The ACT (American College Testing Assessment)

Introduction

The ACT (American College Testing Assessment) is one of the two major standardized college entrance tests taken in the United States today, (the SAT I is the other). The ACT is an all-multiple-choice test given five times a year. Standardized tests like ACT are designed to allow college admissions officers to judge all students by a common measuring stick. In addition, Admissions officers use these scores as a way to predict academic performance in the first year of college.

The ACT Assessment, tests knowledge in four subject areas: English, Reading, Math, and Science Reasoning. Unlike the SAT, the ACT is not an aptitude test. The questions on the ACT are related directly to the material students have learned in high school. The ACT includes 215 multiple-choice questions. It lasts three and a half hours (including breaks-actual testing time is two hours and 55 minutes. ACT-takers actually receive 12 separate scores on the ACT: 1 composite, 4 subject scores, and 7 sub scores. However the composite – or scaled – score is the most important. It ranges from 1-36. Nearly half of all test takers fall in the 17-23 range. On the ACT, unlike with the SAT, there is no penalty for guessing. So ACT takers should fill in an answer for every question, even if they have no idea of what the correct answer is.

 The ACT Test Structure 

 General Tips and Strategies

1.       There is no penalty for guessing, so ACT takers should fill in an answer for every question

2.       Know the directions and answer sheet ahead of time

3.       Read carefully and thoroughly. Avoid careless mistakes

4.       Answer easier questions first, and harder questions later

5.       Check answer sheet regularly

6.       Develop a strategy for guessing

Section: English

Section:  Math

 Section: Reading 

 Section: Science 

Registering for ACT

Registration for the ACT is simple and quick with their online registration form. Students can usually get an ACT test registration packet from their high school counselor. If no registration packets are available, students or counselors can write or call ACT -

http://www.actstudent.org/

There is a basic fee of $33 to register for the ACT. Additional fees may apply for phone registration for repeat test takers of $12, test date change fee of $20, late registration fee of $21, test center change fee of $20, etc. The basic fee includes having student’s scores sent to 4 colleges of their choice.

Act Test Dates and Locations

* This test date is available ONLY in Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas & Washington

** No testing in State of New York

ACT Tests are administered at high schools and test centers nationwide. Check with your high school or guidance counselor or contact ACT, Inc. for more information.