Preparing to enter a college or university can be an overwhelming time, particularly once the words “standardized testing” start floating around. The ACT was developed in 1959 as a high school achievement and college readiness exam and an alternative to the SAT. But just because something has been around for over 50 years doesn’t mean all its secrets have been revealed. Here are some things you probably don’t know about the ACT.
Do I have to take the ACT?
Certainly not. Some students choose to take the SAT instead of the ACT, as they find it to be more appropriate to their manner of testing or what they feel confident being tested about. Additionally, not all colleges place the same amount of importance on taking a standardized admissions test and some do not require an entrance exam at all.
What’s the main difference between the ACT and the SAT?
Both tests are accepted at every college or university in the United States, but there are distinct differences between the two. The biggest of these is the purpose of the test. While the ACT is an achievement test and measures what has been learned throughout the student’s school career, the SAT is an aptitude test, measuring reasoning and learning abilities.
Why should I take the ACT instead of the SAT?
The SAT requires a written portion, while taking the writing test on the ACT is only necessary if the college being applied to desires it. Last, and perhaps most importantly, while the SAT penalizes wrong answers, the ACT does not; points are given for correct answers to ACT test quetions and guessing is encouraged over leaving blank those questions the student is unsure about. Ultimately, the decision is yours, and researching both tests will help you decide which one is best for you.
What does the ACT test for?
Every student who takes the ACT will face four main sections, all multiple choice: reading, English, math, and science. As mentioned above, there is also an optional written portion, required by some higher learning institutions. A writing prompt is provided, and students generally write a brief essay about a pertinent social issue.
How does the scoring work?
Each section receives a subscore ranging from one to 18. These scores are then combined and the average is taken to come up with an overall composite score between one and 36. The written portion is scored separately, by individuals who read each test, and then assign each a score of one to six, based on a predefined set of requirements. It’s possible to score a zero if the written portion remains blank or is completely illegible.
What should I aim to score?
The highest score achievable on the ACT is a 36, although less than 1% of students actually earn it. Most colleges won’t even look at single-digit scores, and a 13 is about the lowest you can score for many colleges. Depending on the school, scores up to around 20 (though sometimes higher) will likely require remedial classes or receive conditional entrance, and scholarships will be few and far between. The mid-twenties are usually an acceptable score, and the high twenties and above often guarantee scholarship opportunities and entrance, in tandem with meeting the other requirements of the college of choice.
What if I have unusual circumstances?
The ACT takes certain contingencies into consideration. It costs money to take it, but there is financial aid available for qualifying individuals. Special arrangements and additional time can be arranged for students with diagnosed disabilities. Homebound or confined students can register for arranged testing through their school. The only thing the ACT doesn’t provide much help for is non-native English speakers, as the ACT is only available in English and additional test is not allowed because of a low English proficiency.
How do I prepare for the ACT?
There are a ton of ACT prep materials available. Books and flashcards are great for students who are comfortable preparing on their own. The ACT test questions change from year to year, sometimes quite substantially, so make sure the materials are current. There are also websites, including the official ACT website, that offer assistance, although a fee is often involved. Tutoring companies and individual tutors also offer one-on-one assistance with ACT prep, as well as group classes to help test-takers get ready with confidence and efficiency.
