does the act have an essay 2022

• SAT BootCamp
• SAT MasterClass
• SAT Private Tutoring
• SAT Proctored Practice Test
• ACT Private Tutoring
• Academic Subjects
• College Essay Workshop
• Academic Writing Workshop
• AP English FRQ BootCamp
• 1:1 College Essay Help
• Online Instruction
• Free Resources

The ACT Format: Everything You Need to Know

All four-year U.S. colleges and universities accept either SAT scores or ACT scores from applicants.

Choosing whether to commit to the SAT or the ACT can be a tough decision. We walk you through how to figure out which test is right for you in another post .

If you’ve decided that the ACT is your test of choice, congrats! The next step is to learn more about what’s actually on the ACT.

Contrary to popular belief, the SAT and the ACT are very different exams. They’re both scored differently, for example, and although they test similar content, they do so in fundamentally distinct ways.

Understanding the ACT format is central to developing foundational strategies for your ACT test prep journey. In this post, we’ll walk you through the test’s format, scoring, and more.

Here’s what we cover:

What is the ACT?

The act format, how is the act scored.

• ACT Test Dates 2020

In the world of college entrance exams, the SAT has been around longer than the ACT (by twenty years, actually).

However, as we just mentioned in our introduction to this post, colleges accept either test equally! For this reason, we encourage all of our students to ensure that they are signing themselves up for the  right  test.

What does the “right test” mean?

The “right test” is the one that is  more  likely to cater to your strengths and, ultimately, generate a high score. You can ask yourself these five questions to see whether the ACT or the SAT will do just that.

In the meantime, here’s what you need to know about the ACT in general:

• It is a standardized test, just like the SAT!
• The ACT is a “national college admissions” test produced by ACT, Inc.
• The test consists entirely of multiple-choice questions (excluding the Essay)
• It contains four required sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science
• Every U.S. college accepts ACT scores from applicants

According to ACT, Inc. , the ACT is a “curriculum-based achievement test.” This means that it is designed to test content and skills that students are directly  learning in their high school classrooms.

Two of the ACT’s required sections, Math and English, do indeed focus nearly entirely on content most students will have encountered in high school. These content areas include basic English grammar, Algebra 1 and 2, geometry, trigonometry, and others.

The other two required sections, Reading and Science, are more skills-based, assessing a student’s ability to read texts and data critically.

We’ll take a deeper dive into ACT format, timing, and scores now.

The ACT consists of five timed sections, in this order:

• Essay ( optional )

Here’s a breakdown of the ACT format, including the number of questions and timing per section:  

One of the biggest challenges students face on the ACT is  timing . Completing 75 English questions in 45 minutes, for example, is no easy feat. The same goes for answering 40 questions on ACT Reading on top of  reading passages in just 35 minutes.

Additionally, it’s important to note from a general strategy perspective that the two very content-heavy sections, English and Math, come first, while the two skills-based sections, Reading and Science, are at the end.

The ACT English section contains 5 passages, with 15 questions per passage. Questions do not appear at the end of each passage, as they do on the Reading section, but rather throughout each text.

On ACT English, students will encounter questions about basic English conventions and writing strategy.

Here are the general areas tested:

• Punctuation
• Transition words
• Concise and clear writing
• Conjunctions, prepositions, and modifiers
• Vocabulary in context
• Author’s purpose
• Expression and organization of ideas

The questions on the ACT Math section are arranged in order of increasing difficulty. This means that, in general, the first third of ACT Math questions are low-difficulty, the middle third are medium-difficulty, and the final third are high-difficulty.

Students who have completed Algebra 2 are likely to be familiar with all content on the ACT Math section. Here are the general principles and content areas tested:

However, the ACT may not test this content in a straightforward way!  

The ACT Reading section consists of 4 passages of the following genres:

• Literary narrative
• Social science
• Natural science

One of these passages will be a dual passage, which will require students to compare 2 smaller passages (Passage A and Passage B).

Every ACT Reading passage has 10 questions . 

Guess what? This is the only section of the ACT that  does not require  any outside content knowledge! For this reason, students should anticipate approaching ACT Reading from a purely strategic perspective.

What kinds of questions can you expect to see on this section? Here’s a list:

• Character analysis
• Words in context
• Literary devices

The ACT Science section may sound daunting, but it basically tests the following skills:

• Data analysis
• Figure and graph interpretation
• Analysis of experiments
• Scientific knowledge*

*There are about 2-3 questions per ACT Science section that require outside knowledge. However, this knowledge is  most likely foundational knowledge students will have learned in high school science classes.

This section consists of 6 “passages.” Each “passage” will contain some text and/or graphics in the form of charts, figures, tables, and/or graphs.

There are three passage types:

• Experiments (3)
• Charts and graphs (2)
• Two scientists/theorists (1)

Experiments passages require students to analyze and/or compare scientific experiments or studies, while Charts and Graphs passages typically involve one scientific concept and a few figures. Lastly, students will have to compare and analyze the perspectives or theories of two scientists or theorists.

With ACT Science, it’s very easy to get lost in the technical, scientific jargon of each passage. That’s why it’s so important to zero in on what each question is really  asking and to analyze the figures prior to answering each question.

For the ACT essay task, students must analyze an issue and three different perspectives on this issue. They will then have to craft an essay response that discusses their perspective of the issue, including specific evidence and examples.

The ACT essay is optional. We give our input on whether or not students should sign up for the optional ACT essay in this post here .

ACT scoring is relatively simple. Each individual ACT section (English, Math, Reading, and Science) is scored between 1 and 36. 1 is the lowest score you can achieve on an individual section, while 36 is the highest score you can achieve on each section.

Here’s what that looks like:

Your total ACT score, what’s called your  composite score , is the  average  of your scores on these individual sections. Just like individual section scores, composite scores range from 1 to 36 .

ACT essay responses are scored  separately,  and essay scores do not influence your section or composite scores! You will essentially receive five ACT essay scores: one “composite” essay score on a scale of 2-12, and four “domain” essay scores on a scale of 2-12. These “domain” scores refer to specific categories in the ACT essay scoring rubric.

This score report also includes ELA and STEM scores, U.S. and State Ranks, information on “college readiness benchmarks,” and “Detailed Results.”

You don’t need to worry too much about this added info, but, just in case, we discuss rankings and college readiness benchmarks in our What’s a Good ACT Score? post.

ACT Test Dates 2022

Just like the SAT, the ACT is officially administered seven times each year. Here are the national ACT test dates for 2022-23:

*Please note that the July 2023 testing date is not available at testing centers in New York.

If you receive testing accommodations, you will test anytime within a “Special Testing Window.” We discuss this further in our post on ACT testing accommodations .

Missed a registration deadline? Don’t worry! You can likely still sign up for a test if spots are still available at your testing location; you will have to pay an additional fee, however.

As you can see, the ACT is structured very differently than the SAT!

This curriculum-based college admissions test includes four multiple-choice sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science. The entire test with the optional Essay takes just under four hours.

Timing can be challenging on the ACT, especially for students who feel more comfortable reading difficult texts and analyzing data at a slower pace. However, one of the best ways to address timing issues is to practice, practice, practice.

You can do this on your own or with an expert. Either way, we’re here to help guide your ACT test prep journey in the right direction.

Contact us for a free consultation today!

Kate is a graduate of Princeton University. Over the last decade, Kate has successfully mentored hundreds of students in all aspects of the college admissions process, including the SAT, ACT, and college application essay. 

CHECK OUT THESE RELATED POSTS

How to Proctor Your Own SAT Practice Test

July 2, 2022

Taking official practice tests is one of the best ways to prepare for the SAT. Here you will find detailed instructions for how to take your own practice SAT test.

Is the SAT Optional? Your Guide to Test-Optional Colleges in 2021

January 26, 2021

The SAT is a standard component of the college admissions process--or is it? Is the SAT optional? Do you have to take it to go to college? We weigh in here.

ACT Testing Accommodations: Everything You Need to Know

December 5, 2019

Students with specific learning challenges may be eligible for ACT testing accommodations. What are these, and are you eligible? Learn more here in our detailed guide.

The 2019 ACT Change — What Does It Mean for You?

November 1, 2019

Beginning in September 2020, ACT test-takers will be able to retake individual sections of the test. What does this mean for you? We weigh in here!

How to Proctor Your Own ACT Practice Test

May 21, 2018

Taking official practice tests is one of the best ways to prepare for the ACT. Here you will find detailed instructions for how to take your own practice ACT test.

Privacy Preference Center

Privacy preferences.

What are your chances of acceptance?

Calculate for all schools, your chance of acceptance.

Your chancing factors

Extracurriculars.

2022 ACT Test Dates and Deadlines

What’s covered:, what is the act, when should you take the act, how is covid-19 impacting the act, discover your chances at hundreds of schools.

• How to Register for the ACT

Cost of the ACT

• Tips for Scheduling the ACT

ACT Tips and Strategies

Due to the ongoing pandemic, many schools have adopted “test-optional” or “test blind” policies for their Class of 2022 admissions decisions. These mean you are not required to submit a score, but if you do it will be taken into account when determining your admission. 

If you’re planning to take the ACT, here’s a list of upcoming test dates, plus some tips for scheduling your test so you can perform your best.

The ACT is a standardized test that colleges use to assess a student’s preparedness for higher education. The goal of the test is to show what a specific student has learned in high school and to give schools a common data point when comparing applicants. The ACT has four mandatory sections—English, Math, Reading, and Science—along with an optional writing section. Each section is scored between 1-36, and your composite score is the average of those four section scores (for non-integer averages, the composite score is rounded to the nearest integer). There is also an optional essay section. Without the essay, the test is 3.5 hours long, and with the essay, it’s 4 hours.

The ACT is offered seven times a year: February, April, June, July, September, October, and December. Although students are allowed to take the ACT up to 12 times, we recommend that students take it no more than three or four times. 

On the flip side, we do recommend that students take the ACT more than once; studies show that students who take the exam more than once score 2.9 points higher than those who take it only a single time. 

 *No test centers are scheduled in New York for the July test date. 

As many schools have gone test-optional, top-tier schools and liberal arts colleges have seen lower acceptance rates than before the pandemic. This is because more students have applied to more selective schools due to them not requiring test scores. We believe this trend will continue into this acceptance cycle. Additionally, students who applied “test-optional” last year were accepted at lower rates than those who applied with a test. It is important to note that the 2020 admissions cycle was the first year of widespread “test-optional” policies due to the Covid-19 pandemic, therefore, there is still more data needed to support this conclusion.

If you took the ACT but aren’t sure whether or not to submit your score, we recommend submitting if your score is within 3 points of the 25th percentile at the colleges on your list. For example, if your school’s middle 50% ACT range is 29-32, you should submit your score if you have a 26 or above. 

Our free chancing engine takes into account your history, background, test scores, and extracurricular activities to show you your real chances of admission—and how to improve them.

Calculate Your Chances for Free

How to Register for the ACT 

Registration for the ACT typically falls 4-5 weeks prior to the exam date, with a late registration available for an additional cost available 2-3 weeks in advance of the test. You will register for the ACT online , with a payment method, high school course details, and headshot photo. 

It costs $60 to take the standard ACT—the four mandatory sections. For $85, students can take the standard ACT along with the optional writing test. Included in both costs are reports for you, your high school, and up to four colleges. Students registering for the ACT late are hit with an additional $36 fee. 

The ACT also has a fee-waiver program for students with financial difficulties. To qualify for the fee-waiver program, a student is required to be enrolled in the 11th or 12th grade and be testing in the US, a US territory, or Puerto Rico. They must also meet one of these economic indicators:

• Enrolled in the federal free or reduced-price lunch program
• Registered in a program for the economically disadvantaged such as GEAR UP or Upward Bound
• Reside in a foster home, are a ward of the state, or homeless
• The student’s family receives low-income public assistance or lives in federally subsidized public housing
• The student’s family’s total annual income is at or below USDA levels for free or reduced-price lunches 

Tips for Scheduling the ACT  

There are a few main considerations as you schedule your test. You want to:

• Make sure you’ve covered the material in class before testing
• Allow ample time for retakes (finish ideally before senior year)
• Watch college application and scholarship deadlines
• Avoid scheduling a test during other time-consuming commitments

Allow ample time for retakes (finish ideally before senior year).

One strategy is to get a jump on your college testing by taking the ACT in the summer between 10th and 11th grade, in either June or July. The belief behind this is that without school in session, students can better focus on prepping for the exam and aren’t dealing with the stress of regular school work. By taking the test this early in your high school career, you also allow the maximum amount of time for retaking the test. 

At the very least, we recommend taking the ACT for the first time by fall of 11th grade, either in September or October. This allows students ample time to study and retake the ACT in the spring, either February or April, if necessary. 

This schedule gives students at least 3 tries before their senior year, so they can conclude their testing before the stress of fall college admissions tasks.

Watch college application and scholarship deadlines.

An added benefit of this junior year timeline is that students have their scores in advance of early decision and early action deadlines, where you’d need your score by at least October of your senior year. Some colleges also automatically consider students for merit scholarships, if they submit a complete application (including test scores) by an earlier deadline than Regular Decision. Finishing your testing before senior year allows you to take advantage of these opportunities, too.

Avoid scheduling a test during other time-consuming commitments.

Finally, you should of course avoid taking the ACT during a busy season of your life. If you know you’ll have theater rehearsal in October, maybe take the December testing date instead. You want to have ample time to study; scheduling the ACT during a lighter period will help you do that.

What to expect: There are a lot of great resources available to students preparing for the ACT; because of this, you should enter your ACT exam with a clear understanding of how the test is ordered, the directions for each test section, what type of questions to expect, and how to pace yourself. The ACT itself offers a handful of online materials to help students prep for the test—and students who qualify for a fee waiver also gain free access to them. CollegeVine also offers a wealth of valuable info for those taking the ACT, including these section guides: 

• A Guide to the English Section of the ACT
• A Guide to the Math Section of the ACT
• A Guide to the Reading Section of the ACT
• A Guide to the Science Section of the ACT
• A Guide to the Optional ACT Writing Section

No Blanks: The best part about multiple-choice tests such as the ACT is that the right answer is on the page in front of you. The ACT doesn’t penalize for incorrect answers, so try to cross off one or two wrong answers, then, if the answer doesn’t become more obvious, you can at least make an educated guess. Also, because there is no penalty for wrong answers, you should never leave an answer blank. Pick a “lucky” letter and if you have to guess, use it each time. You’re more likely to pick up points if you’re consistent. 

