Is the ACT mandatory?

Currently, 12 states require all juniors to take the ACT. There are currently 7 states that require all high school juniors to take the ACT with the optional writing section: Alabama. Hawaii.

What happens if you don't take the ACT?

Even test-optional colleges often require a test score when awarding merit-based scholarships. Without an ACT score, you could be missing out on thousands of dollars in scholarship money.

Can I graduate without taking the ACT?

A student's ACT score will not be used to determine graduation eligibility, but can be submitted with college applications. The ACT is a nationally recognized college admissions exam that is accepted by all four-year colleges and universities in the United States.

Is it necessary to take the ACT?

If you're wondering "do you have to take the ACT?" know that the answer will highly depend on your own circumstances. You might need to take the ACT for college applications, because your state or high school requires it, for enrichment programs you're applying to, or for financial aid or scholarships.

Am I forced to take the ACT?

Although some students have a choice whether or not to take the ACT, many states have made it mandatory for every high school junior to take the test. This is actually a good thing! Before, only the students who already knew they were going to college typically took the ACT.

Why You Should Take the ACT®

Is it OK to not take the ACT?

Even if all of the colleges you apply to end up being test-optional, you should still consider taking the SAT or ACT. Test optional can be a very misleading term, and it is important to understand that not sending test scores to test-optional colleges can hurt your chances of admission.

Can I skip my ACT?

Registered students who change their minds and decide not to take the ACT are ineligible for refunds of registration fees, but they may request refunds for any optional services purchased if they do so in a "timely" fashion (typically by the end of the current testing year in late August).

Is ACT and SAT no longer required?

While the need for submitting SAT/ACT scores has lessened, there are still some universities that require the test scores on applications. SAT and ACT scores have historically been key to the college admissions process, but that's changing quickly.

Do colleges prefer ACT or SAT?

This is a common misconception. Colleges don't have a preference between the SAT or ACT so it's important to know how to choose the test that's right for you. Both tests are widely accepted across U.S. colleges—including those that are test optional.

Is the ACT harder than the SAT?

The SAT is not harder than the ACT. Both tests vary slightly in terms of subjects covered and structure. These variations can affect each test-taker differently, making one exam more challenging than the other. Taking full-length practice tests of each type can help you determine which may be best suited for you.

What if I never took the SAT or ACT?

Many colleges and universities are now ““test optional” so you can apply without taking the SAT or ACT. Check into the specific colleges you'd like to attend. Find out if they are test-optional, or if they would waive the test scores requirement for a mature student.

Do colleges take ACT seriously?

The ACT is Accepted

So you can rest easy knowing that if you take the ACT, you do not need to take the SAT to get into college. In terms of nominal legitimacy, the ACT is equal to or even above the SAT. Universities will accept ACT takers universally.

At what age can you no longer take the ACT?

Although the ACT exam is designed for high school graduates, it is also available to students who are in grades 6, 7, 8, and 9. To talk of the ACT age limit, there is no set age limit for students to appear in the ACT. Candidates from all age groups are eligible to appear in the college entrance test.

Is taking the ACT optional?

Colleges that don't require the ACT^® and SAT^® are nothing new. There were always schools that allowed students to opt out of submitting test scores, and that group was growing each year.

How many colleges do not require the ACT?

According to FairTest's website, there are 1,843 colleges in the US that offer test-optional or test-free policies.

How many times can you take the ACT?

If you're not satisfied with your scores, you can retake the ACT. ACT Inc., which administers the exam, lets you take the test up to 12 times, though it's best to take it no more than 2-3 times.

Do colleges require ACT?

Although the ACT and SAT are the two most common college entrance exams, many schools do not require either of these tests. If you cannot access testing or deal with test anxiety, you can explore one of the many on-campus or online colleges that don't require SAT or ACT scores.

How hard is the ACT test?

Ultimately, the difficulty of the ACT depends on the test-taker. Some may find the long reading passages and complex math questions challenging. But since the test uses a predictable format and structure, even students who find the test hard can improve their performance with practice.

Are colleges waiving ACT scores for 2024?

ACT/SAT-Optional, Test-Free Admissions Movement Expands Again: Record 1,900+ Schools Do Not Require Scores For Fall 2024 Entrance.

Will ACT be required for class of 2024?

More than 1,900 U.S. colleges and universities are not requiring SAT or ACT scores for admissions for fall 2024, continuing the proliferation of test-optional and test-free practices.

Why are colleges getting rid of SAT?

In an October 2022 webinar called “Preparing for a Supreme Court Decision Involving Race-Conscious Admissions,” NACAC officials similarly advised college admissions officers to “eliminate consideration of applicants' ACT and SAT scores because they reflect a variety of biases related to race and ethnicity” as well as “ ...

What if I am sick on ACT test day?

Students should reschedule the exam for another available test day if unable to take the test on the scheduled date or if an emergency occurs on the day of the test. This is the best option if the student still wants to take (or re-take) the ACT.

Does the ACT get harder every year?

Relatively speaking, the ACT has gotten “harder” over the years. As students start to do better on ACT, the test-makers gradually adjust the difficulty level of the test.

Can you leave once you finish the ACT?

When do you need to leave on the ACT test date? As soon as the exam gets over, you can leave the exam center. However, you cannot leave the exam in the middle of the allotted time.