The ACT Exam 2026: A Complete Guide for Polish Students

You’ve heard of the SAT, you know the TOEFL exists, and maybe you’ve even scheduled your SAT exam. Then someone suggests: “What about the ACT?” You check it out – and discover that in the United States, there’s a second major standardized test accepted by just as many universities as the SAT. Including Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Yale, and every other Ivy League institution. And perhaps it even suits your profile better.

The ACT (American College Testing) is an exam created by ACT Inc., an organization that has served as an alternative to the SAT since 1959. In 2024, over 1.4 million students took the ACT in the United States alone – still a huge number, even though the SAT is more popular globally. The ACT differs from the SAT in several key aspects: it has four sections instead of two (including a unique Science section), it’s longer, and it uses a different scoring scale (1–36 instead of 400–1600). For some students – especially those with a strong science background and the ability to quickly interpret graphs – the ACT might be a better choice.

In this guide, we break down the ACT exam into its core components – from the structure of each section, through the scoring system, a comparison with the SAT, to registration and preparation from the perspective of a Polish high school graduate. If you’re considering studying in the USA and aren’t sure which test to choose – read our detailed SAT vs ACT comparison.

What is the ACT Exam?

The ACT (American College Testing) is a standardized exam created by ACT Inc. – an American non-profit organization based in Iowa City. The exam was created in 1959 as an alternative to the SAT and has since been one of the two main tests accepted by universities in the USA. Unlike the SAT, which focuses on reasoning skills, the ACT places greater emphasis on subject-matter knowledge – particularly in its unique Science section.

Key facts about the ACT:

• Accepted by all US universities – 100% of colleges and universities that accept the SAT also accept the ACT. There isn’t a single institution that prefers one test over the other. Harvard, Yale, Princeton, MIT, Stanford – all treat the SAT and ACT identically.
• Four sections + optional Writing – English (grammar and rhetoric), Math (broader scope than SAT), Reading (reading comprehension), Science (analysis of scientific data). The optional essay (Writing) is now required by very few universities.
• Composite score 1–36 – the final score is the arithmetic mean of the four sections, each scored on a scale of 1–36.
• Paper or computer format – unlike the SAT, which has been fully digital since 2024, the ACT is available in both formats. International test centers more often offer the paper format.

For a Polish high school graduate planning to study at American universities, the key question is: is the ACT a better choice than the SAT? The answer – as usual – is: it depends. And that’s what this article is all about.

ACT Exam Structure – Section by Section

The ACT consists of four mandatory sections and one optional section. In total, there are 215 multiple-choice questions over 2 hours and 55 minutes (without breaks). Here’s the detailed breakdown:

Section 1: English (45 minutes, 75 questions)

The English section is the longest in terms of the number of questions – and also one where Polish students can truly shine if they have a strong grasp of English grammar.

• What it tests: grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, text organization, writing style
• Format: 5 texts (passages), each with 15 questions. Questions refer to underlined portions of the text – you must decide if the portion is correct or needs correction.
• Time per question: 36 seconds – this is the fastest pace of all sections. You need to read quickly and decide instinctively.
• Two categories: Production of Writing (organization and rhetoric, ~30 questions) and Knowledge of Language + Conventions of Standard English (~45 questions on grammar and punctuation).

Advice for Polish students: The English section is very similar to the Reading & Writing section on the SAT, but with more questions and a faster pace. If you’re good with English grammar – for example, you know the rules for semicolons, comma splices, and subject-verb agreement – this section will be your strong suit.

Section 2: Math (60 minutes, 60 questions)

The Math section on the ACT is broader than on the SAT – it covers more topics, including trigonometry, which appears only marginally on the SAT.

• What it tests: algebra, geometry, trigonometry, statistics, probability, functions
• Format: 60 multiple-choice questions (5 answer choices instead of the standard 4). Questions are arranged from easiest to most difficult.
• Calculator: You can use your own calculator (but not just any – the ACT has a list of approved models). There is no built-in Desmos like on the SAT.
• Time per question: 60 seconds – this is more than for English, but ACT Math can be challenging, especially questions 50–60.

Key difference vs SAT: ACT Math includes trigonometry (sines, cosines, trigonometric identities) and more geometry. For a Polish student who has covered these topics in high school, this can be an advantage – the Polish math curriculum is strong in these areas. On the other hand, ACT Math has questions with 5 answer choices (instead of 4 on the SAT), which makes elimination more difficult.

Section 3: Reading (35 minutes, 40 questions)

The Reading section is classic reading comprehension – and also the section that many Polish students find the most challenging.