All About the Pace: The ACT is well-known for its fast pace. Test takers can prepare themselves to move swiftly through the sections by taking lots of practice tests and paying close attention to the clock. Another favorite strategy is to divide and conquer by categorizing questions into three categories: those you can answer now, those you can answer later but will require more time, and those that you’ll never get an answer to. Using this strategy, you can move quickly through the questions you know the answers to, not waste any time on the questions you’ll never get, and use the majority of your allotted time where you need.  

Professional Help: Standardized tests require specific skills and knowledge, and even excellent students will sometimes struggle with the formatting, pacing, and test-induced anxiety of an exam such as the ACT. If you feel like you need help, seek out an established professional for guidance. 

If you have questions about your college path, sign up for a free CollegeVine account . Our free college admissions platform is designed to help lead students through the various steps taken from high school to higher ed, including choosing a school, gaining acceptance, estimating the overall expense, and more.

“>ACT Tips and Strategies

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

Home » ACT® Test » The Role Of The ACT® Writing Section In College Admissions

The Role Of The ACT® Writing Section In College Admissions

• Last Updated: April 12, 2023

The ACT® Writing section is an optional component of the ACT. Students are provided a prompt regarding a current issue and various points of view regarding that prompt. They must then examine the different perspectives, formulate their own, and write a cohesive and organized essay. But if the ACT is optional, why take it? This article covers which colleges require the ACT Writing section and provides insights that will help you decide whether taking it is the right decision for you. 

Does the ACT Writing Matter?

If the admission requirements of your desired college(s) require an ACT writing score, then it matters. However, even if it isn’t required, it may make your application more competitive. The ACT Writing score indicates your ability to write clearly and concisely, and a good score may give your application an advantage over one without a writing score (all things being equal). This advantage may be more important if you’re majoring in the humanities, as it gives you the opportunity to demonstrate your academic potential and linguistic skill.

Check your desired college(s) admission requirements as there are many across the U.S. that require an ACT Writing score and ELA score. Furthermore, the writing section is mandated in some states, especially those that require you to take the ACT as part of your high school graduation.

How colleges use ACT Writing scores

Colleges may use your ACT Writing score in three ways:

As part of college admission requirements

Some colleges use ACT Writing scores to evaluate a student's writing, analytical, and critical thinking skills.

As a supplementary score to boost your college application

A high ACT Writing score may give you an advantage over those who took only the mandated sections of the ACT, especially if you plan on majoring in the humanities.

Course placement and academic advising

An ACT Writing score provides a benchmark that can help admissions officers gauge the appropriate course level for new students.

Which Colleges Require ACT Writing?

In response to the pandemic, most U.S. colleges, including Stanford and Harvard, have adopted the “test-optional” policy for the 2022-23 admission cycles. Colleges like Pomona and Tufts have even extended this policy into 2024. To date, only two colleges require an ACT Writing Test score for admission:

• Martin Luther College
• US Military Academy

Do Ivy League schools require ACT Writing?

As of February 2023, the eight Ivy League schools (Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Harvard, University of Pennsylvania, Princeton, and Yale) do not require you to submit your ACT Writing scores. Additionally, all of these schools have declared themselves as test-optional for the 2022–23 admission cycles.

Why are some colleges still accepting the ACT Writing essay?

Some colleges still require the ACT Writing section as a tool to evaluate a student’s academic potential, as writing requires students to exercise reason, think critically, develop their ideas, and persuade an audience. 

Does the requirement for the ACT Writing test vary by state or region?

At the high school level, ACT Writing test requirements vary by state. 

Are there any alternative tests or assessments that can be used instead of the ACT Writing test at colleges that require it?

The SAT’s optional essay section is an alternative to the ACT Writing Test.

Latest From the UWorld CollegePrep Blog

How to Self-Study for the SAT®

How To Interpret the Digital SAT® Score Report

Which AP® Exams Will Be Digital In 2024?

We use cookies to learn how you use our website and to ensure that you have the best possible experience. By continuing to use our website, you are accepting the use of cookies. Learn More

How to Write an ACT Exam?

Your high school GPA may play an important role in your college admission, but the ACT exam may have the final say. What is an ACT exam? The ACT is an entrance exam that most colleges utilize to decide on a candidate's admission. The main purpose of the writing test is to disclose and measure the applicants' readiness for college studies. 

The admission officers review the test score along with your high school GPA to make their final decision. Of course, the classes that you took, extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation from your teachers, and your application, where you discuss the high school experience from your own perspective, will be reviewed as well. While the importance of the ACT scores may vary from college to college, the higher the score, the more options for the college enrollment you have. 

The ACT exam consists of four sections that include English, Reading, Math, and Science. Aside from that, the prospective candidates are given forty minutes to do the writing test. Writing an essay can be quite difficult; that's why you need to prepare for it. The good news is that ACT essay examples are available online, and you can view sample in this article as well. So, basically, that's what the ACT exam is about. But let's dive into the details with our dissertation help services team. 

What is the ACT Exam?

The ACT exam 2022 consists of several sections that reveal your knowledge of various school subjects. The ACT exam stands for “American College Test”. It's a multiple-choice test where you have a number of questions and several options of answers. And you need to be ready to give it almost four hours. 

How long is the ACT exam exactly? You have two hours and fifty-five minutes for the multiple-choice test and forty minutes for the writing section. The ACT exam 2022 length gives you enough time to choose the correct answers and dive into your essay, which is quite complex. Basically, in the writing test, you will have to expand on the provided important topic and three different perspectives on it. 

When writing a coherent essay, make sure that you show your abilities in several core aspects. You need to be capable of generating ideas and analyzing them from various perspectives. It's also crucial that you provide pieces of evidence that support your viewpoint. The essay must be organized logically, so the reader can easily slide through the narrative. Finally, proper written language use and conventions are also extremely important. 

The Structure of the ACT Writing Test

If you are planning to pass the ACT exam 2022, you need to know the structure of the exam. First, let's look at the time you're given for completing each section, as well as the number of questions each ACT section has. What is the ACT exam, if not an exercise on time management? You have to plan basically every minute while you're taking it. Let's divide the ACT exam length for every section:

How to Write an Act Exam

All in all, you have 3 hours and 35 minutes for the ACT exam, meaning that you have just enough time to go through the test once and mark all of the right answers. Aside from it, students have a ten-minute break after the Math section and five minutes rest before they start writing the essay. Try doing an ACT practice exam and actually see when you might need breaks. You've already learned the most important aspects of the written ACT exam scoring. Now, let's take a look at each section of the multiple-choice test. 

English Test

The ACT English test consists of 75 questions, and the 45 minutes given for it means that you'll have between 30 and 40 seconds for each writing. This section can be divided into three parts in terms of content:

Conventions of Standard English 

This is by far the largest part of the test, as more than 50% of the test is devoted to the conventions. The questions focus on grammar, syntax, punctuation, and the correct use of words. Here you may be asked to choose the correct verb or tense. This part focuses on the general rules of English, so you don't have to write essays, sharing your own perspective on world problems or books.

Production of Writing

Around 30% of the test is devoted to the production of writing. Here, students are given passages from the various texts to check how good they are at seeing the big picture. You must choose the correct answer based on the tone or purpose of the passage. Questions in this section also concern the literary style and strategies used by the author. 

You may need to also know what is diversity essay while preparing for the exams.

Knowledge of Language

This is the smallest part of the English test, as its share ranges between 10% and 20%. This segment focuses on style, tone, and precision. 

The Math test may seem to be a bit too easy at the beginning. But that's because it's arranged in order of difficulty. Basically, you can say that out of sixty questions; the first twenty are quite easy. The next twenty questions are of medium difficulty, while the last twenty questions are the most difficult ones. Check an ACT practice exam to see at what point you really start to struggle with the questions so that you have an idea of what to review. Now, let's see the percentages that each math topic has in the test:

• Pre-algebra - accounts for 20%-25% of questions;
• Elementary algebra - ranges between 15% to 20% of questions;
• Intermediate algebra - up to 20% of questions;
• Coordinate geometry - takes 15%-20% of questions;
• Plane geometry - around 25% of questions;
• Trigonometry - ranges between 5% to 10% of questions;

The good thing is that the ACT exam allows using a calculator, so you don't have to waste a lot of time if you are not the brightest in terms of calculation. 

Reading Test

The reading test has a lot in common with the production of writing questions in the English test. In this section, students are given passages from texts and questions about the passages. You may be asked to identify the author's attitude toward the main subject of the passage. The meaning of this or that word in the context of the passage. The main idea of the body paragraphs. The meaning of the phrase or the function this or that sentence serves within the text. The important part is that you don't have to develop your unique perspective of the text - this is the part of the test that measures your ability to analyze given information without adding your own perspective on the issue.

Science Test

The Science section includes topics like biology, chemistry, space and earth sciences, and physics. You may be asked to pick the right conclusion from the options you have for graphs and diagrams. The section includes questions on conflicting viewpoints. Here, students are provided with a description of a certain phenomenon with several hypotheses on its explanation. Then you need to choose which assumption reflects the notion provided in the questions. 

How to Improve Your Writing Skills?

Considering the ACT exam dates 2022, you still have time to practice the ability to discuss ideas and convey arguments with clarity - improve your writing skills for the essay. You don't know the topic you’ll get, so deciding to buy an essay paper won't be that helpful. But there are a few things that you can do to improve your writing for the ACT exam. 

• Read and write - if you do it frequently, you won't have problems with the test;
• Get familiar with current social issues and various opinions on them;
• Taking debate classes will prepare you for the essay;
• Try writing extracurricular activities, like creative writing clubs;
• Share your writing with others;

Basically, improving your writing can be shaped into a simple formula: read-write-repeat. Read how other people write and try writing yourself. That will master the style and improve your ACT exam scoring. You can try blogging to master your skills. As for the organization of your writing, you can always seek advice from your English teachers and generate productive ideas. Asking your classmates and friends what they think of your writing can also help greatly. Just remember that no one is born with perfect writing skills. You can achieve it only through practice. 

Use our free Plagiarism Checker!

How to Write an ACT Essay?

After all, despite the complexity of the ACT exam 2022 multiple-choice tests, the essay task remains the most difficult part of it. You might have checked ACT essay examples, but writing one yourself in a short time of 40 minutes can be quite stressful. You need to have a strategy for writing. So, here are the steps that can help you. 

• Devote around ten minutes to planning your essay. 
• Think of the way you're going to organize it. 
• Read the one writing prompt and the multiple perspectives, and choose the one you're going to work on. If you check an example ACT essay, you know what to do. 
• Brainstorm the ideas and analysis, as well as supporting pieces of evidence you can provide. 
• Picture the structure of your essay, and then devote 30 minutes to writing it so that you will have just enough time on the test day. 

You want to know how to write Common App Essay Prompts 2022-2023? We encourage you to check out the fresh topics in our article.

ACT Essay Sample

Finally, we are getting to something you can build your essay on. So, you are to get a prompt with three different perspectives on it, and you need to choose which one of them you're going to write your essay, just like the example ACT essay. Let's imagine that the writing prompt you get will be on cancel culture, as shown in many of last year's ACT essay examples.

"Cancel or callout culture is a tradition of removing the support for certain individuals or their work based on their actions or opinions that can be considered objectionable. Traditionally, individuals are called out on social media, which leads to the general awareness of their perceived offense. In most cases, canceling takes the form of pressuring organizations to prevent the subject of the canceling from public appearances. When it comes to business, it can include boycotting their products" — that's what the writing prompt may look like. 

So Much Homework That You Don't Have Time to Prepare for the ACT?

Delegate the part of your homework to our paper writers for hire , and spend your time preparing for the ACT exam. Let the professionals do the paperwork while focusing on important things!

Now, let's check the three perspectives that you can be provided to defeat the ACT exam scoring system:

Perspective 1:

Cancel culture allows marginalized people to hold their tormentors accountable via public opinion when the justice system fails them. Movements like #metoo allowed numerous women and men to call out their abusers. The cancel culture leads to a safer world, free from abuse of various forms. 

Perspective 2:

While the cancel culture allows people to call out their abusers, we cannot disregard the fact that certain people can use it for their own benefit. The culture leads to people being canceled based on proofless claims, which turns the anti-abuse campaign into witch-hunting. 

Perspective 3:

Cancel culture may lead to a change in power but is ultimately unproductive when it comes to social change. As soon as it became big, it turned into simply casting stones at each other. While we may think that it leads to social justice, it's just engaging in the social media frenzy that doesn't affect real life. 

So, here you have the complex issue and three perspectives on it. First, you need to analyze and organize ideas of everything you know about the cancel culture. Think about the examples that you are acquainted with well. Then, examine each of the perspectives presented to you. Think which one is closest to your own thoughts about the issue. Alternatively, you can choose the perspective that you can support with more pieces of evidence. 

You start your essay with an analysis of the cancel culture as a whole. Then you should move to one of the perspectives given. There, you can expand and convey arguments on the topic by providing your own viewpoint. Your viewpoint must be supported by pieces of evidence. Regardless of the perspective you've chosen, in the case of cancel culture, the Harvey Weinstein and Depp vs. Heard cases will surely have something to do with it. Then you finish your essay with a logical conclusion. 

Don't forget that there must be a logical transition between the passages of your essay. The next passage must expand on the information provided in the preceding one. Your viewpoint must be followed by the supporting evidence. Here’s a sample of an essay that uses perspective two as the foundation: Here you go the ACT exam sample:

Is the ACT Essay Optional?

If you checked the ACT exam dates 2022, you have several months to prepare yourself. The first exam will occur on September 10, 2022, while the last one in the calendar year will be held on December 10, 2022. The biggest question that bugs students is whether the essay is optional. Yes, it is.  Moreover, not every college requires applicants to write an optional ACT essay.

