Sign up to take ACT exam

Staff report

Iowa city, Iowa

Registration is open for the Oct. 22 ACT achievement test.

Students who wish to take the college admission and placement exam must register before Sept. 16.

The ACT is a curriculum-based achievement exam. It tests 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 first year credit-bearing college courses based on ACT College Readiness Standards. Every student’s results can be tied directly to these standards.

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 within the time allowed.

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.

ACT reports scores only when requested to do so by the student. Additional score reports are available for a fee.

All students complete a detailed inventory of questions during ACT registration. Each test taker 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 $34. When combined with the optional ACT Writing Test, the total cost is $49.50. Students who qualify may apply for a fee waiver through their high school counselor.

The ACT website, www.actstudent.org, has information, free sample items and test-prep materials to help students prepare for the exam.

Most students register online at www.actstudent.org. Students may also pick up registration forms from their high school counseling offices. Late registration is available until Sept. 30 for an extra $21 fee.

Founded in 1959, ACT is a not-for-profit organization headquartered in Iowa City, Iowa, and dedicated to helping people achieve education and workplace success.

ACT provides a broad array of assessments, research, information, and program management solutions in education and workforce development. Each year, ACT serves millions of people—nationally and internationally—in middle and high schools, colleges, professional associations, businesses and government agencies.