• What it tests: reading comprehension, argumentation analysis, inference, comparing perspectives
• Format: 4 texts (prose fiction/literary narrative, social science, humanities, natural science), each with 10 questions.
• Time per text: ~8 minutes and 45 seconds per text (including answering questions). This is a very fast pace.
• No dictionary: There’s no assistance – you need C1 level vocabulary.

Challenge for Poles: 35 minutes for 4 longer texts is a race against time. On the SAT, texts are shorter (each question has its own brief passage), while on the ACT, you read an entire long text and then answer 10 questions from memory/scanning. This requires a different strategy – you need to read very quickly and strategically.

Section 4: Science (35 minutes, 40 questions)

This is the unique ACT section that is not found on the SAT. And despite its name – it doesn’t test scientific knowledge. It tests the ability to read and interpret scientific data: graphs, tables, and experimental results.

• What it tests: data interpretation, experiment evaluation, scientific conflict analysis
• Format: 6–7 sets (passages) with graphs, tables, and descriptions of experiments, totaling 40 questions.
• Time per question: ~52 seconds.
• Three types of tasks: Data Representation (graphs and tables), Research Summaries (descriptions of experiments), Conflicting Viewpoints (opposing scientific hypotheses).

Do you need scientific knowledge? Minimal. Most questions can be answered solely based on the data presented in the problem. However, some basic concepts from biology, chemistry, and physics (e.g., pH, velocity, pressure) help in understanding the context. Polish students with an advanced Matura (Polish high school leaving exam) in biology, chemistry, or physics have a natural advantage here.

Optional Writing (40 minutes, 1 essay)

The ACT Writing is an optional argumentative essay. Since 2020, fewer and fewer universities require it, and many have completely dropped this requirement.

• Format: You are given a topic with three perspectives. You must present your own stance, refer to the given perspectives, and argue your position.
• Time: 40 minutes.
• Scoring: Scale of 2–12 (sum of two scores of 1–6). The Writing score does not affect the 1–36 composite score.

Our advice: Unless a specific university you’re applying to explicitly requires ACT Writing – don’t take it. You’ll save time and money. Check university requirements before registering.

ACT Scoring System – How Does the Composite Score Work?

The ACT scoring system is simple and transparent:

1. Raw score: You count the correct answers in each section (there’s no penalty for incorrect answers – always guess!).
2. Scaled score: The raw score is converted to a 1–36 scale for each section. The conversion changes slightly between exam dates.
3. Composite score: The arithmetic mean of the four scaled scores, rounded to the nearest whole number. For example: English 30 + Math 34 + Reading 28 + Science 32 = 124 / 4 = 31 composite.

What do the scores mean?

Superscoring on the ACT

Superscoring means that a university takes the best score from each section across all your ACT attempts and calculates a new composite score. For example:

• Attempt 1: English 30, Math 32, Reading 26, Science 28 = Composite 29
• Attempt 2: English 28, Math 30, Reading 31, Science 30 = Composite 30
• Superscore: English 30, Math 32, Reading 31, Science 30 = Composite 31

More and more universities are superscoring the ACT – including many Ivy League institutions. Check each university’s policy individually. Superscoring is a strong argument for taking the ACT more than once.

ACT vs SAT – A Comparison for Polish Students

This question comes up at every meeting with parents and students at College Council. Here’s a detailed comparison:

Converting ACT Scores to SAT Scores

Approximate conversion (based on official concordance tables):

When Might the ACT Be a Better Choice Than the SAT?

For most Polish students, the SAT is a better choice – primarily due to logistical reasons (more test centers in Poland, lower cost, broader acceptance in Europe). But there are situations where the ACT might give you an advantage:

1. You are strong in the sciences and can quickly interpret graphs. The Science section accounts for 25% of your ACT score. If you can quickly interpret data from graphs, tables, and experiment descriptions – you have a natural advantage. On the SAT, this skill is tested only marginally (a few questions in R&W).

2. You prefer a fast pace and more questions. The ACT has 215 questions in 2h 55min. The SAT has 98 questions in 2h 14min. Some students feel more comfortable when they have to answer many questions quickly, rather than having more time to think about each question.

3. Your math background includes trigonometry. ACT Math requires a good understanding of trigonometry – sines, cosines, tangents, their graphs, trigonometric identities (Pythagorean, sum and difference of angles), radians. These are 3–5 questions on the exam that can make a difference. If you’ve covered trigonometry in high school (which applies to most Polish students), you have an advantage.