Another important thing is that the total ACT exam scoring is not affected by your essay score. Some colleges think writing the ACT test gives candidates a more rounded score. So, all in all, the essay score matters only together with your multiple-choice results. So, why bother writing the essay at all? 

If you are highly competitive, you should try your hand in the ACT writing section. To prepare for it, you can follow the instructions given in this article and read through the ACT essay examples. If you are a mid-range student, you can opt for the writing test, but you should stress out about it, considering that many colleges do not require completing this section. Less competitive students should avoid the ACT writing test and stick to the multiple-choice test. The only reason they should take it is if the college board requires the essay for admission. 

How to Pass ACT with Flying Colors?

Now that we have discussed the ACT exam meaning, you can realize that it is not an easy task, but it's not that difficult either. Given all the information provided here, you know what to expect from the multiple-choice test and the writing portion, and you already know the ACT exam scoring system. ACT exam dates 2022 are approaching, but there is nothing to be scared of. Check the ACT essay examples , read through test tips once again, solve a few training tests, think about the logical structure of your essay, and keep the scoring rubric in mind- now you are ready to go and take the test without fearing the final score!

Let the experts do the work while preparing for the ACT!

You just can't get it all, so don't compromise and get the best of your last few months of school! Graduate with a great GPA by delegating some of the tasks to our experts while you'll be spending time getting ready for the big test! If you need essay help , just give us your requirements and we'll give you a hand asap.

Perhaps you need some nursing or psychology essay writing service ? Do not hesitate to contact us! Our team is always ready to help.

Pass Your Exams with Flying Colors!

Get help from our experienced team of the writers

Daniel Parker

is a seasoned educational writer focusing on scholarship guidance, research papers, and various forms of academic essays including reflective and narrative essays. His expertise also extends to detailed case studies. A scholar with a background in English Literature and Education, Daniel’s work on EssayPro blog aims to support students in achieving academic excellence and securing scholarships. His hobbies include reading classic literature and participating in academic forums.

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

ACT Writing and SAT Essay Requirements

On january 19th, 2021, college board announced that they will no longer administer the sat subject tests in the u.s. and that the essay would be retired. read our blog post  to understand what this means in the near term and what the college board has in store for students down the road., our articles on subject tests and the sat essay will remain on our site for reference purposes as colleges and students transition to a revised testing landscape. as an admission tool, students should consider the essay as canceled. compass recommends our students forgo the sat and act optional essays on future exams..

The SAT Essay and ACT Writing continue to pose a conundrum for students. While College Board and ACT have made these components optional, a small number of colleges continue to require or recommend them. Compass believes that students should no longer take the SAT Essay or ACT Writing unless they are applying to (or thinking about applying to) one of the few colleges that still requires the essay. Students who have already taken the essay should not be overly concerned about scores. One reason the essay is fading away is that the scores simply aren’t that accurate or useful. Colleges never really found a use for them, and the essays created an unnecessary obstacle for some applicants.

Rather than worrying about an essay score that is mostly ignored by colleges, Compass believes students should spend their time strengthening the more valuable pieces of their academic portfolio: high school GPA and, more specifically, success in rigorous courses like APs. Compass offers AP and academic tutoring in over 50 subjects to help students stay on pace with their coursework. Our team of subject specific expert tutors will guide the program from start to finish. We also offer a Study Skills and Organizational Coaching program to provide students with the tools they need to excel in the classroom.

The following table of popular colleges provides a wide range of institutions and policies.

Colleges with essay optional policies often do not specify whether submitted essay scores will be used for admission. When the college explicitly states that scores will not be evaluated, we have listed the policy as “Not Considered.” “Optional” should not be interpreted as meaning that the college uses submitted scores. We recommend contacting the school if you have specific questions.

ACT and SAT Essay Requirements - Class of 2019 and Beyond

* In response to COVID-19, these schools have announced temporary test optional or test blind policies, which also effects their essay requirements and recommendations. Please check with the individual schools for more information.

** University of Montana Western has students submit ACT Writing in order to satisfy English proficiency requirements.

Post a comment or send an email to [email protected] with questions or recommended changes.

Related posts:

ACT Writing scores have gone through multiple changes. To try to clear things up, Compass has published ACT Writing Scores Explained . A similar analysis for the SAT is also available.

Our College Profiles page  provides SAT and ACT scores for some of the most competitive colleges in the country.

Score choice and superscoring policies can be found for more than 400 popular colleges and universities.

Subject Test requirements continue to evolve, so Compass keeps an up-to-date list.

Updated 6/24/2020

About Art Sawyer

Art graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University, where he was the top-ranked liberal arts student in his class. Art pioneered the one-on-one approach to test prep in California in 1989 and co-founded Compass Education Group in 2004 in order to bring the best ideas and tutors into students' homes and computers. Although he has attained perfect scores on all flavors of the SAT and ACT, he is routinely beaten in backgammon.

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER

Role: --- Student Parent/Guardian Counselor Other

Class Year: --- 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 Other N/A

Popular Posts

• National Merit Semifinalist Cutoffs Class of 2025 April 8, 2024
• SAT and ACT Policies and Score Ranges for Popular Colleges and Universities August 16, 2024
• Colleges that Allow Self-Reporting of SAT and ACT Scores November 20, 2023
• National Merit Scholarship Program Explained October 4, 2023
• Using digital PSAT Scores to Compare SAT and ACT October 23, 2023

Recent Posts

• Testing Policies in the Spotlight August 16, 2024
• Staying on Track: How Multi-Sport Athlete Avery Elliott Balanced School, College Recruiting, and SATs August 16, 2024
• The Smartest Testing Choices For The Class of 2026 August 9, 2024
• The Challenges of a Shorter ACT July 17, 2024

Previous Post The PSAT and National Merit for the Class of 2022

Next post 2020 ap exams in review, 173 comments.

Hi Art, Hope you are staying safe. Son is sophomore who will be taking the September ACT. He is not a great writer, does not like writing, and does not want to take the writing portion. He likely will score in the 33-35 range and apply to a variety of schools (a couple top [sub-10% acceptance rate] privates and top publics, as well as some less competitive universities and colleges). Not applying to any UC schools. Do you think lacking the writing score — which likely would be average — will hurt him? Put another way, would doing the writing help him at schools where it is “optional” assuming his score is not great but not terrible? Thanks. ST

ST, If colleges were completely honest, they would admit that the Writing test is dead. Some won’t state it so bluntly because it sounds like writing is not important. I don’t think there will be any colleges that care about your son’s Writing score by the time he applies. He should pass on it in September.

Thanks Art — appreciate the great advice here and on this web site generally!

If I’m understanding correctly, the only students who need to be taking the writing/essay exams are those applying to the first 9 schools on your list that are “required” or “recommended”? In this wild west post-Covid era of college testing where it seems the only constant thing is change, it is hard to understand why anyone would still take the essay portion if they aren’t applying to any of those 9 schools. We are in CA so it used to be needed for the UC’s but as you noted even that has changed. So now post-Covid, do you still advise most of your students to take the writing exams, or feel that there is “more upside than downside” to taking them? My 11th grader previously did the SAT w/essay and scored 760 R&W, 650 M, and 4/4/5 on the essay. He’ll be retaking it to improve his math score, or possibly switching over to the ACT since SAT isn’t offered this summer (He was scheduled for the March exam that was cancelled the day before, so we are re-evaluating our options). Thanks very much for your insight.

BSS, I’d go even a step further and say that — except for students applying to West Point — the essay can finally be retired. I’m not sad to see it go!

Given that your son is already considering the ACT, I’d recommend looking at July ACT and August SAT dates. Not that he needs to take both, but the strategy is a hedge against cancellations. Registration for some students just opened up for the SAT dates, but it sounds like your student will need to wait until registration goes wider on June 3.

Duke: “Recommended” Duke website: “We do not require the optional essay.” https://admissions.duke.edu/apply/ I don’t see anywhere that they recommend it.

Also, on your Subject Test page: Duke: “Recommended Strongly ” Duke website: “We do not require Subject Tests.” I see nothing that would indicate it is “Recommended Strongly”. https://admissions.duke.edu/apply/

Caltech – “Optional” Caltech website – “Caltech also does not require the SAT Essay or ACT Writing exam sections. These sections will not be considered in the application review process.” http://admissions.divisions.caltech.edu/apply/first-yearfreshman-applicants/standardized-tests

I believe the vast, vast majority of the colleges you list as “Optional” similarly don’t even consider a writing score.

Thanks for reaching out! And thank you, in particular, for the Duke update. Just a few weeks ago we checked their site and they still had Subject Tests listed as recommended strongly with the “or ACT” twist. We’ve updated the Subject Test page to reflect that. We still have Duke listed as recommending the essay because of this: https://today.duke.edu/2018/07/duke-makes-sat-essay-act-writing-test-optional-applicants (this announcement is from almost two years ago, but we haven’t heard anything to specifically counter it.)

We recognize that the essay is becoming increasingly less relevant in admissions, and we have plans to revisit this list and put the “Optional” schools in better context.

Hello Mr. Sawyer, I have an SAT score of 1510 and my essay score is 5/4/6 should I consider taking the SAT again to improve the essay score if I plan to apply to the top universities such as Harvard, Yale and Duke.

Mazin, You should not repeat the SAT just because of your Essay score. You may have seen the news yesterday that College Board is phasing out the Essay. It is simply no longer a concern.

Mr. Sawyer, what are you thoughts on the ACT writing (essay). Do you expect it to follow suit and discontinue it like the SAT essay?

Marjorie, My first thought is that — ACT’s decision aside — students should not take the Writing test. It is disappearing for good reason — it’s just not very good or useful.

ACT will make a business decision, just as College Board did — although not necessarily with the same immediate result. ACT may want to retain the fees it is receiving for the Writing test. It may also try to wait just long enough not to seem that it is following College Board’s lead. ACT typically implements changes during its school calendar year of Sept – July. I would not be surprised to see the essay discontinued after the summer administrations.

Mr. Sawyer-Wanting some advice. My junior just took the ACT and scored a 33 composite with a 35 in English and a 34 in reading. Our school had recommended the writing test so he took it and bombed it with a 6/12. He has taken all honors and AP English classes offered and done excellent. GPA is 3.95 unweighted. I wonder if his horrible handwriting played a role but now he is stuck with a 6 on writing. Should he retake the test just to improve that score? If so does he take it with writing again or simply try to score a 33 without writing and submit that score. He’s looking at Carleton, Pomona, Grinnell along with some others.

Sarah, One of the reasons the essay has been abandoned is just how fluky the results can be. I would not recommend retesting only to raise his Writing score.

By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy .

© 2024 Compass Education Group. SAT, PSAT, NMSC, National Merit, Merit Scholar, ACT, ISEE, SSAT, HSPT and AP are registered trademarks not owned by Compass Education Group. The trademark holders were not involved in the production of, and do not endorse, this website.

• OUR APPROACH
• DIGITAL SAT / PSAT
• SAT / ACT ESSENTIALS
• ACADEMIC / STUDY SKILLS
• HSPT | ISEE | SSAT | SHSAT
• COLLEGE WRITING PREP
• ALL CLASSES
• DIGITAL SAT
• DIGITAL PSAT
• COMMON APP ESSAY
• MATH SUMMER BRIDGE
• ALL PRACTICE TESTS
• AP SUBJECTS
• RESOURCE CENTER
• COMPASS GUIDE
• PRIVACY POLICY

• Test Preparation
• College & High School

Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) is a service we offer sellers that lets them store their products in Amazon's fulfillment centers, and we directly pack, ship, and provide customer service for these products. Something we hope you'll especially enjoy: FBA items qualify for FREE Shipping and Amazon Prime.

If you're a seller, Fulfillment by Amazon can help you grow your business. Learn more about the program.

Sorry, there was a problem.

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required .

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

Image Unavailable

• To view this video download Flash Player

Follow the authors

The Official ACT Prep Guide 2022-2023: The ONLY Official Prep Guide From the Makers of the ACT 1st Edition

THE OFFICIAL ACT ® PREP GUIDE 2022-2023 – INCLUDES ONLINE COURSE

The comprehensive guide to the 2022–2023 ACT test—including 7 genuine, full-length practice tests.

The Official ACT ® Prep Guide 2022–2023 book includes six authentic ACT tests—all of which contain the optional writing test—so you get maximum practice before your official test date.

These tests are also available on the Wiley Efficient Learning platform and mobile app alongside a seventh bonus test via the PIN code inside, so you can study your official materials anytime, anywhere.

This guide provides clear explanations for every answer straight from the makers of the ACT to help you improve your understanding of each subject. You’ll also get:

• Practical tips and strategies for boosting your score on the English, math, reading, science, and (optional) writing tests
• 400+ online flashcards to ensure you’re mastering key concepts
• A customizable online test bank
• Wiley Efficient Learning’s personalized exam planner feature, where you can build the study schedule that meets your unique needs
• Expert advice on how to mentally and physically prepare for your test

Through the Official Guide , you’ll learn what to expect on test day, understand the types of questions you will encounter when taking the ACT, and adopt test-taking strategies that are right for you. By using this guide and its accompanying expansive resources, you can feel confident you’ll be ready to do your best! * Online prep materials valid for one year from PIN code activation.

• ISBN-10 1119865905
• ISBN-13 978-1119865902
• Edition 1st
• Publisher John Wiley & Sons Inc
• Publication date May 10, 2022
• Language English
• Dimensions 8.5 x 2.6 x 10.8 inches
• Print length 1105 pages
• See all details

Products related to this item

From the brand

To Learn More

Visit the Store

Editorial Reviews

From the back cover.

Through the Official Guide, you’ll learn what to expect on test day, understand the types of questions you will encounter when taking the ACT, and adopt test-taking strategies that are right for you. By using this guide and its accompanying expansive resources, you can feel confident you’ll be ready to do your best!

About the Author

ACT (Iowa City, IA) is a not-for-profit organization providing assessment, research, information, and program management services to support education and workforce development. Known most widely as the makers of the ACT exam--the college readiness and placement assessment taken by some 1.8 million high school students each year--ACT produces a number of assessments and services reaching more than 10 million people along the kindergarten through career continuum. ACT's rigorous research informs policy decisions and helps develop programs that boost lifelong learning potential in schools and workplaces around the world. To learn more, visit www.act.org.

