Careers

Home

My Account

Find Jobs

Post Resume

Services

For Employers >

Services  |  Career Dev  |  MyW2 Not Logged In [Login]

Career Development

Learn about the ACT

What is the ACT and how is it structured? The ACT Assessment, commonly referred to as the ACT, is a standardized, multiple-choice, college admission exam. It is accepted for admission by virtually all of the colleges and universities in the U.S., including all of the Ivy League schools. ACT scores are also frequently used for course placement and scholarship eligibility. The test is administered six times per year. The ACT takes approximately three and a half hours to complete, including breaks. Actual testing time is two hours and 55 minutes. There are four sections: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science Reasoning. How is the ACT scored? You will receive four scores on the ACT, one for each section. Each section is scored on a scale of 1 to 36 points. You will also receive a composite score which is the average of the four scores. The national average composite score is about 21. How important are my ACT scores? The weight placed on ACT scores varies from school to school. Other important factors that schools consider in their admissions decisions are your high school GPA and academic transcript, letters of recommendation, interviews, and personal essays. In addition, virtually all U.S. colleges and universities will accept SAT scores in lieu of ACT scores. Click here for more information about the SAT. For more specific information on the importance of ACT scores at the schools to which you are applying, contact the admissions offices at those schools. Can I cancel my scores? No. However, you may retake the ACT as many times as you wish, and your scores from each test date are reported separately. Therefore, when you have your ACT scores sent to colleges, you can elect to send only the scores from your most successful test date(s). When should I take the ACT? The ACT is offered nationally every year in October, December, February, April, and June (see the table below for upcoming test dates and registration deadlines). In select states it is also given in September. Students have traditionally taken the ACT in the spring of their junior year and, if necessary, again in the fall of their senior year. However, more and more students are choosing to take their first ACT earlier, such as during the fall of their junior year. This gives them more flexibility to retake the ACT one or more times, or to take the SAT or SAT IIs. How do I register for the ACT? Registration deadlines fall approximately five weeks before each test date. You can get registration materials from your school's guidance counselor, or call ACT, Inc. at 319-337-1270 and they'll send you a registration packet free of charge. You can also register online at www.act.org. How do I enroll in Princeton Review's ACT course at a discount? To register for a course, call 800-2Review or visit PrincetonReview.com and provide this unique promo code to receive a $75.00 discount: NAMBWA