ACT Information for Juniors and Seniors
by Mr. Horner
August 27, 2007
WHAT TEST SHOULD MY HIGH SCHOOL JUNIOR OR SENIOR BE TAKING?
Most community colleges require either the ASSET TEST (paper and pencil test) or the COMPASS TEST (computerized version of ASSET test). There is no cost to take the ASSET or COMPASS, which are placement tests, not admission tests. You can take the ASSET or COMPASS when you make your campus visit IF YOU REQUEST TO DO SO when you call to arrange your campus visit. The ASSET will also be offered at the high school during the school year. Listen to the daily bulletin if you’d like to sign up to take this test.
Most 4-year colleges in the Midwest require the ACT. The Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture requires both ACT & ASSET.
ACT recommends that students take the ACT in the spring of their JUNIOR year. The ACT test is an admissions test. The October and December ACT test scores are the last test scores used for scholarship consideration at most four-year colleges. However, the December test results will be too late for some scholarships. Remember that tests are factors, not ends. If your ACT score is not high enough (20) to go to UNK, UNL, Chadron, Peru, Wayne, etc., you can start your college career at a 2-year college where entrance is NOT based on ACT scores. After you earn your 2-year Associate’s Degree majoring in “Academic Transfer,” you can transfer to a 4-year college (to complete the next 2 years) and have a Bachelor’s Degree. While you work on your Bachelor’s degree, you are considered to be an “undergraduate.” After you graduate with your BS or BA degree, then you can go on to earn your Master’s Degree and Doctorate Degree if you wish.
Please be aware you MUST take the ACT test if you are planning to go to a 4-year college or if you are planning to attend the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture at Curtis. Carefully watch the registration deadline dates on the school calendar. Avoid paying the late registration fee!
Registration deadlines for ACT National Test are listed on school calendar and on www.mpschools.org JUNIORS, plan ahead to see which test dates work the best for you. Some school activities are on Saturday and may interfere with the test dates.
When you register for the ACT, YOU NEED TO KNOW WHICH COLLEGES YOU WANT TO RECEIVE YOUR SCORES.
That is why STEP 1 is so important. Each time you register for the ACT, you can ask to have your scores sent to 4 colleges.
If you plan to register with NCAA Clearinghouse in order to play Division I or Division II athletics, send your scores to code 9999.
Cost of ACT registration: $30. Watch your deadlines carefully. ACT has now added a Writing Test for an additional charge. Most colleges are not requiring the writing test; however, if you plan to go to an out-of-state college, it would be wise to ask the college admissions counselor if the writing test is needed. If you are willing to pay the extra money you can take the ACT Plus Writing for $44.50.
How to register:
1. Apply online at www.actstudent.org and pay with credit card. It does take about an hour to register, so do not wait until the last minute, or
2. Use the ACT registration packets in the Guidance Office.
To prepare for the ACT test, there are several things you SHOULD do:
1. Take the practice test in the booklet provided by the Guidance Office.
2. Check out books or booklets in the Guidance Office.
3. Go to the Media Center and ask to use the ACTive Prep CD Rom (official preparation from ACT)
4. Go to www.actstudent.org for practice tests and other helpful information.
5. Purchase your own copy of ACT Online Prep for $19.95 at the time of registering for the ACT.
Some MHS students have increased their ACT score several points by using the ACTive Prep CD Rom and other study guides.
Just for your information:
Standby ACT means you complete the ACT application form (available in Guidance Office), add your check for Standby rate, seal the envelope, and just show up at the testing site. If there is room at the testing site, you will automatically be admitted after the other pre-registered students are seated. I do NOT recommend standby testing because of the high cost.
