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The junior year is the time to take the ACT and to look at college requirements. High school juniors have college on the horizon and need to start preparing.
The ACT is a test that many colleges require for admission. The scores on this test can be a predictor to a student’s success in college. Most importantly, the tests can make or break most students’ chances to getting into a particular college or receiving scholarship money. Start Taking the ACT EarlyMany colleges recommend taking the test during the spring of the junior year. Taking it early can help plan the senior year course-work, allow prospective colleges to take note of academic achievements or give a student time to improve the overall score. Students can take pre tests at the high school and find basic ACT information in the school guidance office. Choosing the date to take the ACT to meet college admissions and scholarship deadlines is a choice that needs to be made with parents. Test dates are posted on the ACT website or students can check in the guidance office at school. It takes three to seven weeks after the test date for scores to be mailed. However, students can check their scores on the ACT website much sooner. Decide to Take the ACT or the ACT PlusTo start, one must choose which test to will take. There is the ACT or the ACT Plus Writing that includes a writing test for an additional fee. Check the university’s website or call the admissions office to see if the writing portion is necessary. The writing test will give two additional scores: a writing test sub-score and a combined English and writing score. It does not affect the composite score. Not all test dates include the writing test option. Understand the ACT FormatNow to receive great scores, one must understand how the ACT is organized. There are multiple-choice questions in four areas: English, math, reading and science. There are four or five possible answers listed for each question. The wrong answers are called detractors, and one must choose the best answer on most tests. The ACT writers do try to create tests passages and questions that are fair and represent the society as a whole. Believe it or not, there are many fairness reviews conducted by the ACT staff and consultants so that all groups of society have a fair chance of success. Again, the ACT is important. It can be taken several times and there are preparation books, websites and classes out there to help one prepare. Take college preparatory classes in high school and talk with the guidance counselor at school about ACT preparation.
The copyright of the article ACT Basics in College Preparation is owned by Kellie Hayden. Permission to republish ACT Basics in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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