ACT Test

If you’re beginning the college application process, you’ve probably spent some time debating the merits of the ACT test versus the SAT assessment. While both standardized tests have some similarities, the ACT has remained most popular among Midwestern and Southern colleges and universities. However, most postsecondary educational institutions will accept the results of either test.

The ACT test covers four key subject areas: English, reading, math, and science. It contains a total of 215 questions and takes approximately four hours to complete. The ACT’s 30 minute writing section is optional.

Contrary to popular belief, the ACT is not an aptitude test or IQ test. The questions are based on what is taught in a typical high school curriculum. If you’re a conscientious student who has done well in your previous courses, there’s no reason to believe you won’t do well on the ACT.

In most cases, the ACT test is given in October, December, February, April, and June. However, some states also offer testing during one day in late September. Students who are unable to afford the registration costs may apply for a fee waiver.

The ACT is administered by the independent, non-profit organization of the same name. Formally known as American College Testing, ACT provides assessment and program management services to educational institutions and workforce development companies. ACT has offices throughout the United States, with the national headquarters in Iowa City, IA. Although ACT maintains an informational website for student test-takers, the company itself does not provide formal test preparation services.

Kaplan is one of the many companies that offers ACT study courses for high school students seeking to improve their scores. Kaplan Test Prep options include classroom courses, online instruction, private tutoring, books, and software. Kaplan also offers a money-back higher score guarantee.

Sylvan Learning Center is another extremely popular ACT preparation service. Sylvan courses teach students how to break down difficult questions into easy-to-understand problems as well as when to guess or leave questions blank.

While the ACT is truly just one exam, the results are an important part of the college application process. They are used to factor into admissions decisions, place students in the appropriate freshman courses, and develop academic advising plans. If you plan to apply for financial aid, your ACT test score will also help determine which scholarships you are eligible to receive.

A perfect ACT test score is a 36. About 1 in 6,000 students who take the test will receive a perfect score. In 2005, the mean score for all high school students in the United States was 20.9.

If you take the ACT and are unhappy with your score, you may choose to take the test again. In fact, many students take the test once during their junior year and once during their senior year. Of those who take the test more than once, 55% succeed in increasing their composite score after the second exam.

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