The ACT is for students planning to attend a four year college. The ACT is test optional, but it does help determine scholarship levels. If a student starts at a two year community college and transfers to a four year college then the ACT is not needed. The ACT is available for students to take each spring at GCHS. Students and parents will be notified when sign up is available. Students will be registered as a group and the ACT fee will be paid to the school before the exam is taken.
Starting in April 2025, the ACT enhancements will apply to students who opt to take the national test online. The ACT will be shorter, and students can choose to take the test without the science section. These changes will extend to the national paper-pencil test format beginning in September 2025. The ACT Composite score will then be based on English, math, and reading, with science reported separately for students who choose to take it. This update enables colleges to make data-driven decisions with minimal disruption and empowers K-12 leaders to better prepare students for college and career success.
Beginning in Spring 2026, schools and districts can leverage these enhancements when administering the ACT during a school day.
National Testing Center Dates: Registration deadlines are about a month before the exam!
September 6, 2025
October 18, 2025
December 13, 2025
February 14, 2025
April 11, 2025
June 13, 2025
July 11, 2025
Students who take the ACT at a National Test Center must register through the ACT WEBSITE. Services and information on this site include:
Online registration, early scores, and score reporting
Information about the ACT
ACT test prep options
College planning resources
The closest national test center locations are: University of Northern Iowa, Hawkeye Community College, Marshalltown Community College, and Ellsworth Community College. Students can receive an ACT fee waiver (only for national test centers) if they are in the Free/Reduced Lunch program. The fee waiver can also be used for college application fees. Contact the GCHS school counselor for a waiver.