ACT
| ACT | |
|---|---|
| ACTstudent.org | |
| Check the | calendar for registration dates. |
| Sign up at | ACT.org |
| Cost | $50.50 |
| Resources | Preview & Prep |
Who should take it?
Generally, all TSAS graduates take the ACT at least twice: once as a junior in the spring, once as a senior in the fall. If you are concerned about how you might do, take it earlier.
All TSAS juniors will take the ACT at TSAS at no cost during the spring. No need to sign up, just look out for announcements as we get closer to the date.
How do I sign up otherwise?
Go to ACT's website and click “Register Now.”
If this is the second time you're taking the test, be sure to send your scores to potential universities; it costs $12 per score report to send them to colleges, and they are required for your application.[1]
What should I expect?
When you sign up for the exam you will choose a testing location, usually a local high school. Choose a testing location with a friend, then on the day of the test grab some donuts on your way. You must arrive by 8:00 with sharpened pencils and a calculator.
The test itself is 210 minutes plus a break in the middle. The sections break down like this:
- English (75 questions, 45 minutes)
- Math (60 questions, 60 minutes)
- Reading (40 questions, 35 minutes)
- Science (40 questions, 35 minutes)
There is no penalty for wrong answers, so it is in your best interest to answer all questions.[2]
If you choose to do the writing portion (required by a few universities, so double-check!), you are given 40 minutes to write one essay.
Visit ACT's website for a full description of the sections tested.
Your scores will arrive in 2–8 weeks after you've taken the test.[1]
How do I prepare?
ACT offers an absurd number of study guides on their website, but these are recommended only after taking the exam once. Establish a baseline, then collect tools to improve it.
TSAS students have had success with this free site.
If there is demand, TSAS hires Chad Carghill to deliver a test prep session before the junior test date.
What do I do afterwards?
Relax! Then look up the test scores of universities you have your eye on through College Scorecard. If you feel like you can do better, check out the preparation tools above, or go to the Oklahoma OpenEd ACT portal. They offer custom support based on your scores.
How do I send my official results?
TSAS will send your scores to colleges on your transcript, but you will need to send official results before being accepted. There are two ways to do this:
- Add the college to the form you fill out before taking the ACT. There is no cost to send your scores automatically to four colleges.
- If you need to send them after the test, visit ACT's website and fill out the form. Note that there is a $12 fee per institution for this service.