Product details

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ John Wiley & Sons Inc; 1st edition (May 10, 2022)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 1105 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1119865905
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1119865902
• Grade level ‏ : ‎ 10 - 12
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 4.36 pounds
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.5 x 2.6 x 10.8 inches
• #11 in ACT Test Guides
• #214 in Test Prep & Study Guides

Videos for this product

Click to play video

Very helpful study materials!

About the authors

Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read author blogs and more

''testaa

Customer reviews

• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 5 star 78% 13% 5% 1% 2% 78%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 4 star 78% 13% 5% 1% 2% 13%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 3 star 78% 13% 5% 1% 2% 5%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 2 star 78% 13% 5% 1% 2% 1%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 1 star 78% 13% 5% 1% 2% 2%

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Customers say

Customers find the book very helpful and easy to use. They appreciate the excellent explanations and multiple practice tests. Opinions are mixed on the craftsmanship, with some finding it great and others disappointing.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers find the book very helpful and useful for ACT preparation.

"This is the gold standard ACT study guide . It was recommended by my son’s ACT tutor. They worked directly out of this book for several months...." Read more

"...This book is really good for self study and has answers + explanations so you can understand where you need to improve!!!!!..." Read more

"...Easy to use right away. Good for independent study or with a group or tutor. Instant feedback, and nice explanations for the solutions." Read more

"The book is filled with good test prep information . We purchased it used and it was a very good condition." Read more

Customers find the book's content well organized, easy to comprehend, and easy to use. They also mention that it provides excellent explanations of why an answer is correct.

"Very nicely constructed test prep guide. Easy to use right away . Good for independent study or with a group or tutor...." Read more

"...The content is well organized and easy to comprehend . Used this book after online prep courses were kind of a flop...." Read more

"...I think he felt the questions were more straight forward than other books he used. Lots of practice questions." Read more

Customers find the multiple practice tests in the book useful. They also appreciate the answers that are right after the test.

"...This is not a wholly new book! However, it does include access to a new 6th test in the book, and for now moves a 7th test previously in the book to..." Read more

"...The practice tests are invaluable . Have your teen complete all of them and really focus on timing to prepare for live test." Read more

"...It definitely helped give hints and explain the test more ." Read more

"...I'm giving it 2 stars instead of 1 because it contains multiple practice tests , which are useful...." Read more

Customers are mixed about the craftsmanship of the book. Some mention it's great, nicely constructed, and detailed, while others say it'd be disappointing to read.

" Very nicely constructed test prep guide . Easy to use right away. Good for independent study or with a group or tutor...." Read more

"I’m gonna be honest. I opened this thing once. The product itself was awesome and exactly what it says it is. It’s massive...." Read more

"... Super disappointing ." Read more

"This book is a beast of a prep book ...." Read more

Reviews with images

A must for students taking the ACT on a computer! Real tests = The best prep resource!

• Sort reviews by Top reviews Most recent Top reviews

Top reviews from the United States

There was a problem filtering reviews right now. please try again later..

• About Amazon
• Investor Relations
• Amazon Devices
• Amazon Science
• Sell products on Amazon
• Sell on Amazon Business
• Sell apps on Amazon
• Become an Affiliate
• Advertise Your Products
• Self-Publish with Us
• Host an Amazon Hub
• › See More Make Money with Us
• Amazon Business Card
• Shop with Points
• Reload Your Balance
• Amazon Currency Converter
• Amazon and COVID-19
• Your Account
• Your Orders
• Shipping Rates & Policies
• Returns & Replacements
• Manage Your Content and Devices

• Conditions of Use
• Privacy Notice
• Consumer Health Data Privacy Disclosure
• Your Ads Privacy Choices

Choose Your Test

• Search Blogs By Category
• College Admissions
• AP and IB Exams
• GPA and Coursework

ACT Writing Prompts: The Complete Guide

ACT Writing

It's pretty scary to walk into a room on ACT test day and with no idea what the essay question you're about to answer is about. Luckily, you don't need to know—the ACT essay prompts only ask about a teensy, tiny category of ideas. And the best part is, you already know all about the topics!

Keep reading to see sample ACT Writing prompts you can practice with. More importantly, we also teach you how to gather evidence before the test so you can walk in 100% prepared to answer any prompt they give you.

5 Sample ACT Essay Prompts

The idea behind the ACT essay is that it's a fair test of everyone's writing ability because nobody knows the topic or question before the test. In order for this to be true, the ACT actually has to choose from a pretty small sliver of questions (since the topics must be broad enough that all test takers can write about them).

ACT Inc. only offers one example prompt , on intelligent machines, though you can see others included with the official ACT practice tests .

Here are four other sample prompts that I've constructed, based on the core question and core perspectives extracted from the official prompts. What common features do you notice between all the prompts?

Globalization

Many of the goods and services we depend on daily have global sources. Where once you might speak with a customer service representative from across the country about your computer problems, your call now would most likely be routed across the world. In one grocery store, it can be possible to find a mixture of foods from multiple continents. Various pieces of culture can be instantaneously broadcast around the world via the Internet, enabling shared experiences among people of disparate geographic origins. Globalization is generally seen as a sign of progress, but what happens when we replace local interactions with global ones? Given the accelerating rate of globalization, it is worth examining the implications and meaning of its presence in our lives. Perspective One : Globalization requires a shift in the way we think about other people, other societies, and the world. This is good, because it will push humanity towards previously unimaginable possibilities and achievements. Perspective Two : Removing geographic boundaries from commerce means that the right people can be chosen for the right jobs at the right price. This efficiency leads to a more prosperous and progressive world for everyone. Perspective Three : The flourishing of a new, global society comes at the cost of local cultures. Less diversity leads to deficits in empathy and creativity, two of the most defining characteristics of humanity. Write a unified, coherent essay about the increasing presence of globalization.

Information Accessibility

At this moment in time, there is more information more readily available to more people than ever before. Smartphones can instantly provide directions to your destination, when even 10 years ago you had to look up directions before you left and/or bring along a map. Researchers from all over the world are able to pool their knowledge to advance their fields more quickly. Many libraries have broadened their collections to include subscriptions to online/electronic databases as well as printed works. Greater access to information is generally seen as a positive advance, but what are the consequences of making so much knowledge available to so many people? Based upon the ever-increasing amount of information in the world and the ever-broader access to it, it is worth examining the implications and meaning of easy access to information in our lives. Perspective One : With increased ease of access to information, we lose the incentive to gain knowledge ourselves. By outsourcing our memories of facts and other information, we are becoming less intelligent. Perspective Two : Greater access to information allows us to avoid memorizing facts and, instead, use our brains for higher-level thinking. This efficiency leads to a more prosperous and progressive world for everyone. Perspective Three : The more people who have access to more information, the greater the chances of collaboration and thus further advances in human knowledge. This is good because it pushes us toward new, unimagined possibilities. Write a unified, coherent essay about the increasing accessibility of information.

In the world today, newness is highly valued. Social media apps constantly update to make sure you’re shown the newest information or posts from those you follow. Many of the products we purchase today are purposefully created with short lifespans to encourage consumers to continue to get the newest, up-to-date versions. Subscription services for music and video make it possible to continuously listen to and watch new media. Novelty is generally seen as a positive characteristic, but what are we losing by constantly focusing on the new? Given its increasing prevalence, it is worth examining the implications and meaning of the growing emphasis on novelty in our lives. Perspective One : Change is the only constant in life, and to ignore this is to grow rigid and stagnate. More exposure to new ideas and ways of thinking can only lead to progress for society and for humanity as a whole. Perspective Two : By exclusively focusing on the new, we lose sight of what we already know. Instead of ignoring the old, we should be focusing more on past accomplishments and errors. The only way to move forward is to heed the lessons of the past. Perspective Three : Information, products, and ways of thinking should only be valued if they are useful and reliable, not just because they are new and exciting. New does not automatically equal improved. Write a unified, coherent essay about the increasing value assigned to novelty.

Job Changes

Fewer and fewer people are staying with the same job their entire lives. In the United States, the average person will switch jobs more than 10 times in over the course of his/her life. Some workers will make lateral, or even downward, moves in order to increase personal fulfillment. Others switch jobs in an effort to obtain the highest possible salary. Increasing personal autonomy is generally seen as a sign of progress, but what happens when length of experience is replaced with variety of experience? As the number of jobs people will hold over the course of their lives continues to climb, it is important to examine the implications and meaning of this trend for our lives. Perspective One : Because jobs are no longer a lifetime commitment, people will feel freer to accept a greater variety of positions. This increase in breadth of experience will in turn make job applicants more attractive to future employers. Perspective Two : As the frequency with which people change jobs increases, the loyalty of people to their employers will decrease. This in turn will lead to more fractured company cultures, as employees will only care about what’s best for them. Perspective Three : The disappearance of the stigma associated with frequent job switching will allow employees more leeway with employment decisions. Increased autonomy will lead to increased happiness and job satisfaction. Write a unified, coherent essay about the increasing frequency with which people switch jobs.

For additional Writing Prompts to practice with, you also might want to consider purchasing the most recent Official ACT Prep Guide , which includes five additional official essay prompts.

While you'll see many different topics asked about on the ACT essay section, there is in fact only one ACT Writing Prompt (and three types of perspectives) you have to know. We call these the Core Question and Core Perspectives . This question (and these perspectives) will run through each and every ACT Essay prompt you'll get.

The Reasoning Behind The Core Question

As you can see, all the ACT writing prompts are about how the world (and the people in it) is (are) changing. All of them boil down to the following question:

"What are your views on how humans are changing the world?"

or, even more broadly,

"What do you think about the way the world is changing?"

The ACT frames its prompts this way because ACT, Inc. wants to choose essay topics that all students can have an opinion on, rather than asking about something extremely specific for which some students are more prepared than others.

First Global Image from VIIRS by NASA Goddard Space Flight Center , used under CC BY 2.0 /Resized from original.

Read through the official prompts again (above). Rather than asking about high school life (as the old ACT Writing prompts did), the current ACT essay prompts ask students to consider how changes in the world today affect all humanity, forcing the students to place the issue in a broader context .

While the topics may appear to be highly specific at first glance (e.g. "intelligent machines"), the explanatory paragraphs for each prompt make it clear that the topics can be parlayed in a number of different directions (and be accessible to most people) .

There won't be prompts about issues that mainly affect urban dwellers (e.g. subways), or only affect certain geographic areas (e.g. snow preparedness). Similarly, something like "smartphones," for instance, would never be a topic on its own; rather, it would be an example that could be used for the topic (as with the "intelligent machines" prompt).

When writing the ACT essay, it really helps to have strong opinions about the core question ("What do you think about the way humans are changing the world?"), but if you don't, no problem: it's easy to develop opinions! And we're here to give you a head start.

In the next section, we're going to give you three basic opinions related to the core ACT essay question. We'll show you how to apply these perspectives to specific prompts and tell you where you can find examples to support them.

The Reasoning Behind The Core Perspectives

The new ACT prompt has three different perspectives that you need to discuss during the course of your essay. To figure out the three core perspectives, I read and re-read the perspectives for all three of the official prompts, considering them in light of the informational paragraphs that preceded them. I ended up with these three basic opinions:

Core Perspective A : The changes caused by [Prompt topic] are not good and have negative results.

This perspective maps onto Perspective 1 of the first official ACT sample prompt above, Perspective 2 of the second and fourth official sample prompts, and Perspective 1 of the third official sample prompt. My nickname for this position is "conservatism," since this perspective wishes to be conservative and not change things.

Core Perspective B : The changes caused by [Prompt topic] will lead to greater (in)efficiency.

This perspective maps onto Perspective 2 of the first and third official ACT sample prompts above, Perspective 1 of the second official sample prompt, and Perspective 3 of the fourth official sample prompt. My nickname for this position is "utilitarianism," since this perspective is all about what will be more practical and lead to the greatest good for the greatest number of people (this is even explicitly spelled out in Perspective 1 of the second official sample prompt).

Core Perspective C : The changes caused by [Prompt topic] will yield positive future results because it will lead to improvements for all humanity.

This perspective maps onto Perspective 3 of the first and second official ACT sample prompts, Perspective 1 of the third official sample prompt, and Perspective 2 of the fourth official sample prompt. My nickname for this position is "progressivism," since this perspective argues that change = progress = good.

Building a Support Bank

Now you know that the ACT essay will only ever ask you to discuss one question: "How is the world changing?" If you prepare for this question with diverse evidence before the test, you'll be ready to answer the prompt no matter what it is.

To give yourself the most time to write and organize your argument, your thesis should match up with one of the three perspectives given (or at least take elements from one)—that way, you won't have to take the time to come up with a fourth, completely new perspective and compare it to at least one other perspective.

But it gets better! The internet (and society in general) is chock-full of theories and arguments about how the world is changing, and whether or not that's a good thing. All you have to do is read up on some of them and develop your own opinions.

Opinions on the World

Your ACT essay thesis should basically be one of the three perspectives, but you have to support that opinion with evidence—the answer to the question "why?" (or "why not"?). Look over these sets of three opinions and try to think of reasons or examples to support each.

The world is changing to be worse than it was before. (because...)

The world is changing to be better than it was before. (because...)

The world is changing to be more (in)efficient than ever before. (because...)

Research and Brainstorming Ideas

Unlike with the SAT essay, you can use abstract reasoning to develop your point on the ACT. This means that you don't necessarily have to come to the test pre-loaded with specific examples: if you can't think of a concrete example that will support your point, you can make one up as you go along while constructing your argument.

Below are a few sample internet resources that could serve as support (or brainstorming assistance) for the opinions above. You can use the general ideas from these resources, but you may also find some useful specific examples for when you face your real ACT Writing prompt.

News sources such as the New York Times , Washington Post , LA Times , Al Jazeera , Time , The Atlantic, Slate, The Economist, Wired, New York Magazine, Popular Science, Psychology Today, Vox, Mic , and even Buzzfeed News will have information about current events that you can use.

If you prefer listening/watching the news, you can always try that as a source of current events information as well watching or listening to television, radio, or podcasts .

