ACT Deadline Impending

The next national test date for the ACT assessment is February 7. College-bound students should register by the January 2 postmark deadline. Late registration postmark deadline is January 16 (an additional fee is required for late registration). Students can register online at www.act.org or they can get a registration packet from their high school guidance counselor and register by mail.

The website also has sample test questions and a link to a free financial aid calculator.

Virtually all colleges in the nation accept ACT scores. The test fee is $26 ($29 in Florida). Colleges use ACT scores, along with a student’s high school GPA and other information, to help determine admissions and the appropriate course placement for new students.

The ACT assessment is curriculum based, designed to measure a student’s academic achievement. There are four sections: English, reading, math, and science.

Students who have already taken the ACT can retest for a higher score. Juniors often use their scores to examine academic weaknesses, take courses or tutoring to correct those weaknesses, and retest as seniors. Students who test more than once can choose which scores to report to prospective colleges.