4. You prefer a non-adaptive format. The SAT is adaptive – the difficulty of the second module depends on your performance in the first. The ACT is linear – all questions are predetermined. Some students feel more comfortable knowing what to expect.

5. You are applying only to the USA. If your university list consists exclusively of American institutions, the ACT and SAT are accepted identically. If you also plan to study in Europe – the SAT has broader acceptance at European universities (e.g., Bocconi, IE University, Dutch universities).

Score Requirements for Top Universities

How many ACT points do you need to be a competitive applicant at top universities? Here are the median scores of admitted students (Class of 2029, data from 2025):

For Ivy League and comparable universities, you’ll need 34–36. But remember – just as with the SAT, your test score is only one component of your application. Essays, extracurricular activities, recommendations, and GPA are equally (or more) important.

ACT Registration – How to Register from Poland?

ACT registration takes place online at act.org. The process for international applicants is slightly more complex than for SAT registration:

Step-by-step:

1. Create an account on act.org – provide personal data, email address, contact information.
2. Choose an exam date – the ACT is offered several times a year (September, October, December, February, April, June, July). Note: Not all dates are available for international applicants.
3. Select a test center – and this is where the problem begins for Polish students. ACT centers in Poland are very limited. Often, you’ll need to travel to another city, and for some dates, the only available centers might be outside Poland (Berlin, Prague, Vienna). Check center availability at act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/registration.html
4. Decide whether to take the Writing section – add the Writing option (+$25) if your university requires it.
5. Pay the fee – ACT without Writing: $175 (international). ACT with Writing: $200. Additional score reports: $18 each.

ACT Exam Dates 2025/2026 (International)

Important: Exact registration dates change annually. Check current dates on the act.org website. Register as early as possible – international centers have a limited number of spots and fill up quickly.

ACT Costs – How Much Will You Pay?

For comparison, the SAT costs $107 ($64 + $43 international fee) – almost half the price. This is a significant difference, especially if you plan to take the test more than once.

How to Prepare for the ACT from Poland?

Preparing for the ACT has a lot in common with preparing for the SAT, but there are key differences you need to consider:

1. Start with a diagnostic test

Take a full ACT practice test under exam conditions (2h 55min, no breaks). You can find official practice tests on act.org – ACT provides several tests for free. Check which section you’re losing the most points in.

2. Master the Science section

This is a section you haven’t practiced for the SAT or in school (in this format). Key skills:

• Quickly interpreting graphs – trends, correlations, maximum/minimum values.
• Comparing two experiments – what changed, what effect a variable has.
• Conflicting viewpoints – understanding two hypotheses and finding differences.
• Practice 20 minutes daily on Science problems. The more you practice, the faster you’ll interpret graphs.

3. Trigonometry – Review

If you’ve already covered trigonometry in high school – excellent. If not – you need to master: sin, cos, tan, their graphs, trigonometric identities (Pythagorean, sum and difference of angles), radians. These are 3–5 questions on the exam that can make a difference.

4. Train for speed

The ACT is a speed test. You need to answer questions at a pace of:

• English: 36 sec/question
• Math: 60 sec/question
• Reading: 52 sec/question
• Science: 52 sec/question

Practice with a timer. If you’re not finishing sections on time – you have a pacing problem, not a knowledge problem.

5. Use good materials

Official: ACT Official Guide (the “Red Book”) – several full practice tests. These are the best available materials.

Online: ACT Academy (act.org) – a free preparation platform from the test creators. Khan Academy (which is an SAT partner, but not for ACT) offers general math lessons that can also help with the ACT.

Prepclass.io: If you need a structured prep course with a tutor, check out Prepclass.io – the platform offers preparation for both the SAT and ACT.

6. Take the test more than once

No penalty for multiple attempts + superscoring = the strategy is simple. Plan for a minimum of 2 ACT attempts, with a 2–3 month break to improve weak areas. The first attempt is diagnostic; the second – a targeted attack on weak sections.

Which Universities “Prefer” ACT vs SAT?

Short answer: no university prefers the ACT over the SAT or vice versa. All accept both tests identically. College Board and ACT Inc. have jointly developed official concordance tables so that universities can compare scores.

There is a certain geographical pattern in the USA:

• South and Midwest (Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, Alabama, Mississippi) – the ACT is more popular. In some states, the ACT is mandatory in high school.
• East and West Coasts (New York, Massachusetts, California) – the SAT is more popular.

