The ACT is a national college admission exam which assesses general educational development and the ability to complete college-level work. The test measures English, math, reading, and science. The Writing Test is optional. The ACT is not an aptitude or IQ test. The questions are directly related to what a student has learned/retained in the high school four skill areas.  All juniors in Wisconsin take the ACT for state assessment purposes. There is no fee for the student when taking the ACT as part of the state assessment. This usually takes place in March. If a student wishes to retest to improve their score they can do so on one of the national test dates. See act.org for more information. 

The SAT consists of three-sections: Critical Thinking, Math, and Writing. It is not necessary to take both the ACT and SAT, unless there is a specific need, such as applying to a highly selective college outside the Midwest that prefers the SAT or the SAT-II (Subject Tests). The SAT is no longer given locally. La Crosse and Ladysmith are the closest test sites in Wisconsin. Students may wish to check Minnesota for test sites as well.

Please Note: Many colleges have made the submission of ACT and/or SAT scores an optional part of the admissions process through the spring of 2025.