ACT Information
The ACT (and the SAT Tests) are standardized exams that are often used by colleges in the US. The ACT assesses a student's college readiness in four subject areas: English, Mathematics, Reading and Science. The ACT includes 215 multiple-choice questions and actual testing time is 2 hours and 55 minutes (plus 40 minutes if you are taking the optional ACT with writing).
ACT TIPS + STRATEGIES
What are the ACT testing options?
Beginning with the September 2020 National ACT Test Date, students will be able to choose from 3 different testing options:
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Full ACT Test (English, Math, Reading, Science)
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Full ACT Test (English, Math, Reading, Science) plus the writing section
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Section Retest – This allows students to retake one or more specific sections of the ACT. The section retests will only be offered online on National ACT Test Dates. It’s important for students to know that you must take one full ACT test (either through national, state, or district ACT Testing) before you can take any section retests. Students can take up to 3 section tests on the same test day.
Students will also be able to choose to take the ACT test online or with paper. Multiple-choice scores and the ACT composite score will begin to be reported as soon as two business days after the test date. The online testing option will only be available at designated testing centers.
How are my scores reported?
You will be able to send either a full ACT score report or superscore to colleges and universities. The Superscore is a recalculation of the average of the four best subject scores across multiple ACT tests and ACT Section Retests. Colleges and universities will determine their own policies regarding use of single-test or superscore composite for admissions and scholarship purposes.
How are my results used?
ACT results may be used for:
When should I take the ACT?
There are advantages, to testing in your junior year, as listed on ACT's website:
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You've probably completed the coursework corresponding to the test material.
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You'll have your test scores and other information in time to help you plan your senior year. (For example, you may decide to take an additional class in an area in which your test score was low.)
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Colleges will know of your interests and have your scores in time to contact you during the summer before your senior year, when many of them are sending information about admissions, course placement, scholarships, and special programs to prospective students.
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You'll have information about yourself and the schools you're considering prior to your campus visits, making your visits more focused.
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You'll have the opportunity to retest if you feel your scores don't accurately reflect your abilities in the areas tested.
How do I prepare for the ACT?
The best way to prepare for the ACT is by taking challenging courses in high school. ACT offers ACT Academy™ which is a free online tool and test prep program designed to help you get the best score possible on the ACT test. You can also find numerous test prep resources at ACT's website here.
Get2College also offers free ACT prep workshops in our centers.
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