The ACTA GATEWAY TO HIGHER EDUCATION

GraduationRequired for graduationCurrent 9th – 11th gradersNo benchmark score (so far)April 28, 2015 (Paid by state in 11th

grade)Five sections:

◦English◦Math◦Reading◦Science◦Writing

Beyond High School

Accepted by all colleges and universities:

AdmissionsCourse PlacementScholarships

Test Readiness

High academic expectationsStudy habitsMotivationFormat knowledgePractice to increase:

ConfidenceSpeedAccuracy

SECTA Support

ZAPPSTest SkillsTypes of test questionsTypes of assignments

Family Support

Define expectationsReinforce why this is the right goal

Understand how it is measured

Develop a communication plan

ACTAchievement test -- what

have you learned (SAT = Aptitude)

Composite score of 1-36 (4-MC Portions)

Writing 0-12No penalties for incorrect

answers

Test FormatTest     Content

English 75 questions

45 Minute

s

Measures standard written English and rhetorical skills.

Mathematics

60 questions

60 Minute

s

Measures mathematical skills students have typically acquired in courses taken up to trigonometry.

Reading 40 questions

35 Minute

s

Measures reading comprehension across various subjects.

Science 40 questions

35Minute

s

Measures the interpretation, analysis, evaluation, reasoning, and problem-solving skills required in the natural sciences.

Optional Writing Test

1 prompt30

Minutes

Measures writing skills emphasized in high school English classes and in entry-level college composition courses.

Student Test Prep ResourcesBooksPreparing for the ACT Booklet Career Center www.actstudent.orgACT Question of the Day (free)ACT Online Test Prep ($24.95 per

year)iTunes StoreACT iPhone App (also works on iPad)

The APP

Sample Question

Rationale

UNLV

No cut-off score for admissions

English and math placement

Scholarship ConsiderationLow-GPA (below 3.0 – Need a 22)

UNR

No cut-off score for admissions

English and math placement

Scholarship Consideration

Low-GPA

UCLA

Average composite score of students admitted in 2014:

28-34Scholarship Consideration

Ivy League Schools

Average composite ACT scores of admitted students:Harvard 31-35Princeton 31-35Yale 31-35Brown 29-34

FeesTest fee per test optionACT (No Writing)$38.00Includes reports for you, your high school, and up to four college choices

ACT Plus Writing$54.50Includes reports for you, your high school, and up to four college choices (if valid codes are provided when you register). The $16.50 Writing Test fee is refundable, on written request, if you are absent on test day or switch to the ACT (No Writing) before testing begins.

2014-2015Test Date Registration

Deadline(Late Fee Required)

September 13, 2014 August 8, 2014 August 9–22, 2014

October 25, 2014 September 19, 2014

September 20–October 3, 2014

December 13, 2014 November 7, 2014 November 8–21, 2014

February 7, 2015* January 9, 2015 January 10–16, 2015

April 18, 2015 March 13, 2015 March 14–27, 2015

June 13, 2015 May 8, 2015 May 9–22, 2015