Why should my child take the ACT?

Colleges use ACT scores to place you in the right classes at the right level. And, your ACT score can help you place out of remedial coursework rather than sitting for additional placement tests on campus — saving time and money! Learn more about classes to take in high school.

What are the 2 main reasons for students to take the ACT?

The ACT is a good value because it offers a college admissions test, college course placement, and a career planning component for one modest fee. And you can make yourself visible to colleges and scholarship agencies across the country by taking the ACT.

What is the point of taking the ACT?

The ACT^® test motivates students to perform to their best ability. Test scores reflect what students have learned throughout high school and provide colleges and universities with excellent information for recruiting, advising, placement, and retention.

What are the benefits of taking the ACT early?

Taking the ACT earlier in high school will allow for multiple attempts. By starting early, you can gauge your initial performance, understand your strengths and weaknesses, and devise a tailored study plan. Remember to check the superscoring policies of your target colleges and universities, as they may differ.

Why take ACT instead of SAT?

Both tests evaluate your skills in reading, writing, and math. However, the ACT goes a step further by offering an optional essay component that can highlight your writing skills to provide a more well-rounded assessment of your academic abilities.

Should my child take the ACT, SAT, or both?

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.

Do students usually do better on SAT or ACT?

The average SAT test score for 2023 high school graduates was 1028, down from 1050 for the class of 2022. The average ACT score for the class of 2023 was 19.5, down from 19.8 for the class of 2022.

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.

When should kids take the ACT?

It's a good idea to take it for the first time in the fall or early spring of your junior year. Doing this will show you where you are doing well and uncover areas where you can improve.

Does ACT affect your GPA?

Standardized test scores such as the ACT/SAT don't reflect GPA growth: While GPAs have risen, standardized test scores like the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) haven't shown similar improvements, suggesting a disconnect between grades and actual academic mastery.

Is it OK to not take the ACT?

If you already have a strong application and are confident across the board in what you're submitting to colleges, then you might not need to take the ACT, especially if you don't feel that your scores would be particularly strong.

Is it bad if I don't take the ACT?

If you choose not to take the SAT/ACT exam in high school, you may limit your options for college admissions. Many colleges and universities require SAT or ACT scores as part of their admissions process.

Do colleges care about the ACT?

Both ACT and SAT scores are used for college admissions decisions and awarding merit-based scholarships. Most colleges do not prefer one test over the other. Neither the SAT nor the ACT is harder than the other.

Should my kid take the ACT?

Key takeaways. Kids who work slowly or who think “outside the box” may prefer the SAT. Kids who work quickly or who are strong in science may prefer the ACT. Both tests offer accommodations, but you'll have to apply for them.

What kind of student should take the ACT?

You might consider taking the ACT if you're a fast reader and are very good at reading comprehension, not just vocabulary. These skills will help you on the Reading AND Science sections.

What do most colleges want on the ACT?

Schools vary considerably in the kinds of ACT scores they look for in applicants. Less selective institutions tend to accept scores closer to the national average (21), whereas more competitive universities often prefer scores in the 32-36 range.

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.

Should a 7th grader take the ACT?

You should take the ACT in 7th grade if you want to get acquainted with the test and lower your anxiety or if you want to qualify for special academic programs.

Which ACT test is the easiest?

While there is no section that is inherently easier or harder than the others, some students may find that they are naturally better at certain types of questions or have had more practice with certain skills.

Is ACT or GPA more important?

When it comes to the GPA and the ACT, students often wonder which one is more important. Although college admissions officers often say that they give much more weight to a student's GPA, even they will admit that your ACT score is of considerable importance.

Is ACT enough for Harvard?

There's no absolute ACT requirement at Harvard, but they really want to see at least a 34 to have a chance at being considered.

Should I go to college if I want to ACT?

“A college degree can give an actor a certain pedigree when it's from a renowned school such as the Yale School of Drama. Previous graduates from a school like this who have become successful, as well as the school's reputation for high-quality training, can impact the way an actor may be perceived within the industry.

Why do some kids do better on ACT than SAT?

The ACT is better if you study school subjects more: aside from the ACT resembling a high school test more than the SAT does, it also tests a broader range of knowledge than the SAT does--taking AP Chemistry, for example, won't help you on the SAT.

Should kids take both SAT and ACT?

We know the college admissions process is arduous and anxiety-inducing, and the prospect of taking BOTH standardized tests may seem overwhelming. You don't have to take both the SAT and ACT to get into college, but based on current student trends, we recommend taking both tests if it's realistic for you.

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.