What is PreACT? Exam Format, Benefits & Tips

ACT

Priya
Priya Garg
Study Abroad Expert
Updated on Nov 30, 2025 16:41 IST

PreACT Exam is the ultimate risk-free 'test prep' for college admissions. The exam is designed for 10th graders, this shorter, lower-stakes version of the ACT simulates the real exam experience without the pressure. It give you a score between 1-35. The exam highlights exactly which subjects you need to study and what is your weak section. It also matches your skills to potential careers all while keeping your results 100% private from colleges.

PreACT Exam

Let’s be honest. Big tests like the ACT are scary. You have to sit still for hours. This test is important as the score helps decide which college you go to.

But what if you could take a practice run first?

That is what the PreACT is. It is a "mock test" for 10th graders who want to take ACT exam in future. It looks like the real thing, but with zero risk. Colleges never see your score. It is just for you.

PreACT is like a flight simulator. You get to fly the plane, do the loops, and even crash a few times all without getting hurt. PreACT does the same by helping you to prepare for your ACT exam. If you are in 10th class or a parent this guide is your secret weapon.

Table of contents
  • What is PreACT?
  • Why Class 10th Student Should Take PreACT Exam?
  • What is PreACT Exam Format?
  • PreACT vs. The Real ACT: What's the Difference?
  • Quick Tips for PreACT Exam Day

What is PreACT?

  • What is it? A practice version of the ACT designed for 10th graders and usually conducted by schools.

  • Does it count? No. Colleges never see this score.

  • Who takes it? Mostly Class10 students.

  • Duration: Approx. 2 hours and 10 minutes.

  • Scoring Scale: 1-35 (The real ACT exam is 1-36).

Why Class 10th Student Should Take PreACT Exam?

You might think "Why take a test if I don't have to?" Here are three simple reasons:

1. Predicts Your Future The PreACT uses same scoreboard as the real ACT and score you between 1 to 35.

  • How it helps: If you score a 24 on the PreACT, you can be 90% sure you would get a 24 on the real ACT if you took it today. It tells you exactly where you stand.

2. Helps you Finds Your Weak Spots Most tests just give you a grade like a B+. The PreACT gives you a full report.

  • How it helps: It won't just say "You are bad at Math." It will tell you, "You are good at Geometry, but you missed questions on Algebra." Now you know exactly what to study and prepare.

3. Helps You Pick a Job The test asks you questions about what you like to do. Then, it suggests careers that match your personality.

What is PreACT Exam Format?

Don't panic. It covers same four subjects that you study in school. Here is the breakdown:

  • English: The "Grammar" section. You fix commas, punctuation, and sentence flow.

  • Math: Pre Algebra, Algebra, and Geometry.

    • Pro Tip: Just like SAT exam you can use a calculator for entire math section!

  • Reading: A speed game. Can you read a short story fast and find specific details?

  • Science: This isn't real science Biology or Chemistry. It is a logic test. You look at graphs and charts from experiments and describe what happened.

 PreACT vs. The Real ACT: What's the Difference?

Feature PreACT The Real ACT
Purpose Practice & Diagnostic College Admissions
Length ~2 Hours ~3 Hours
Scoring 1-35 1-36
Where to take At School (usually) Official Test Center
Difficulty Medium Hard

Quick Tips for PreACT Exam Day

  1. Guessing is Good! Never leave a blank answer. You do not lose points for being wrong. If you run out of time, just pick a letter (like "C") and fill in the rest of the bubbles.

  2. Watch the Clock The test moves fast. If a question is too hard, skip it. Don't waste 5 minutes on one hard question when you could answer three easy ones.

  3. Try Your Best Even though colleges don't see this score, you should try hard. If you don't try, the results won't tell you what you really need to work on.

Q:   Is there a negative marking in the ACT exam?
A:

No, there is no penalty for a wrong guess in the ACT exam and test takers should aim to answer as many questions as possible within the given time frame. 

Q:   What is the scoring scale of the ACT exam?
A:

ACT composite score ranges from 1 to 36. This score is average of your four main section scores: English, Math, Reading, and Science. Individual section scores also range from 1 to 36.

Q:   Waht's going to change in the ACT test format in 2025?
A:

The test is getting shorter. It will be about 2 hours long. The big change is that the Science section will be optional now. You can skip it if you want. The reading passages will be shorter too. It is meant to be less tiring. The digital format is also taking over.

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Written by
Priya Garg
Study Abroad Expert
Priya Garg is an experienced content writer and editor. With her rich experience in content writing, teaching and research & analysis, Priya believes in providing only the correct information which is also up-to-dat Read Full Bio
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