Facts about the ACT Exam

How can I take the ACT?

Students can register for the ACT by visiting the ACT website. There you will be given a test date, testing location and start time. You will be required to pay a registration fee when you sign up for the exam. Registration fees are currently $30 – $45, and this price includes the cost of having your scores sent to four colleges or universities of your choice.

Taking the ACT can be a valuable experience for students planning to continue on to college. While the thought of one more exam may seem frustrating at first, the value of the ACT should not be dismissed. With a solid ACT score and a good high school academic history you can face the college admissions boards secure in the knowledge that you are a good fit for their institution.

What does my ACT score mean?

The highest achievable score on the ACT is 36. A students score is determined by awarding points for all questions answered correctly. No points are deducted for wrong answers. Each section of the ACT is graded separately, and these scores are averaged to create a composite score for the entire exam. This is your final score, and it is this score that provides college admissions boards with an accurate measure of your skills in the various areas that have been tested.

How does the ACT benefit me?

The ACT can benefit students in several ways. First and foremost, a good score will give you a greater chance of being accepted to the college of your choice. Your final ACT score also gives you a good idea of your academic standing, which can be extremely helpful when planning your educational path. Your ACT score will highlight areas in which you may need to improve, and you can plan accordingly by enrolling in any necessary review courses.

The ACT also offers students an “interest inventory” feature. This feature compares your final test scores against accepted national averages and helps you to determine what careers are best suited to you.