The Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) – formerly known as the Scholastic Aptitude Test – is another standard college entrance exam. However, not all test centers offer the same dates, so your student will need to see what is available locally well in advance to make sure they can get their scores back in time. The ACT is available nationally in September, October, December, February, April, June, and July.
But, if a senior waits too long, they might not get their scores back in time to meet college application deadlines, so it’s important to keep that in mind when choosing test dates. Younger students are allowed to take the ACT, and seniors can take the exam beyond the fall semester of their last year in high school. However, that doesn’t mean your student can only participate at those times. By taking the ACT as a junior the first time, your student has time to participate again if they aren’t thrilled with their exam score or feel they can do better. Most students take the ACT during the spring of their junior year in high school and the fall of their senior year in high school. It is not factored into the composite ACT score. If your student takes part in the writing section, they will receive a separate 1 to 36 score for that segment. The four main section scores are averaged to create your student’s composite ACT score. How is the ACT Scored?Įvery portion of the ACT is scored using a 1 to 36 point scale, with 36 being the highest score possible in a section. The ACT is either 2 hours and 55 minutes long, or 3 hours and 35 minutes long, depending on whether your student decides to take part in the essay portion. Some colleges request writing section scores from applicants, and may not consider students who don’t have one to submit. While the ACT writing test isn’t required to participate in the rest of the exam, that doesn’t mean your student shouldn’t take it.
It allows colleges to learn more about your student’s writing abilities. If your student chooses, they can participate in an optional essay section. The ACT has four main sections and one optional section. Since the ACT is standardized, colleges can use it to see how students measure up against each other when deciding who to admit. Colleges and universities review the test scores of students to determine if they have sufficient knowledge to do well in school.Īdditionally, it serves as a comparison point between different applicants. The American College Testing (ACT) college readiness assessment is an entrance exam.