| Many future college students understand they will | | | | distraction or problem on the test date, then |
| need to take the ACT to gain admission to college | | | | retesting after these have been resolved can be |
| but are left with many questions about it. | | | | beneficial. Similarly, if additional study or practice is |
| One of the top questions is about the difference | | | | expected to raise scores, then retesting can also be |
| between the ACT and SAT. The ACT is an | | | | a good idea. ACT research shows that of the |
| achievement test that measures what a student has | | | | students who took the ACT more than once 55% |
| learned in school. The SAT is an aptitude test that | | | | increased their composite score; however 23% |
| tests reasoning and verbal abilities. The ACT has up | | | | decreased their composite score. So obviously simply |
| to 5 components including English, Mathematics, | | | | retesting is a bit of a gamble. |
| Reading, Science, and an optional Writing Test. The | | | | Once the actual test is over, then most students |
| SAT has three components: Verbal, Mathematics, and | | | | would want to know when they can view their |
| a required Writing Test. | | | | scores. ACT scores can be viewed online. During the |
| Many students also want to know when they should | | | | early viewing period, normally for about two weeks |
| take the ACT. Students should test at least two | | | | after scores are first available to view, an $8 fee will |
| months ahead of the application deadlines of all the | | | | apply. The official score report will arrive by mail. |
| colleges and scholarship agencies where they intend | | | | Once students have their scores in hand, their |
| to apply. It typically takes four to eight weeks after | | | | question is what does the score mean. The highest |
| a test date to receive score reports. However, there | | | | possible ACT score is 36. The required ACT score |
| are advantages to testing earlier (as much as one | | | | for admission will vary from college to college as well |
| year earlier, such as during the junior year in high | | | | as among individual school programs. If you are not |
| school). This can allow retesting if results are lower | | | | sure which college you intend to apply then it might |
| than necessary so that performance can be | | | | be useful to look at national rankings for your score. |
| improved. It will also allow time for further study and | | | | For example, the national rank for a composite score |
| preparation if necessary to raise scores. Another | | | | of 22 is 64. This means 64 percent of recent high |
| advantage to earlier testing is that colleges and | | | | school graduates who took the ACT Assessment |
| scholarship programs will have access to your | | | | achieved a composite score of 22 or below. |
| interests and scores in time to contact you early on | | | | However, only 99 percent achieved 32 or higher. The |
| about admissions, course placement, scholarships, and | | | | ACT organization offers a complete ranking chart on |
| special programs. | | | | its web site to help you determine how your score |
| Future college applicants frequently question whether | | | | ranks. |
| or not it is to their advantage to retake the ACT. | | | | Taking the ACT and properly utilizing your ACT score |
| The answer to this question varies upon | | | | is a major step toward achieving your future goals |
| circumstances and individuals. Obviously if outside | | | | and dreams. Being informed about the ACT can help |
| factors, such as illness or personal problems, were a | | | | you achieve those goals and reach your dreams. |