How Do I Use This Article?

Just knowing what the ACT Writing prompts are likely to be about may lead you to think about the way you interact with the world somewhat differently. Keep your eyes peeled and your ears open for anything that could be fodder to answer a question about the way the world is changing—anything you learn about in history/social studies, read/hear about in the news, or even encounter in a futuristic novel can be added to your support bank.

But, of course, the more effective way to use the information in this article is to practice both planning and writing ACT essays. We have another article with ACT essay tips , which can give you more information on how to practice the actual writing process, but knowing about the prompt types can get you thinking about your own opinions on how the world is changing. After all, you're being asked about this because you have a lot of experience with it, living in the world as you do.

So, using the prompts at the beginning of this article, or another group of questions about issues having to do with change (some items on this list of debate topics , for example), start planning hypothetical writing ACT essay responses. Try reading our step-by-step ACT essay example if you're stumped about where to begin.

For each issue, planning involves picking a side, supporting it with one to two reasons or examples, and deciding how to discuss at least one other perspective in relation to the one you've picked (including arguments both for and against that other perspective).

If you really want to max out your ACT essay score, you should practice planning essays about how the world is changing until you can do it in 8-10 minutes reliably. If you're curious about where that 8-10 minute estimate comes from, check out our ACT essay tips article .

What's Next?

Check out our comprehensive collection of ACT Writing guides , including a detailed analysis of  the ACT Writing Rubric that includes explanations and strategies and our explanation of the differences between the old and new ACT Writing Test .

Find out how to get a perfect score on ACT Writing.

Follow along as I construct a top-scoring essay step-by-step , or check out our list of tips to raise your ACT Writing score.

Trending Now

How to Get Into Harvard and the Ivy League

How to Get a Perfect 4.0 GPA

How to Write an Amazing College Essay

What Exactly Are Colleges Looking For?

ACT vs. SAT: Which Test Should You Take?

When should you take the SAT or ACT?

Get Your Free

Find Your Target SAT Score

Free Complete Official SAT Practice Tests

How to Get a Perfect SAT Score, by an Expert Full Scorer

Score 800 on SAT Math

Score 800 on SAT Reading and Writing

How to Improve Your Low SAT Score

Score 600 on SAT Math

Score 600 on SAT Reading and Writing

Find Your Target ACT Score

Complete Official Free ACT Practice Tests

How to Get a Perfect ACT Score, by a 36 Full Scorer

Get a 36 on ACT English

Get a 36 on ACT Math

Get a 36 on ACT Reading

Get a 36 on ACT Science

How to Improve Your Low ACT Score

Get a 24 on ACT English

Get a 24 on ACT Math

Get a 24 on ACT Reading

Get a 24 on ACT Science

Stay Informed

Get the latest articles and test prep tips!

Laura graduated magna cum laude from Wellesley College with a BA in Music and Psychology, and earned a Master's degree in Composition from the Longy School of Music of Bard College. She scored 99 percentile scores on the SAT and GRE and loves advising students on how to excel in high school.

Ask a Question Below

Have any questions about this article or other topics? Ask below and we'll reply!

Get the Reddit app

A forum to discuss the ACT and forms of preparation for taking the test.

Is it recommended to take the Optional Essay for the ACT if you’re planning on going to an Ivy League/prestigious school?

hello! currently I’m a junior who is studying for the ACT on February 11. However I’m kind of stuck on whether or not I should do the optional Essay. I plan on hopefully attending an Ivy League/ prestigious schools like MIT, Harvard, Colombia, etc. I also plan on going into the STEAM field (like the pre-med and engineering path). Any advise is appreciated. Thanks

By continuing, you agree to our User Agreement and acknowledge that you understand the Privacy Policy .

Enter the 6-digit code from your authenticator app

You’ve set up two-factor authentication for this account.

Enter a 6-digit backup code

Create your username and password.

Reddit is anonymous, so your username is what you’ll go by here. Choose wisely—because once you get a name, you can’t change it.

Reset your password

Enter your email address or username and we’ll send you a link to reset your password

Check your inbox

An email with a link to reset your password was sent to the email address associated with your account

Choose a Reddit account to continue

First-year applicants: Tests & scores

Testing requirement.

We require the SAT or the ACT ⁠ 01 You can read more about why we require them <a href="https://mitadmissions.org/blogs/entry/we-are-reinstating-our-sat-act-requirement-for-future-admissions-cycles/">here</a>. for both prospective first year and transfer students. We do not require the ACT writing section or the SAT optional essay. We accept both the paper and digital SAT.

While MIT does not require the ACT writing section or SAT optional essay, MIT does value writing and communication highly . We believe that students in any field should learn to write prose that is clear, organized, and eloquent, and to convincingly present facts, data, and ideas. As such, all MIT undergraduates must fulfill a communication requirement that integrates instruction and practice in writing and speaking into all four years and across all parts of MIT’s undergraduate program.

Resources for free test preparation

Khan Academy , ⁠ 02 Khan Academy is now recognized by the College Board as their official test preparation source, fully integrated with their suite of assessments. offers personalized—and free—SAT test prep. Founded by MIT alum, Sal Khan, Khan Academy offers world-class instruction to anyone , online, for free. Their personalized practice recommendations will help you build your own practice plan, let you take practice tests, and give you tips for taking the test. They also offer AP prep, should you be considering AP exams.

ACT also offers free test preparation guides and practice exams.

schoolhouse.world is a free peer tutoring platform that offers SAT tutoring and SAT prep classes online. They also offer live, one-on-one support from tutors who are certified to help in math—from pre-algebra to calculus—all at no cost.

For non-native English speakers

For non-native English speakers, we strongly recommend providing the results of an English proficiency exam if you have been using English for fewer than 5 years or do not speak English at home or in school, so that we may consider that information alongside the rest of your application. We accept the following English proficiency exams:

• Cambridge English Qualifications ( C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency )
• Duolingo English Test (DET)
• IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
• Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic
• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

Competitive scores

We do not have cut off or recommended scores for the ACT or SAT as scores are evaluated within an applicant’s context. To view test score statistics from the most recent admissions year, visit our admissions statistics page .

We do have minimum and recommended scores for our English language tests. These minimums are in place to ensure your level of English proficiency. Because English is the language of instruction at MIT, all students must show that they will thrive in our community.

If you take the same test multiple times, we will consider the highest score achieved in each section. We do this in order to consider all applicants in their best light.

Students should report official full sittings (including future sittings) of the SAT, ACT, or English proficiency exams on the application. For each examination, required subscores are indicated with an asterisk. They should not list practice results or enter a superscore as a single sitting. Students should self-report scores from all exams taken, and MIT will consider the super-score in our review process.

Self-reported scores

We do not require applicants to officially send their SAT, ACT, or English proficiency test scores as part of their application. Instead, you will self-report your scores on the application, and we’ll verify these scores upon enrollment. There will be an opportunity to update us with any test results that become available after your application is submitted.

Testing deadlines

In order to apply for first-year admission, you must take the required tests before November 30 for Early Action, and before December 31 for Regular Action. We will also accept English language proficiency test scores for RA applicants through the January test dates.

Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and other standardized exams

Students should self-report scores for standardized exams they have taken or plan to take, such as Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, A-level, Baccalauréat, etc., on the Test scores section of the application. We do not require applicants to officially send scores as part of their application, and instead have a verification process upon enrollment.

• You can read more about why we require them here . ⁠ back to text ↑
• Khan Academy is now recognized by the College Board as their official test preparation source, fully integrated with their suite of assessments. ⁠ back to text ↑

513-754-2240

[email protected]

[email protected] • 513-754-2240

What the ACT CEO says is changing (and not!) on the ACT test

June 14, 2022

Over the weekend, I attended the National Test Prep Association ’s annual conference in Atlanta where ACT’s CEO, Janet Godwin , gave the keynote address.

In the wake of SAT’s big announcement in early 2022 , I was making bets on what big changes ACT would announce perhaps first at the conference. I’ve been in the test prep and academic tutoring business since 1999 an in the two plus decades I’ve watched what’s felt like a game of chess between the two organizations. With each move is additional work for the test prep industry and anxiety for students on how to navigate change.

As I settled into my seat with notebook poised for furious notetaking, I was pleasantly surprised.

What’s Changing on the ACT Test

• VQI Reading Questions : Although they were previously announced, they’ve yet to appear on a test. However, we were assured they are still coming and likely to rollout on statewide testing first.
• Adaptive Online Testing Exploration : While SAT completely pivots to an adaptive online test in March 2024 for domestic testers, ACT is simply studying it. Which leads to what’s not changing…

What’s Staying the Same on the ACT Test

• Paper Testing : It’s not going anywhere even if in the future the ACT introduces online adaptive testing. Why? Simply put, Godwin and ACT knows that while some students may excel on online tests, many thrive with pencil to paper testing. Janet Godwin’s goal is to reduce the stress of students and give options . If an online adaptive test is offered in the future, it would be concorded to the paper test and it would be the student’s choice which to take.
• The Science Section : While many, including me, have wagered that this section would be eliminated, the NTPA was informed it’s here to stay because the scientific inquiry skills that are assessed are important for students .
• The Writing Section : NTPA conference attendee Compass keeps a blog up to date on the number of colleges requiring the writing test . By now it’s a short list, but Janet shared the writing test is utilized in statewide testing, so ACT remains committed to keeping it, even though SAT dropped the essay in 2021.
• Alignment to State Curriculum Standards : ACT continues to study learning outcomes dictated at the state level and be sure their test is assessing what is being taught in schools. Godwin cited curriculum standards are largely consistent which is why the ACT has remained consistent through two total overhauls of the SAT in a single decade.
• A Commitment to Questions Without Bias : At ACT the panel of question writers remains a diverse pool of individuals and their questions are statistically analyzed for bias. When bias is found, those questions are eliminated.

After the first day of the conference, I had the good fortune to sit next to Janet Godwin for two hours during dinner. The leader I met exceeded my expectations. I found her to be as student centered as each member of the NTPA and the school educators the LEAP team works in conjunction with each day.

When pressed on test optional , she said she thinks it’s good for students to have the option. It helps reduce anxiety when heading into a test because they know they have options.

What can be confusing is the policies of the colleges on how much scores actually matter. The reality is strong ACT and SAT scores open doors to access and scholarships. 

We both agreed increased transparency and clear statements by the colleges on how testing is used could greatly reduce anxious students and help them make informed decisions. 

Lisa Marker Robbins

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Use this popup to embed a mailing list sign up form. Alternatively use it as a simple call to action with a link to a product or a page.

Age verification

By clicking enter you are verifying that you are old enough to consume alcohol.

• Registration
• College Bound Blog
• Tutoring Client Login

Shopping Cart

Your cart is currently empty..

Samantha Putterman, PolitiFact Samantha Putterman, PolitiFact

Leave your feedback

• Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/fact-checking-warnings-from-democrats-about-project-2025-and-donald-trump

Fact-checking warnings from Democrats about Project 2025 and Donald Trump

This fact check originally appeared on PolitiFact .

Project 2025 has a starring role in this week’s Democratic National Convention.

And it was front and center on Night 1.

WATCH: Hauling large copy of Project 2025, Michigan state Sen. McMorrow speaks at 2024 DNC

“This is Project 2025,” Michigan state Sen. Mallory McMorrow, D-Royal Oak, said as she laid a hardbound copy of the 900-page document on the lectern. “Over the next four nights, you are going to hear a lot about what is in this 900-page document. Why? Because this is the Republican blueprint for a second Trump term.”

Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, has warned Americans about “Trump’s Project 2025” agenda — even though former President Donald Trump doesn’t claim the conservative presidential transition document.

“Donald Trump wants to take our country backward,” Harris said July 23 in Milwaukee. “He and his extreme Project 2025 agenda will weaken the middle class. Like, we know we got to take this seriously, and can you believe they put that thing in writing?”

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Harris’ running mate, has joined in on the talking point.

“Don’t believe (Trump) when he’s playing dumb about this Project 2025. He knows exactly what it’ll do,” Walz said Aug. 9 in Glendale, Arizona.

Trump’s campaign has worked to build distance from the project, which the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, led with contributions from dozens of conservative groups.

Much of the plan calls for extensive executive-branch overhauls and draws on both long-standing conservative principles, such as tax cuts, and more recent culture war issues. It lays out recommendations for disbanding the Commerce and Education departments, eliminating certain climate protections and consolidating more power to the president.

Project 2025 offers a sweeping vision for a Republican-led executive branch, and some of its policies mirror Trump’s 2024 agenda, But Harris and her presidential campaign have at times gone too far in describing what the project calls for and how closely the plans overlap with Trump’s campaign.

PolitiFact researched Harris’ warnings about how the plan would affect reproductive rights, federal entitlement programs and education, just as we did for President Joe Biden’s Project 2025 rhetoric. Here’s what the project does and doesn’t call for, and how it squares with Trump’s positions.

Are Trump and Project 2025 connected?

To distance himself from Project 2025 amid the Democratic attacks, Trump wrote on Truth Social that he “knows nothing” about it and has “no idea” who is in charge of it. (CNN identified at least 140 former advisers from the Trump administration who have been involved.)

The Heritage Foundation sought contributions from more than 100 conservative organizations for its policy vision for the next Republican presidency, which was published in 2023.

Project 2025 is now winding down some of its policy operations, and director Paul Dans, a former Trump administration official, is stepping down, The Washington Post reported July 30. Trump campaign managers Susie Wiles and Chris LaCivita denounced the document.

WATCH: A look at the Project 2025 plan to reshape government and Trump’s links to its authors

However, Project 2025 contributors include a number of high-ranking officials from Trump’s first administration, including former White House adviser Peter Navarro and former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson.

A recently released recording of Russell Vought, a Project 2025 author and the former director of Trump’s Office of Management and Budget, showed Vought saying Trump’s “very supportive of what we do.” He said Trump was only distancing himself because Democrats were making a bogeyman out of the document.

Project 2025 wouldn’t ban abortion outright, but would curtail access

The Harris campaign shared a graphic on X that claimed “Trump’s Project 2025 plan for workers” would “go after birth control and ban abortion nationwide.”