But this applies to American students. For a Polish high school graduate, this doesn’t matter – universities will evaluate your score the same way, regardless of whether you chose the SAT or ACT.

Important note about European universities: If you are simultaneously applying to universities in Europe, remember that the SAT has broader acceptance at European universities than the ACT. Bocconi in Italy requires the SAT – but not the ACT. Many Dutch and Scandinavian universities are also more familiar with the SAT than the ACT. If your list includes both the USA and Europe – the SAT is a safer choice.

ACT and Other Exams – The Full Testing Picture

When planning to study abroad, you’ll need not only a standardized test (ACT/SAT) but also a language certificate. Here’s the full map of exams:

• ACT or SAT – a standardized test required by universities in the USA. One of the two – not both.
• TOEFL or IELTS – an English language proficiency certificate. Required by American and European universities for applicants whose native language is not English. A comparison of both tests can be found in our TOEFL vs IELTS article.
• AP Exams – additional exams in specific subjects (AP guide). Optional, but strengthening your application.
• Subject-specific exams – if the university requires additional proof of competence in specific fields.

If you need help planning your exam schedule – contact us. College Council will help you develop a strategy for which tests to take and when.

Common Mistakes Polish Students Make on the ACT

Based on years of experience with Polish applicants – here are the mistakes you need to avoid:

1. Reading too slowly in the Reading section. 35 minutes for 4 texts is a brutally fast pace. Polish students tend to read every word carefully – on ACT Reading, you don’t have time for that. Read strategically: first and last sentences of paragraphs, look for keywords from the questions.

2. Panicking in the Science section. The Science section looks intimidating at first glance – many graphs, much data, many scientific terms. But most questions only require reading values from a graph or table. Don’t read every experiment description from cover to cover – go straight to the questions and refer back to the text for specific data.

3. Not practicing with a timer. The ACT is a speed test. If you practice questions without a time limit, you’re not preparing realistically. Every practice session should be timed.

4. Ignoring international logistics. Registering in advance, checking test center availability in Poland (or the need to travel abroad), printing your confirmation letter – these details can trip you up if you leave them until the last minute.

5. Choosing the ACT over the SAT without a clear reason. Some students choose the ACT because it “seems different” or “might be easier.” This is a poor strategy. Choose the ACT only if you have specific reasons (strong in sciences, fast pace, trigonometry). Otherwise, the SAT is a better choice for a Polish student due to availability and cost.

College Council – Your Partner in ACT Preparation

Preparing for the ACT requires systematic effort and a well-planned strategy. At College Council, we have been helping Polish high school graduates for years – both with SAT preparation and ACT preparation.

Our support includes:

• Diagnostic test – SAT vs ACT: which test better suits your profile?
• Individual preparation plan – tailored to your level, timeline, and target universities.
• Tutoring with experienced tutors – practice for each section, time management strategies, error analysis.
• Preparation on Prepclass.io – our platform for test preparation with tutors.
• Comprehensive application support – the ACT is just one element. We also help with Common App essays, the application process, and study costs.

Contact us to schedule a free consultation. We’ll help you decide if the ACT is the right test for you – and how to prepare for it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Summary – The ACT is a Solid Alternative, But Not for Everyone

The ACT exam is a full-fledged alternative to the SAT – accepted by every university in the USA, with its own scoring system and a unique Science section. For students with a strong science background, good trigonometry skills, and the ability to quickly interpret graphs, the ACT might be a better choice than the SAT.

But be honest with yourself. If you don’t have a specific reason to choose the ACT – the SAT is a simpler choice for a Polish high school graduate: cheaper, more readily available in Poland, more widely accepted in Europe, and fully digital. Take practice tests for both exams and compare your scores. This is the only sure way to make the right decision.

Next Steps

1. Take practice tests – one ACT and one SAT under exam conditions. Compare your scores (use concordance tables).
2. Decide which test – based on your scores, strengths, and university list.
3. Plan your preparation – at least 3 months before your planned exam date.
4. Check center availability – on act.org, especially if you plan to take the ACT from Poland.
5. Practice daily – 30–60 minutes, with a particular focus on the Science section and pacing.
6. Consult with College Council – contact us to discuss your testing strategy.

Read Also

• The SAT Exam 2026 – A Complete Guide – format, sections, preparation, strategies
• Good SAT Score – Analysis – what specific scores mean and how to interpret them
• The US University Application Process – a complete step-by-step guide
• Common App – A Guide – how to complete your application for American universities
• How Much Does it Cost to Study in the USA? – tuition, accommodation costs, scholarships