The ACT (American College Testing) is a standardized test used for college admissions in the United States. It assesses students' skills in English, mathematics, reading, and science, with an optional writing section. The test is scored on a scale of 1 to 36, with the composite score being the average of the four sections. The ACT is widely accepted by U.S. colleges and universities and is an alternative to the SAT. It is designed to measure academic readiness for college and includes a science section, making it a preferred choice for some students.