Registration open for December ACT exam

Test registration forms must be submitted no later than Nov. 6.

STAFF REPORT

IOWA CITY, Iowa — Registration is open for the Dec. 12 ACT achievement test for high school students getting ready to apply to college.

Those taking the college admission and placement exam must register before Nov. 6.

The ACT is a curriculum-based achievement exam, testing what students have actually learned in school, not their aptitude for learning. The ACT also measures what students need to know to be ready for entry-level, college- credit courses.

The ACT has four sections — English, mathematics, reading and science — and takes about three hours to complete. Students who take the ACT Plus Writing complete an optional writing test that requires an additional 30 minutes. Unlike other exams, students are not penalized for guessing or answering all the questions on each test section. In fact, it is beneficial for test takers to answer all questions.

During registration, students may select up to four universities to receive their score reports. ACT scores are accepted by all four-year colleges and universities across the United States. Additional score reports are available for a small fee.

All students complete a detailed inventory of questions during ACT registration, and each receives an ACT score report that includes a wide variety of information to assist with high school course selection, college readiness, career planning and college admissions.

The cost for the ACT test without writing is $32. When combined with the optional writing test, the total cost is $47. Students who qualify may apply for a fee waiver through their high school counselor.

The ACT Web site, www.actstudent.org, has helpful information, free sample items and options to order inexpensive test-prep materials.

Registration may be completed on that Web site or by using forms from high school counseling offices.