The plan doesn’t call to ban abortion nationwide, though its recommendations could curtail some contraceptives and limit abortion access.

What’s known about Trump’s abortion agenda neither lines up with Harris’ description nor Project 2025’s wish list.

Project 2025 says the Department of Health and Human Services Department should “return to being known as the Department of Life by explicitly rejecting the notion that abortion is health care.”

It recommends that the Food and Drug Administration reverse its 2000 approval of mifepristone, the first pill taken in a two-drug regimen for a medication abortion. Medication is the most common form of abortion in the U.S. — accounting for around 63 percent in 2023.

If mifepristone were to remain approved, Project 2025 recommends new rules, such as cutting its use from 10 weeks into pregnancy to seven. It would have to be provided to patients in person — part of the group’s efforts to limit access to the drug by mail. In June, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected a legal challenge to mifepristone’s FDA approval over procedural grounds.

WATCH: Trump’s plans for health care and reproductive rights if he returns to White House The manual also calls for the Justice Department to enforce the 1873 Comstock Act on mifepristone, which bans the mailing of “obscene” materials. Abortion access supporters fear that a strict interpretation of the law could go further to ban mailing the materials used in procedural abortions, such as surgical instruments and equipment.

The plan proposes withholding federal money from states that don’t report to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention how many abortions take place within their borders. The plan also would prohibit abortion providers, such as Planned Parenthood, from receiving Medicaid funds. It also calls for the Department of Health and Human Services to ensure that the training of medical professionals, including doctors and nurses, omits abortion training.

The document says some forms of emergency contraception — particularly Ella, a pill that can be taken within five days of unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy — should be excluded from no-cost coverage. The Affordable Care Act requires most private health insurers to cover recommended preventive services, which involves a range of birth control methods, including emergency contraception.

Trump has recently said states should decide abortion regulations and that he wouldn’t block access to contraceptives. Trump said during his June 27 debate with Biden that he wouldn’t ban mifepristone after the Supreme Court “approved” it. But the court rejected the lawsuit based on standing, not the case’s merits. He has not weighed in on the Comstock Act or said whether he supports it being used to block abortion medication, or other kinds of abortions.

Project 2025 doesn’t call for cutting Social Security, but proposes some changes to Medicare

“When you read (Project 2025),” Harris told a crowd July 23 in Wisconsin, “you will see, Donald Trump intends to cut Social Security and Medicare.”

The Project 2025 document does not call for Social Security cuts. None of its 10 references to Social Security addresses plans for cutting the program.

Harris also misleads about Trump’s Social Security views.

In his earlier campaigns and before he was a politician, Trump said about a half-dozen times that he’s open to major overhauls of Social Security, including cuts and privatization. More recently, in a March 2024 CNBC interview, Trump said of entitlement programs such as Social Security, “There’s a lot you can do in terms of entitlements, in terms of cutting.” However, he quickly walked that statement back, and his CNBC comment stands at odds with essentially everything else Trump has said during the 2024 presidential campaign.

Trump’s campaign website says that not “a single penny” should be cut from Social Security. We rated Harris’ claim that Trump intends to cut Social Security Mostly False.

Project 2025 does propose changes to Medicare, including making Medicare Advantage, the private insurance offering in Medicare, the “default” enrollment option. Unlike Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans have provider networks and can also require prior authorization, meaning that the plan can approve or deny certain services. Original Medicare plans don’t have prior authorization requirements.

The manual also calls for repealing health policies enacted under Biden, such as the Inflation Reduction Act. The law enabled Medicare to negotiate with drugmakers for the first time in history, and recently resulted in an agreement with drug companies to lower the prices of 10 expensive prescriptions for Medicare enrollees.

Trump, however, has said repeatedly during the 2024 presidential campaign that he will not cut Medicare.

Project 2025 would eliminate the Education Department, which Trump supports

The Harris campaign said Project 2025 would “eliminate the U.S. Department of Education” — and that’s accurate. Project 2025 says federal education policy “should be limited and, ultimately, the federal Department of Education should be eliminated.” The plan scales back the federal government’s role in education policy and devolves the functions that remain to other agencies.

Aside from eliminating the department, the project also proposes scrapping the Biden administration’s Title IX revision, which prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. It also would let states opt out of federal education programs and calls for passing a federal parents’ bill of rights similar to ones passed in some Republican-led state legislatures.

Republicans, including Trump, have pledged to close the department, which gained its status in 1979 within Democratic President Jimmy Carter’s presidential Cabinet.

In one of his Agenda 47 policy videos, Trump promised to close the department and “to send all education work and needs back to the states.” Eliminating the department would have to go through Congress.

What Project 2025, Trump would do on overtime pay

In the graphic, the Harris campaign says Project 2025 allows “employers to stop paying workers for overtime work.”

The plan doesn’t call for banning overtime wages. It recommends changes to some Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, regulations and to overtime rules. Some changes, if enacted, could result in some people losing overtime protections, experts told us.

The document proposes that the Labor Department maintain an overtime threshold “that does not punish businesses in lower-cost regions (e.g., the southeast United States).” This threshold is the amount of money executive, administrative or professional employees need to make for an employer to exempt them from overtime pay under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

In 2019, the Trump’s administration finalized a rule that expanded overtime pay eligibility to most salaried workers earning less than about $35,568, which it said made about 1.3 million more workers eligible for overtime pay. The Trump-era threshold is high enough to cover most line workers in lower-cost regions, Project 2025 said.

The Biden administration raised that threshold to $43,888 beginning July 1, and that will rise to $58,656 on Jan. 1, 2025. That would grant overtime eligibility to about 4 million workers, the Labor Department said.

It’s unclear how many workers Project 2025’s proposal to return to the Trump-era overtime threshold in some parts of the country would affect, but experts said some would presumably lose the right to overtime wages.

Other overtime proposals in Project 2025’s plan include allowing some workers to choose to accumulate paid time off instead of overtime pay, or to work more hours in one week and fewer in the next, rather than receive overtime.

Trump’s past with overtime pay is complicated. In 2016, the Obama administration said it would raise the overtime to salaried workers earning less than $47,476 a year, about double the exemption level set in 2004 of $23,660 a year.

But when a judge blocked the Obama rule, the Trump administration didn’t challenge the court ruling. Instead it set its own overtime threshold, which raised the amount, but by less than Obama.

Support Provided By: Learn more

Educate your inbox

Subscribe to Here’s the Deal, our politics newsletter for analysis you won’t find anywhere else.

Thank you. Please check your inbox to confirm.

About  Search

Joseph R. Biden

Fact sheet: two years in, the inflation reduction act is lowering costs for millions of americans, tackling the climate crisis, and creating jobs.

Two years ago, President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act, with Vice President Harris casting the tie-breaking vote in Congress. The Inflation Reduction Act is a key part of the Biden-Harris Administration's Investing in America agenda, which has driven the fastest and most equitable recovery on record – creating good-paying jobs, expanding opportunity, and lowering costs in every corner of the country.

Already, the Inflation Reduction Act is transforming American lives by finally beating Big Pharma to negotiate lower prescription drug prices, making the largest investment in clean energy and climate action in history, creating hundreds of thousands good-paying jobs, lowering health care and energy costs, and making the tax code fairer. Visit the White House Savings Explorer to see how Americans are saving money on their annual expenses because of the Inflation Reduction Act and other Biden-Harris Administration actions.

In the two years since the Inflation Reduction Act was signed into law:

• Just yesterday, the President and Vice President announced that, for the first time in history, Medicare successfully negotiated lower prescription drug prices, which will save millions of seniors, people with disabilities, and other Medicare beneficiaries over $1.5 billion out-of-pocket in the first year.
• Millions of Americans are saving an average of $800 per year on health insurance premiums because of cost savings from the American Rescue Plan that the Inflation Reduction Act extended, helping drive the nation's uninsured rate to historic lows.
• 4 million seniors and other Medicare beneficiaries saved money on insulin because of the law's cap at $35 for a month's supply . 10.3 million Medicare enrollees received a free vaccine in 2023, saving them more than $400 million in out-of-pocket vaccine costs.
• The IRS successfully piloted Direct File in 12 states, saving 140,000 people an estimated $5.6 million in tax preparation fees by enabling them to file their taxes directly with the IRS online, for free. And, the IRS has recovered over $1 billion by cracking down on millionaire tax cheats since the law passed.
• Last year, 3.4 million Americans benefited from $8.4 billion in Inflation Reduction Act tax credits to lower the cost of clean energy and energy efficiency upgrades in their homes – significantly outpacing projections of the popularity of the tax credits in just the first year they were available.
• Since January 2024 , more than 250,000 Americans have claimed the IRA's electric vehicle tax credit, saving these buyers about $1.5 billion total. Nearly all of these buyers claimed the incentive at the point of sale.
• Since the beginning of the Biden-Harris Administration, companies have announced $900 billion in clean energy and manufacturing investments in the US, including over $265 billion in clean energy investments since the Inflation Reduction Act was signed into law. These investments are creating over 330,000 new jobs in the United States according to an outside group.
• Economically distressed areas are poised to benefit the most from those investments. Over 99% of high-poverty counties in the United States are benefitting from an Investing in America project funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, or CHIPS and Science Act. According to Treasury Department analysis , since the Inflation Reduction Act passed, 75% of private sector clean energy investments have flowed to counties with lower than median household incomes, and clean energy investment in energy communities has doubled. And, the Inflation Reduction Act is the largest investment in environmental justice in history.

Additionally, the Biden-Harris Administration has taken action to protect the critical investments that the Inflation Reduction Act is making in the domestic clean energy economy from unfair trade practices. In May, President Biden increased tariffs on $18 billion of Chinese imports to combat China's artificially low-priced exports in strategic sectors such as electric vehicles, batteries, and solar. These actions protect American jobs, businesses, investments, and economic growth.

Lowering health care costs for millions of Americans

President Biden and Vice President Harris have made expanding access to high-quality, affordable health care and lowering prescription drug costs for American families a top priority. Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, health care is more accessible and more affordable than ever before. In just the last two years:

• The law enhanced the Affordable Care Act's financial assistance that is available to consumers to purchase health insurance. Millions of Americans are saving, on average, about $800 a year on their health insurance plans, with more than 80 percent of consumers able to find health insurance for $10 or less a month. As a result, a record-breaking 21 million people signed up for ACA coverage in 2024. That's 9 million more than when the President and Vice President took office, and more underserved communities are enrolling in coverage, with 1.7 million Black Americans and 3.4 million Latinos enrolled, a 95% and 103% increase, respectively, since 2020.
• The Inflation Reduction Act capped insulin costs at $35 for a month's supply and making recommended adult vaccines free. Four million Medicare beneficiaries are now saving on their monthly insulin costs, and over 10 million beneficiaries received a free vaccine, saving more than $400 million in out-of-pocket cost.
• Drug companies that increase prices faster than inflation now have to pay a rebate to Medicare—which is translating into lower out of pocket costs for seniors.
• Next year, out of pocket drug costs will be capped at $2,000 per year for Medicare beneficiaries, which is expected to save nearly 19 million seniors an average of $400 per year.
• he Inflation Reduction Act – for the first time ever – gives Medicare the power to negotiate lower prescription drug prices. Just this week, the Biden-Harris Administration announced new, lower prescription drug prices for all ten drugs selected for the first year of the Inflation Reduction Act's Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program. The new, lower prices, which go into effect in 2026, will save American taxpayers $6 billion and will save seniors and people with disabilities $1.5 billion in out of pocket costs in 2026 alone. These new prices cut the list cost for drugs that treat heart disease, blood clots, diabetes, cancer, and more by nearly 40% to 80%.

Lowering energy costs with the largest climate investment in history

The Inflation Reduction Act is tackling the climate crisis by advancing clean power, cutting pollution from buildings, transportation, and industry and supporting climate-smart agriculture and forestry. The law is accelerating our progress toward President Biden and Vice President Harris' goal of cutting U.S. climate pollution by 50 to 52 percent below 2005 levels in 2030.

Two years after the signing of the Inflation Reduction Act, the Biden-Harris Administration has made tremendous progress implementing the climate and clean energy provisions of this law quickly and effectively. Treasury guidance is now available for nearly all of the Inflation Reduction Act's clean energy tax provisions. On the grant, loan, and rebate side of the law, nearly two thirds of Inflation Reduction Act funding has been awarded. As an example of the Administration's rapid progress on implementation, today the Environmental Protection Agency announced that all $27 billion in awards through their Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund are now obligated. $20 billion of these awards go toward a national clean energy financing network that will support tens of thousands of clean energy projects , reducing or avoiding millions of metric tons of carbon pollution annually over the next seven years. The other $7 billion in awards through the Solar for All program will save over $350 million each year on energy bills for over 900,000 low-income and disadvantaged households through residential solar.

In the two years since President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act into law:

• Clean energy projects are creating more than 330,000 jobs in nearly every state in the country, according to outside groups.
• mpanies have announced $265 billion in new clean energy investments in nearly every state in the nation. According to Treasury Department analysis , many of these investments are happening in underserved communities—since the IRA passed, 75% of private sector clean energy investments made since the Inflation Reduction Act passed have occurred in counties with lower than median household incomes, and clean energy investment in energy communities has doubled.
• Last week, Treasury and IRS released new data showing that in 2023, more than 3.4 million American families saved $8.4 billion from IRA consumer tax credits on home energy technologies. These tax credits can save families up to 30% off heat pumps, insulation, rooftop solar, and other clean energy technologies.
• New York and Wisconsin have now launched home energy rebate programs, with more states expected to launch later this summer and fall. Already, 22 states have submitted their applications to DOE to receive their full rebate funding. These rebate programs help low- and middle-income families afford cost-saving electric appliances and energy efficiency improvements by providing rebates up to $14,000 per household. In total, the IRA rebates programs are expected to save consumers up to $1 billion annually in energy costs and support an estimated 50,000 U.S. jobs in residential construction, manufacturing, and other sectors.
• Since January 2024, more than 250,000 Americans have claimed the Inflation Reduction Act's EV tax credits—either $7,500 off a qualified new electric vehicle, or up to $4,000 off a qualified used electric vehicle. In total, these taxpayers have saved about $1.5 billion and nearly all buyers claimed the incentive at the point of sale.

