Purpose:

The ACT is a widely used college entrance exam. It assesses high school students’ general educational development and their ability to complete college-level work. The score range is 1-36. The multiple-choice tests will cover four skill areas: English, math, reading and science. ACT offers an optional fifth test, writing, that measures skill in planning and writing a short essay. The essay cannot be taken separately. The writing portion of the exam might be required for admission, depending on the university. Registration is required for the National Testing Dates; students register at www.actstudent.org. 

Who takes the ACT?

11th and 12th grade students.
 

Is the ACT test optional or required?

The ACT test is optional; however, college-bound students may need to take it as an admission requirement for most colleges and universities.
 

What areas does the ACT test cover?

The multiple-choice test will cover four skill areas: English, math, reading and science. ACT offers an optional fifth test, writing, that measures skill in planning and writing a short essay. The essay cannot be taken separately. The writing portion of the exam might be required for college admission, depending on the university. The score range is 1-36.

• English: Punctuation, Grammar and Usage, Sentence Structure, Strategy, Organization, and Style (45 minutes)
• Mathematics: Pre-Algebra, Elementary Algebra, Intermediate Algebra, Coordinate Geometry, Plane Geometry, and Trigonometry (60 minutes)
• Reading: Prose Fiction, Humanities, Social Sciences and Natural Sciences (35 minutes)
• Science: Data Representation, Research Summaries, and Conflicting Viewpoints (35 minutes)
• Writing (Optional): (30 minutes)
   
• What Colleges Have Decided about the ACT Writing Test: https://actapps.act.org/writPrefRM/

2022-23 Test Dates and Registration Deadlines

How do I register for the National ACT test?

• Students must sign-up on the ACT website (www.actstudent.org) by creating an ACT Student Web Account.
• The registration fee for the National ACT Plus Writing is $68.00. The registration fee for the National ACT No Writing is $52.00
• Late registration fee - additional $30.00
  • Registration tip: At the time of registration students may indicate 4 colleges to which they would like their ACT score sent at no additional charge. We recommend that students take advantage of this service, as the cost is covered by the registration fee. If a student wishes to wait until after the test to send scores, the cost is $13 per test date/per report.
  • Students must upload a photo as part of their online registration: http://www.actstudent.org/regist/add-photo.html.

Additional Notes

The December, 2021 and February 12, 2022 exams will be offered at Naperville North High School, in addition to other locations in the area. Use “NNHS Test Center Code” #172010 if you would like to test at NNHS on these days. Register early, as spaces tend to fill quickly.
 

What do I do if I missed the National ACT test?

If a student is absent or unable to test on the date for which he/she has registered, the student can request a test date change to take the National ACT on a different date. ACT will charge a $25.00 fee (plus the cost of the test with appropriate late charges, if applicable) to make a test date change. Please visit the ACT website for more information: http://www.actstudent.org/regist/actfees.html.
 

Test Location:

Students will choose a test location when registering on www.actstudent.org. Students should refer to their National ACT admission ticket for the exam location. Students should arrive to their testing location no later than 7:45am on the test date.
 

What should I bring on test day?

Students need to bring their photo ID, their National ACT Admission Ticket, #2 non-mechanical pencils, an eraser, and an ACT approved calculator. STUDENTS WILL NOT BE ADMITTED TO THE TEST WITHOUT THE ACT ADMISSION TICKET AND PHOTO ID.
 

Can I bring a snack?

Students may bring a snack for their break. Snacks/drinks must be in sealed and enclosed containers and they will need to be left in the back of the testing room during testing. Students can take their snack into the hallway during break time.
 

Can I bring my cell phone?

Cell phones and electronic devices are not allowed in testing rooms. If they are brought into the testing room, they must remain powered completely off for the duration of the test, including breaks. A student who gains access to their phone, or has a phone that rings, at any time during the exam or break, will be dismissed from the ACT and their score will be cancelled.
 

How do I receive my National ACT test scores?

Students’ scores are available for online viewing on the student’s ACT Student Web Account. In addition, score reports are mailed to the student’s home by ACT 3-8 weeks following the test. http://www.actstudent.org/scores/viewing-scores.html

For additional information regarding the ACT test, please visit the ACT website: http://www.act.org/content/act/en/students-and-parents.html.