ACT Information
By Jessica Snider
September 06, 2006
About the ACT –
What are College Entrance
Exams?
The ACT is an achievement test (measures what you know, not the
capacity for that knowledge) used nationally to determine
eligibility for entrance into most universities. The ACT
consists of five parts: English, Reading, Mathematics, Science, and
an optional Writing Test.
The SAT is an aptitude test with three parts: Verbal, Mathematics, and a mandatory Writing Test. We do not recommend the SAT unless students are sure that the schools to which they will be applying require these scores (most Midwestern schools do not).
Why should I take the ACT?
ACT scores are applicable for many different post-secondary
education options. Many technical colleges and community
colleges will accept the ACT in lieu of one of their entrance
exams; therefore, you take (and pay for) one exam instead of
many. We encourage all students to take the ACT, even those
not interested in college, and those entering the military. A
good ACT score can mean big scholarships! Scores can be used
for up to 5 years after the initial testing (in some cases
longer).
Who takes the ACT?
The ACT is usually taken in the junior year of high school, but
seniors and graduates may take the ACT, too. The ACT may be
taken as many times as necessary, so many students will take it
multiple times, especially when competing for scholarships.
(NOTE: We do not recommend the ACT to anyone below junior
year. This test measures learned knowledge, not intellect so
even very intelligent freshman and sophomores will most likely not
have learned enough to glean an accurate measurement of later ACT
performance; however, all sophomores will take the PLAN test which
does establish a projected ACT score.
How do I sign up?
Come see Mrs. Kewley about ACT registration. There is a paper
registration, or a more efficient online registration (credit card
required).
How do I know if I will need the writing
portion?
Contact the colleges you are most interested in and ask about their
testing requirements. Mrs. Kewley can help you with this!
How much does it cost?
Standard fees for the ACT are $29.00 (without the writing portion)
and $43.00 (with the writing portion. Waivers are available
and can be applied for through paper packet registration.
When and where do I take the
ACT?
There are many different test dates and sites to choose from.
Testing dates and Registration Deadlines for the 2006/2007
administration are as follows:
|
2007–2008 |
||
|
Test Date |
Registration Deadline |
|
|
September 15, 2007* |
August 10, 2007 |
August 11–24, 2007 |
|
October 27, 2007 |
September 21, 2007 |
September 22–October 5, 2007 |
|
December 8, 2007 |
November 2, 2007 |
November 3–15, 2007 |
|
February 9, 2008** |
January 4, 2008 |
January 5–18, 2008 |
|
April 12, 2008 |
March 7, 2008 |
March 8–21, 2008 |
|
June 14, 2008 |
May 9, 2008 |
May 10–23, 2008 |
