American College Testing Assessment: a set of four multiple-choice academic college tests (English, mathematics, reading, science) administered nationwide five times yearly; an optional, supplemental essay writing test may also be given. The assessment consists of 215 total questions intended to evaluate the participant’s overall academic achievement and mastery of the basic skills required for satisfactory performance in college, rather than the person’s aptitude or intelligence. The ACT Assessment is one of four major components of the American College Testing Program (ACTP), a system for gathering data about students and providing it to designated educational institutions.