What does ACT test stand for?

I've been researching standardized tests and came across the ACT. What does ACT actually stand for and what kind of test is it?

ACT originally stood for American College Testing, but now it's commonly referred to simply as the ACT. The ACT is a standardized test utilized by many colleges and universities across the United States as part of their admissions process. The exam consists of four mandatory sections: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science. Each section is scored on a scale of 1 to 36, and the composite score is the average of these four section scores, also ranging from 1 to 36.

In addition to the mandatory sections, there is an optional Writing section, which is scored separately on a scale of 2 to 12. Some institutions might require the Writing section, while others may not; it's essential to research the specific requirements of the colleges you're interested in applying to.

In general, the ACT aims to test a student's overall knowledge and critical thinking abilities in the respective subjects, helping colleges assess a student's readiness for college-level coursework. It is one of the two most popular standardized tests for college admissions in the U.S., with the other being the SAT. Many students take both tests and submit their best scores, depending on the colleges they plan to apply to and their test-taking strengths.