Making the tax system fairer and making the wealthy pay their fair share

The Inflation Reduction Act fully pays for these investments, and reduces the deficit over the long run, by cutting wasteful spending on special interests and making big corporations and the wealthy pay more of their fair share. After 55 of the biggest corporations in America paid $0 in federal income tax on $40 billion in profits in 2020, the Inflation Reduction Act requires billion-dollar corporations to pay at least 15 percent in tax. It also requires corporations to pay a 1 percent excise tax on stock buybacks, encouraging businesses to invest in their growth and productivity instead of funneling tax-preferred profits to foreign shareholders. By making large corporations pay more of their fair share, the IRA will raise around $300 billion over a decade.

The Inflation Reduction Act also makes a historic investment in modernizing the IRS, providing funding to better taxpayer experience, reduce fraud, and upgrade critical technology infrastructure. Thanks to these investments, the IRS has already:

• Improved services for millions of taxpayers. This spring, the IRS answered 3 million more phone calls than in 2022, cut phone wait times to three minutes from 28 minutes, served 200,000 more taxpayers in person, and saved taxpayers 1.4 million hours on hold last filing season. It also expanded online services, enabling 94% of taxpayers to submit forms digitally instead of via mail if they so choose.
• Successfully piloted Direct File, allowing taxpayers to easily file their taxes online and for free, directly with the IRS for the first time. Over 140,000 Americans successfully filed their taxes through Direct File this year, claiming over $90 million in refunds and saving an estimated $5.6 million in tax preparation fees. Users said Direct File was easy and fast to use, with 90% rating their experience excellent or above average. Building on this success, the IRS has invited all 50 states and the District of Columbia to join Direct File starting in 2025.
• Collected $1 billion from 1,500 millionaire tax cheats, launched enforcement action against 25,000 millionaires who have not filed a tax return since 2017, began audits on dozens of the largest corporations and partnerships, and cracked down on high-end tax evasion like deducting personal use of corporate jets as a business expense. At the same time, the IRS is adhering to Treasury Secretary Yellen's commitment to not increase audit rates relative to current levels for small businesses and Americans making less than $400,000 a year.

Over the next decade, the Inflation Reduction Act's investments will enable the IRS to further crack down on wealthy and corporate tax cheats and collect over $400 billion in additional revenue.

Going forward, the IRS is on track to implement additional improvements to taxpayer experience; provide additional in-person services in rural and underserved areas; redesign notices and forms to be less confusing; and expand online and mobile-friendly tools.

Investing in America to create jobs and expand opportunity

When President Biden thinks about climate change, he thinks about jobs. Two years into implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act, it's easy to see why.

Across the nation, the Inflation Reduction Act is catalyzing a clean energy and manufacturing boom. Since President Biden took office, the Biden-Harris Administration's Investing in America agenda has catalyzed nearly $900 billion in private sector investment commitments, including roughly $400 billion in clean energy across every state in the nation. That topline figure includes enough power generation to replace 40 Hoover Dams, the largest wind tower manufacturing facility in the world, the largest solar investment in US history.

Broader macroeconomic indicators also illustrate how, through tax credits and domestic content requirements within the law–we are successfully onshoring critical supply chains and encouraging a resurgence of domestic manufacturing. Real investment in manufacturing structures is at an all-time high—and has been for six quarters. Manufacturing's contribution to GDP broke quarters for three consecutive quarters in 2023. And Americans have filed to open a record 300,000 new manufacturing businesses.

These investments are having real impacts on communities—particularly those that need it most. Public dollars are flowing disproportionately to disadvantaged and left behind communities: 99% of high-poverty counties have received funding from the infrastructure law, CHIPS Act, or Inflation Reduction Act, and non-metro communities have received nearly double the per capita funding of their urban counterparts. On the private sector side, analysis from the US Treasury tells a similar story. Since the IRA passed, 84% of announced clean investments have flowed to counties with college graduation rates below the national average, and the rate of investment in energy communities has more than doubled.

Given these successes, it is no wonder that Republicans who voted against the bill are suddenly trying to take credit for it—and urging their leadership not to proceed with an unpopular repeal effort.

Joseph R. Biden, FACT SHEET: Two Years In, the Inflation Reduction Act is Lowering Costs for Millions of Americans, Tackling the Climate Crisis, and Creating Jobs Online by Gerhard Peters and John T. Woolley, The American Presidency Project https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/node/373885

Filed Under

Simple search of our archives, report a typo.

Here’s every electric vehicle that currently qualifies for the US federal tax credit in 2024

As sales of electric vehicles continue to grow in 2024, many new and prospective customers have questions about qualifying for a federal tax credit on electric vehicles. Whether your vehicle qualifies or not is a simple yes or no question, but the amount you may qualify for varies by household due to a number of different factors. Luckily, we have compiled everything you need to know about tax credits for your new or current electric vehicle into one place.

Table of contents

How much is the federal tax credit, federal tax credits under the inflation reduction act, the irs’ latest electric vehicle tax credit guidance (may 2024), battery electric vehicles (bevs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (phevs) that currently qualify, find out where an ev is assembled using its vin, our complete breakdown of state tax incentives, sorted by state, electric vehicle (ev) tax credit faq, how does a federal tax credit work for my ev.

The idea in theory is quite simple, per the IRS – “You may qualify for a credit up to $7,500 under Internal Revenue Code Section 30D if you buy a new, qualified plug-in EV or fuel cell electric vehicle (FCV). The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 changed, but extended the terms for this credit for vehicles purchased between 2023 to 2032.

That said, you cannot simply go out and buy an electric vehicle and expect Uncle Sam to cut $7,500 off your taxes come April. In reality, the amount you qualify for is based on both your income tax as well as several specifications of the electric vehicle you purchase, including where it’s built. More on that below.

First, let’s take a second to truly understand how the Federal EV tax credit currently works.

First and foremost, it’s important to understand three little words the government slips in front of the $7,500 credit – “may” and “up to.” As in, you may qualify for up to $7,500 in federal tax credit for your electric vehicle. At first glance, this credit may sound like a simple flat rate, but that is unfortunately not the case.

For example, if you purchased a Tesla Model 3 and owed say, $3,500 in income tax for the year, then that is the federal tax credit you would receive. If you owed $10,000 in federal income tax, then you would qualify for the full $7,500 credit.

It’s important to note that any unused portion of the $7,500 is not available as a refund nor as a credit for next year’s taxes. Bummer.

The following terms were introduced by the Biden Administration in the summer of 2022 and went into effect on January 1, 2023:

• The timeline to qualify is extended a decade from January 2023 to December 2032
• Tax credit cap for automakers after they hit 200,000 EVs sold is eliminated, making GM, Tesla, and Toyota once again eligible
• That means you can get your credit up front at the dealer, but these terms may not kick in until 2024
• Two binary pieces separate the full $7,500 credit meaning the vehicle either qualifies for each piece of the credit or doesn’t
• $3,750 of the new credit is based upon the vehicle having at least 50% of its battery-critical minerals from North America or countries with a free trade agreement with the United States.  This is a list of countries with free trade agreements with the US .
• The other $3,750 of the new credit is based on at least 50% of the battery components of the vehicle coming from the United States or countries with a free trade agreement with the US
• Note – these battery requirements have been updated as of May, 2024. More below.
• The 50% critical minerals requirement increases to 60% in 2025, 70% in 2026, 80% from 2027 onward.
• The 60% battery components requirement now stays as such through 2025, then increases to 70% in 2026, 80% in 2027, 90% in 2028 and 100% from 2029 onward.
• Beginning in 2025, any vehicle with battery minerals or components from a foreign entity of concern is excluded from the tax credit
• Qualifying EVs must also have a battery size of at least 7 kWh and a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 14,000 pounds
• Subject to other requirements like lower annual income (see below)
• Revised credit applies to battery electric vehicles with an MSRP below $55,000
• Also includes zero-emission vans, SUVs, and trucks with MSRPs up to $80,000
• Includes separate qualifications and limits
• The federal EV tax credit will be available to individuals reporting adjusted gross incomes of $150,000 or less, $225,000 for heads of households, or $300,000 for joint filers
• The new credit will also continue to apply to Plug-in Hybrid EVs (PHEVs) as long as they meet the same requirements outlined above

Revamped used electric vehicle tax credit

Used EVs also got revised terms that now offer a credit equal to 30% percent of the sale price (up to $4,000). That should help consumers like yourselves get some change back in your pocket at the end of the fiscal year. As long as you stick to these terms as outlined by the IRS .

To qualify as a customer, you must:

• Be an individual who bought the vehicle for use and not for resale
• Not be the original owner
• Not be claimed as a dependent on another person’s tax return
• Not have claimed another used clean vehicle credit in the three years before the EV purchase date
• Modified adjusted gross income must not exceed $75k for individuals, $112,500 for heads of households, and $150k for joint returns

For the used EV to qualify for federal tax credits, it must:

• Have a sale price of $25,000 or less
• For example, a vehicle purchased in 2023 would need a model year of 2021 or older
• Not have already been transferred after August 16, 2022, to a qualified buyer
• Have a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 14,000 pounds
• Be an eligible FCV or plug-in EV with a battery capacity of at least 7 kilowatt hours (kWh)
• Be for use primarily in the United States
• For qualified used EVs, the dealer reports the required information to you at the time of sale and to the IRS
• Purchaser must be an individual (no businesses) to qualify for used credit
• A used vehicle qualifies for tax credit only once in its lifetime

In May 2024, the IRS shared its final rules for the federal tax credit program. The original rules required qualifying vehicles to be assembled in North America alongside gradually higher percentages of battery materials and components to be produced on the continent and in countries with free trade agreements with the US.

Following months of difficulties amongst automakers trying to become compliant to qualify, the US Treasury Department and IRS have relaxed some of those parameters, including the sourcing of graphite, electrolyte salts, binders, and additives… at least until 2027.

This latest news follows an October 2023 update that pertained to the transferring of credits. Per the IRS:

The Internal Revenue Service issued  proposed regulations ,  Revenue Procedure 2023-33  (PDF) and  frequently asked questions  today for the transfer of new and previously owned clean vehicle credits from the taxpayer to an eligible entity for vehicles placed in service after Dec. 31, 2023.

This “transfer” is essentially the ability of a new EV buyer to give the tax credit to the dealer selling them their shiny new EV. In exchange, the dealer can give the equivalent “in cash or in the form of a partial payment or down payment.”

However, all the same eligibility criteria still apply even with a transfer, including the buyer having a federal tax burden.

The buyer must give the dealer all their tax information, which will then be submitted to the IRS. The dealer is not required to verify the information, and therefore, the disclosure falls on the buyer. All the other previous vehicle requirements, like MSRP limits, and for the buyers, like income limit requirements, apply here.

The only requirement that this update allows you to avoid is your tax burden. If, for some reason, you can afford to buy a new car and yet you happen to have a tax burden smaller than the full amount of tax credit you are eligible for, the IRS says that it won’t “recapture” the difference.

Vehicles that qualify for federal tax credits (August 2024)

NOTE: Not every version of the models listed below will necessarily qualify. Please check with your local dealer/seller to determine the eligibility of your specific EV.

Top comment by betterbruce

Y'all keep reposting this article trying to keep up with the updates to the tax code and I appreciate the desire to be thorough and update old information but I find this format too cumbersome to be helpful. I think it would make more sense to post new articles each time such as "here are the BEVs that qualify AS OF <>".

1) It removes the need to have a section in current article about the old rules that have expired. People can refer to an old article if needed.

2) Because I know the article has been updated many times, I don't feel like I can trust any use of the word "current" in it. I see sentences that say "current" and I have to wonder if that is truly current or if it's an accidental leftover word from when the article was published months ago.

Even ignoring historical guidance, there's too much here. Fuel cell vehicles? BEVs under 7kWh or over 14k lbs? How many people are looking for those/ how useful is it to include this, particularly all lumped into a single article? Maybe that's useful detail but doesn't seem necessary for most consumers.

While I'm on that topic, you can probably split out BEV/ PHEV as separate articles too, because most people aren't cross-shopping them.

Last thought: if it is possible to make a flowchart or an "internet quiz" on whether a car qualifies, that could be very useful. "is it a BEV, PHEV, or fuel cell vehicle..." > "Does it have more than 7kWh battery?"... etc.

NOTE: Not every version of the models listed below will necessarily qualify. Please check with your local dealer/seller to determine the eligibility of your specific PHEV.

The US Department of Energy offers a VIN decoder tool to confirm where a given EV is assembled. Check it out here .

In addition to any federal credit you may or may not qualify for, there are a number of clean transportation laws, regulations, and funding opportunities available at the state level.

We’ve compiled every state rebate, tax credit, and exemption for you and sorted it by state. Whether it’s a purchase or lease of a new or used EV or the purchase and installation of an EV charger, you could get money back, depending upon where you live. Here are all those tax credits, rebates, and exemptions sorted by state.

At the federal level, the tax credits for EVs (electric cars, vans, trucks, etc) operate as money back at the end of the fiscal year you purchased or leased your vehicles based on a number of factors. The awarded credit is up to $7,500 per vehicle, but how much you may get back will depend on your annual income, whether you are filing with someone else like a spouse, and what electric vehicle you purchased. For example, if you purchased a Ford F-150 Lightning and owed $3,500 in income tax this year, then that is the federal tax credit you would receive. If you owed $10,000 in federal income tax, then you could qualify for the full $7,500 credit. It’s important to note that any unused portion of the $7,500 is not available as a refund nor as a credit for next year’s taxes. You may also be able to receive money back right away as a point-of-sale credit, but those terms probably won’t kick in until 2024 at the earliest.

As things currently stand, there is a lot up in the air right now. The first table above details all of the electric vehicles that qualify under the terms of the Inflation Reduction Act, including battery guidance. Be sure to check the date at the bottom of each table above to see when it was most recently updated.

As previously mentioned, qualifying terms for electric vehicles became more strict at the start of 2023, and EVs and their battery components must be assembled in North America to qualify. As you can see above, significantly fewer electric vehicles qualify under the new terms, but as time goes on, more and more automakers will adapt their production strategies to operate within North America and start selling vehicles that qualify. American companies like Ford , GM, and Tesla already have EVs that qualify to some extent, but others are sure to follow. We will continually update the list above as we learn more.

