If you are having trouble viewing the document, you may download the document.

College Entrance Exam ( ACT)

  •  

     ACT video introduction  

    West High ACT Code: 173-209

    Many colleges require scores from the ACT or SAT tests as a part of the admissions process.  Your ACT score is a key component of your college applications.

    ACT Basics

    ACT Length 2 hrs, 55 minutes (plus 40 minutes if taking ACT with writing)
    ACT Sections
    • English
    • Math
    • Reading
    • Science
    • Writing (optional)
    Cost $52.00
    Max. Score 36
    Avg. Score 21

    About the ACT

    The ACT is an entrance exam used by most colleges and universities to make admissions decisions. It is a multiple-choice, pencil-and-paper test administered by ACT, Inc. 

    The purpose of the ACT test is to measure a high school student's readiness for college, and provide colleges with one common data point that can be used to compare all applicants. College admissions officers will review standardized test scores alongside your high school GPA, the classes you took in high school, letters of recommendation from teachers or mentors, extracurricular activities, admissions interviews, and personal essays. How important ACT scores are in the college application process varies from school to school. 

    Overall, the higher you score on the ACT and/or SAT, the more options for attending and paying for college will be available to you.

    When should I take the ACT?

    Most high school students take the ACT, SAT, or both during the spring of their junior year or fall of their senior year. It's important to leave time to re-take the test if you need to raise your score before you apply to college. The ACT exam is offered nationally every year in September, October, December, February*, April, June, and July*.  West High hosts the September and April tests.

    *No test centers are scheduled in New York for the February or July test dates. No test centers are scheduled in California for the July test date.

    What is on the ACT?

    There are four ACT sections:   

    • English
    • Reading
    • Math
    • Science

    The ACT also includes an optional 40-minute Writing Test. Some colleges may require that you complete the ACT Writing Test. You can confirm each college's admissions policies on the school website or on our school profiles.

    How long is the ACT?

    The ACT is 2 hours and 55 minutes long. If you choose to take the ACT with Essay, the test will be 3 hours and 35 minutes long.

    How is the ACT scored?

    Each section of the ACT is scored on a 1 to 36 point scale. Your composite ACT score is the average of your four section scores, also on a scale from 1 to 36. If you take the ACT with Writing Test, you will receive a separate score on the Writing Test.

    Should I take the ACT or the SAT?

    Most colleges and universities will accept scores from either the SAT or ACT, and do not favor one test over the other. That said, college-bound students are increasingly taking both the SAT and ACT. Changes made to the SAT in 2016 have made it easier than ever to prep for both tests concurrently—and earn competitive scores on both! The best way to decide if taking the SAT, ACT, or both tests is right for you is to take a timed full-length practice test of each type. Since the content and style of the SAT and ACT are very similar, factors like how you handle time pressure and what types of questions you find most challenging can help you determine which test is a better fit. Try our QUIZ: SAT, ACT, or Both? to learn more.

    How do I register for the ACT?

    Registration deadlines fall approximately five weeks before each ACT test date. You can register online on the ACT website.


    ACT Academy - Free Online Prep

     

     Information taken in part  from Princeton Review website and ACT.org.

Free ACT Test Prep Options

  • Free ACT Prep Options

    1. ACT Practice booklet (available in the CCC) 
    2. ACT Practice Booklet to download
    3. ACT® Online Prep
      If you signed up for the ACT using a fee waiver. You should have received an email prompting you to activate your 1-year subscription to the Free Online Prep from ACT® 
    4. Visit http://www.act.org/ for more free resources