |
Exam Content Overview:
- English
- 50 Questions / 35 Min
- Math
- 45 Questions / 50 Min
- Reading
- 36 Questions / 40 Min
- Science (Optional)
- 40 Questions / 40 Min
- Writing (Optional)
- 40 Min
Not Just the Exam — Full Support!
At Study First Academy, we don’t focus only on your exam score. We offer a wide range of services to help you get admitted to top universities in the US, the UK and Europe:
- University Application Consulting
- Essay Writing and Editing
- Motivation Letter Support
- Test Center Registration Guidance (help with test locations in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir and other centers).
Take the First Step Toward Success
If your goal is the Ivy League or Europe’s elite schools, the ACT may be the right key for you. Contact us to meet Study First Academy’s experienced instructors and take a free practice test. Design Your Future with Study First Academy.
Get a Free Consultation