Excellent question. Since traditional hybrid vehicles rely primarily on combustion and do not use a plug to charge, they do not qualify for tax credits at the federal level. Credits apply to plug-in electric vehicles which include plug-in hybrid EVs and battery electric vehicles (BEVs).

Yes! Under revised terms in the Inflation Reduction Act. Used EVs will now qualify in addition to new vehicles as previously stated. As of January 1, 2023, qualifying used EVs priced below $25,000 can qualify for up to $4,000 in federal tax credits. There are some terms to note, however: – Used vehicle qualifies for tax credit only once in its lifetime. – Purchaser must be an individual (no businesses) to qualify for the used vehicle credit. – Purchaser may only claim one used vehicle credit per three years. – Used vehicle must be at least two model years old at the time of sale. – The original use of the vehicle must have occurred with an individual other than the one claiming the used tax credit. – Used vehicle must be purchased from a dealer. – Gross income cap of $75k for individuals, $112,500 for heads of households, and $150k for joint returns. – Credit may be applied at the time of sale by the dealer

Yes. Under the new terms in the Inflation Reduction Act, the MSRP of electric vehicles must be $80,000 or less for SUVs, vans, and trucks. MSRPs for all other electric vehicles must be $55,000 or less.

Modified adjusted gross income limits are $150,000 for individuals, $225,000 for heads of households, and $300,000 for joint returns. Any reported annual income below these thresholds should qualify you for some level of tax credit, as long as your new purchase is a qualifying electric vehicle.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Scooter Doll is a writer, designer and tech enthusiast born in Chicago and based on the West Coast. When he’s not offering the latest tech how tos or insights, he’s probably watching Chicago sports. Please send any tips or suggestions, or dog photos to him at [email protected]

Manage push notifications

This site uses various technologies, as described in our Privacy Policy, for personalization, measuring website use/performance, and targeted advertising, which may include storing and sharing information about your site visit with third parties. By continuing to use this website you consent to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use .

We are experiencing sporadically slow performance in our online tools, which you may notice when working in your dashboard. Our team is fully engaged and actively working to improve your online experience. If you are experiencing a connectivity issue, we recommend you try again in 10-15 minutes. We will update this space when the issue is resolved.

Enter your email to unlock an extra $25 off an SAT or ACT program!

By submitting my email address. i certify that i am 13 years of age or older, agree to recieve marketing email messages from the princeton review, and agree to terms of use., how long is the act.

Time is your enemy on the ACT, and you have to use it wisely. After all, how often do you take a test in school with a minute or less per question? Don’t panic! Get  the ACT timing tips you need to manage your pace throughout each section of the test.

How long does the ACT take?

The ACT is 3 hours long (technically 2 hours and 55 minutes). Including breaks, the exam takes 3 hours and 30 minutes to complete. If you sign up for the optional essay (the ACT Plus Writing ), the test clocks in at 3 hours and 40 minutes or just over 4 hours with breaks.

Here’s how your time is broken up by section:

How many questions are on the ACT?

The ACT has a total of 215 questions with 1 optional essay. The English section has 75 questions, the math section has 60 questions and the reading and science sections both have 40 questions.

What Time Does the ACT Start?

ACT test-takers are required to report to their test center by 8:00 am. The test begins after students are checked in and seated, usually by 8:30 am. Note that if you are taking the test on the computer, you may be taking the ACT at different times, including in the afternoon—be sure to look at your test ticket after you register for the ACT.

Finding the Right Pace for You

Your personal pacing strategy will depend on:

• your  ACT score goals
• what works best for you

See what’s working and what’s not by taking practice tests. We’ve got a free ACT practice test right here. Here are some ACT timing tips to keep in mind as you practice for your test date:

Read More: What's a Good ACT Score?

English Test

The most important thing is to finish. Try finding all the easy questions (the ones you know how to do) on the English Test first. Learn more about working questions out of order in our ACT Tips and Tricks article.

Spend more time to do fewer questions, and you’ll raise your accuracy. How do you know if you’re going too fast? Check your practice tests for careless errors on questions you should have gotten right. Get some ACT math practice here .

Reading Test

Practice extensively to find the pace that works best for you on the Reading Test . 

• Some students are slow but good readers. If you take 35 minutes to do fewer passages, you could get all of the questions right for each passage you do.
• Other students could take hours to work each passage and never get all the questions right. But if you find all the questions you can do on each passage (and guess on the rest of the questions), you could hit your target score.

Science Test

The ACT science test may have either 6 or 7 passages. Be aggressive and keep moving! Spend the time needed to ace the easiest passages first. Then move on the more difficult passages. Even on hard passages, work the the questions that look easiest first.

Read More: How to Write the ACT Essay

Writing Test (the Essay)

Outlining your essay before you write will keep you on track. Plus, organization is key to a great ACT writing score —you'll be doing yourself a big favor!

Remember, there is no guessing penalty on the ACT. Always mark an answer even if you don’t “work” the problem.

Build the right ACT prep plan for you

Our private tutors will help you build a prep plan that's customized to your score goals, study habits, and schedule.

Find a Tutor

Explore Colleges For You

Connect with our featured colleges to find schools that both match your interests and are looking for students like you.

Career Quiz

Take our short quiz to learn which is the right career for you.

Get Started on Athletic Scholarships & Recruiting!

Join athletes who were discovered, recruited & often received scholarships after connecting with NCSA's 42,000 strong network of coaches.

Best 389 Colleges

165,000 students rate everything from their professors to their campus social scene.

SAT Prep Courses

1400+ course, act prep courses, free sat practice test & events,  1-800-2review, free digital sat prep try our self-paced plus program - for free, get a 14 day trial.

Free MCAT Practice Test

I already know my score.

MCAT Self-Paced 14-Day Free Trial

Enrollment Advisor

1-800-2REVIEW (800-273-8439) ext. 1

1-877-LEARN-30

Mon-Fri 9AM-10PM ET

Sat-Sun 9AM-8PM ET

Student Support

1-800-2REVIEW (800-273-8439) ext. 2

Mon-Fri 9AM-9PM ET

Sat-Sun 8:30AM-5PM ET

Partnerships

• Teach or Tutor for Us

College Readiness

International

Advertising

Affiliate/Other

• Enrollment Terms & Conditions
• Accessibility
• Cigna Medical Transparency in Coverage

Register Book

Local Offices: Mon-Fri 9AM-6PM

• SAT Subject Tests

Academic Subjects

• Social Studies

Find the Right College

• College Rankings
• College Advice
• Applying to College
• Financial Aid

School & District Partnerships

• Professional Development
• Advice Articles
• Private Tutoring
• Mobile Apps
• International Offices
• Work for Us
• Affiliate Program
• Partner with Us
• Advertise with Us
• International Partnerships
• Our Guarantees
• Accessibility – Canada

Privacy Policy | CA Privacy Notice | Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information | Your Opt-Out Rights | Terms of Use | Site Map

©2024 TPR Education IP Holdings, LLC. All Rights Reserved. The Princeton Review is not affiliated with Princeton University

TPR Education, LLC (doing business as “The Princeton Review”) is controlled by Primavera Holdings Limited, a firm owned by Chinese nationals with a principal place of business in Hong Kong, China.

• Plan for College and Career
• Take the ACT
• School and District Assessment
• Career-Ready Solutions
• Students & Parents
• Open Search Form
• The ACT Test

• Registration *

Test Center Locator

High School Codes Lookup

• Photo Submission Requirements

Standby Testing

• Accommodations and Supports
• Free ACT Test Prep
• Official ACT Subject Guides
• The Official ACT Prep Guide
• ACT Kaplan Test Prep Suite
• Rescheduled Test Centers

Calculator Policy

• CAS Calculator FAQ
• Understanding Your Scores
• College Codes Lookup
• How to Send Scores
• Your Test Questions and Answers
• How Schools Use Scores
• ACT vs. SAT
• When to Take the ACT
• Changes to the ACT
• Online ACT Testing
• 2024-25 Test Enhancements

Other ACT Services and Products

Register for the ACT Test

Register for the ACT  |  Requirements  |  Test Dates  |  Costs  |  EOS  |  Special Circumstances

The ACT Test is Evolving

Great news: The ACT test is becoming more flexible and less time-consuming, and will offer even more choice for students to tailor their test experience!

Learn more about the enhancements and how they will set students up for success . 

Get a Registration Reminder

Registration is only open for test dates in September through February (listed below). ACT registration for the April, June, and July test dates is expected to open in early December. Be sure to sign up to be notified when registration opens to secure your spot!

Upcoming Test Dates (National)

View more information on test dates .

To Register, You Will Need About 30 Minutes and...  

Computer with internet, credit card or other payment, high school course details, headshot photo, a fresh, flexible way to take the act.

Starting February 2024, ACT will offer an online testing option at select locations nationwide. Learn more about ACT’s online national test experience .

National test dates are for the United States, US territories, and Puerto Rico.

• If you missed the regular registration deadline for a test date, you can still register by the late registration deadline for an additional fee.
• If you did not register for a test date by the late registration deadline, you may be able to request  standby testing  for an additional fee.

Deadlines occur at midnight Central Time.

If you are unable to test on a Saturday test date for religious reasons, there may be options available to you. See  Non-Saturday Testing .

All requests for Accommodations and English Learner supports , including appeals, must be submitted by the late registration deadline through the Test Accessibility and Accommodations (TAA) system.

2024 Spring and Summer National Test Dates Schedule 

*No test centers are scheduled in New York for the July test date.

Test Information Release for the 2024 testing year will occur in April and June. See www.act.org/the-act/tir for more information.

2024-2025 National Test Dates Schedule 

Test Information Release for the 2024-2025 testing year will occur in September, December, and February. See  www.act.org/the-act/tir  for more information.

Additional Information for Registration

We need your photo.

As part of your registration process and ACT test security requirements, you will be asked to provide a recent photo of yourself.

Photo requirements

Accommodations and English Learner Supports

Before you register, learn more about the process to request accommodations or English Learner (EL) supports.

Learn about making a request

When You Should Test

Consider choosing a test date at least two months ahead of the application deadlines of all the colleges and scholarship agencies you might want to apply to.

Multiple-choice scores are normally reported within 2–8 weeks after the test date. If you take the ACT with writing, scores will be reported only after all of your scores are available, including writing, normally within 5–8 weeks after the test date.

ACT Test Center Locator

Search for an ACT test center near you.

Your High School Code

You may need this code when interacting with ACT.

The ACT Writing Test

The writing test is an optional 40 minute essay that measures your skills as a writer.

Learn more about the  ACT with writing .

Parent Email Address

You may opt to send copies of important messages to a parent or guardian email address.

To learn what calculators can be used during the test, see our Calculator Policy (PDF).

Retesting Restrictions

You may not receive scores from more than one test date during a scheduled national (Saturday, non-Saturday, or rescheduled test date arranged by ACT). If you are admitted and allowed to test a second time, we will report only the scores from the first test. The second or third set of scores will be cancelled without refund.

You may not receive scores from more than one test date per state administration (initial or makeup) if your school participates in ACT State and District Testing. If you are allowed to test more than once, we will report only the scores from the first test. The second set of scores will be cancelled.

How Much Does the ACT Cost?

Learn more about fees and other services, or if you might be eligible for a fee waiver.

Saying “Yes” to EOS

Get discovered by colleges. When you register you can opt-in to ACT’s Educational Opportunity Service (EOS). EOS will connect you with colleges, universities, and financial aid institutions based on your plans and interests. Expand your vision for college and open up new ways to pay for it. 

Information on opting out of EOS.

Special Circumstances  

Registration changes.

After you register for a test event, you will be able to make changes to your record. For a small fee, you can make a test center change and a test date change (if changes are made at the same time).

Test Center Change for the same test date  - If a seat and materials are available for your test option at your new preferred test center on your preferred test date, you will be able to make a test center change.  You cannot request a test center change after the  late registration deadline . Instead, find out about requesting  standby testing .

Test Date Change  - A test date change can be used to sign up for a different test date if you are absent or unable to test on the original test date or if your registration is cancelled for failure to meet ACT's test security requirements.

Note: If you paid with an  ACT Fee Waiver , the waiver will be reapplied to your new test date, but covers only the test fee or late fee for your test option, you must still pay the change fee.

Test Option Change – Before the late registration deadline, you can add the writing option or change between paper and online testing, if a seat is available.

Missed the Test

If you miss the test for any reason, including illness, injury, being denied admission at the test center for lack of ID, or late arrival, your options are listed below.

IMPORTANT: Once you break the seal on your test booklet, you cannot later request a test date change, even if you do not complete all your tests. You must register again and pay the full fee for your test option if you want to retest.

Request and pay for a test date change

Log in to your MyACT account  and select "Make Changes to Your Registration" or call ACT Registration at  319.337.1270  by the regular deadline for the new test date. You will be charged the full fee for the new test date in addition to the test date change fee.

If you call during the late registration period, you will also be charged a late fee. In either case, your basic fee for the original test date will be refunded. (If you register for a new test date instead of making a test date change, your basic fee for the original test date will not be refunded.)

If you decide you do not want to test on another test date, your registration fee and any additional fees (such as late fee or test center change fee) are nonrefundable. If you do not test, no score reports will be sent.

Arranged Testing

ACT reviews arranged testing requests for examinees who qualify under certain conditions such as distance from test centers and confinement to correctional institutions.

Arranged Testing Policies and Procedures (PDF)

If you miss the late deadline to register for a test date, or to request a test date or test center change, you may choose to sign in to your ACT account to request and pay for standby testing. Accommodations may be available for standby testing, but seats are not guaranteed. You may contact ACT to see if there is an available seat, test materials, and staff to administer the test.

Terms and Conditions

For complete details, refer to the Terms and Conditions - English  (PDF), Spanish (PDF)

This action will open a new window. Do you want to proceed?

Welcome to ACT

If you are accessing this site from outside the United States, Puerto Rico, or U.S. Territories, please proceed to the non-U.S. version of our website.