What's the Deal with the ACT Science Section?

The most misunderstood section of any major standardized test is the ACT’s science section. Most people assume the ACT science section tests students on what they’ve learned in biology, chemistry, physics, etc. However, that is NOT the case. This article explains what students will find on the ACT science section.

Analyzing Charts and Graphs

Rather than testing science knowledge, the ACT science section primarily tests students’ abilities to analyze charts and graphs. It challenges students to use reasoning skills to efficiently interpret data and understand trends. The data is always presented through the lens of science, but actual science knowledge is rarely required: less than 10% of questions require any science knowledge at all, and the knowledge they test is usually limited to the elementary or middle school level.

Working Quickly

The most difficult aspect of the science section is completing the entire section within the strict time limit. Students have only 35 minutes to answer 40 questions. Many of the strategies we help students implement on the science section are tailored towards increasing their speed and efficiency.

Initially Overwhelming

The first time that students attempt the ACT science section, they are often overwhelmed. The science section comes at the end of a long test. It is like nothing they’ve seen before on a standardized test (unless they took the PreACT). It contains what appears to be advanced and complex science passages. It requires incredibly quick work, and it’s virtually impossible for a student to read and understand everything in the section and still finish within the time limit.

It’s important for students to bear in mind that nearly every student feels this way at first. After learning and practicing strategies and gaining comfort with the structure and pacing of the science section, students often show drastic improvement.