The ACT is a globally recognised standardised test for university admissions in the United States and beyond. Even prestigious Hong Kong institutions such as the University of Hong Kong and the Chinese University of Hong Kong accept ACT scores as part of their admissions process.
Designed to measure academic readiness for higher education, the ACT includes compulsory English, Mathematics, and Reading sections, plus optional Science and Writing components. Many high-achieving students sit the ACT in addition to school examinations, with competitive applicants to Ivy League universities typically scoring around 34 out of 36.
Source: ACT Test
A Brief History of the ACT
Since its launch 65 years ago, the ACT has undergone several revisions, most notably a major update in 2016. Initially created 33 years after the SAT, the ACT overtook it in popularity in 2016, with 2.1 million test-takers compared to the SAT’s 1.7 million.
A common misconception is that US universities prefer the SAT over the ACT. In reality, nearly every college accepts either test.
SAT vs ACT: What’s Changed Recently?
In recent years, both the SAT and the ACT have undergone significant updates to improve the test-taking experience. The SAT became shorter and more adaptive in 2024, while the ACT followed with its own streamlined Enhanced ACT in 2025. The table below summarises the key differences between the two formats.
| Feature | SAT (2024 format) | Enhanced ACT (2025 format) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Questions | 98 | 131 (core) / 171 (with optional Science) |
| Test Duration | 2 hrs 30 mins | 2 hrs 5 mins (core) / 2 hrs 45 mins (with optional Science) |
| Sections | Reading & Writing, Maths | English, Maths, Reading (core) + optional Science & Writing |
| Science Section | Not included | Optional |
| Adaptivity | Adaptive by section | Non-adaptive (linear format) |
| Typical Style | More reasoning-based | More direct and content-focused |
| Maths Time per Question | ~1 min 35 sec | ~1 min 6 sec |
Taking the ACT in Hong Kong
The ACT is offered in Hong Kong five to six times a year, usually in the autumn and winter months. Candidates register via the official ACT website:
- Core test – USD 68
- Optional Science or Writing – additional fee
Popular test venues include the HKEAA San Po Kong Centre and AsiaWorld-Expo. Scores are typically available online within five working days.
Key Points About the Enhanced ACT
The final paper-based ACT will be held in September; after that, most students will take the online version. The shorter format aims to make the test less exhausting.
Many past candidates found the Science section challenging due to its data-driven format. In the new ACT, Science is optional, giving students greater flexibility.
Unlike the digital SAT, the new ACT is not adaptive, maintaining the familiar linear format.
Source: iStock
ACT Format Changes – Old vs New
The Enhanced ACT introduces a leaner format with fewer questions and slightly longer time per question in certain sections. The Science section is now optional, allowing students to tailor their test to their strengths. The table below compares the old and new formats at a glance.
| Section | Old ACT | Old ACT |
|---|---|---|
| English | 75 Q – 45 mins | 50 Q – 35 mins |
| Mathematics | 60 Q – 60 mins | 45 Q – 50 mins |
| Reading | 40 Q – 35 mins | 36 Q – 40 mins |
| Science | 40 Q – 35 mins (compulsory) | Optional – 40 Q – 40 mins |
| Total (core) | 215 Q – 2 hrs 55 mins | 131 Q – 2 hrs 5 mins |
| Total (with Science) | N/A – Science compulsory | 171 Q – 2 hrs 45 mins |
Key changes:
- Questions reduced from 215 to 171 (with Science) or 131 (core only)
- More time per question in Maths: from 1 min to ~1 min 6 sec
- Maths answer choices reduced from five to four, matching other sections
Why Choose the ACT?
While the ACT includes more questions than the SAT, its style is often more straightforward. It particularly benefits students with strong maths skills, as it covers a broader range of topics.
Advantages include:
- Linear format for easier test navigation
- Abundant past papers and practice materials
- Question style largely unchanged over the years
Preparation tips:
- Review mathematics content from Year 9 onwards
- Master English grammar and punctuation rules.
- Use official ACT practice tests to build familiarity.
- Practise pacing strategies to balance accuracy and speed
In 2024, only 0.07% of SAT candidates and 0.22% of ACT candidates achieved perfect scores — reinforcing the importance of both skill and strategy.
Source: Shutterstock
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