TEST INFORMATION AND PREP

All Kennedy High School Juniors will take the ACT at school on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 during the school day.  Students are automatically registered and there is no fee. Here are some free and fee-based options for preparing for the ACT. 

Free IXL's ACT Study Plans:

IXL offers personalized SAT and ACT study plans that use students’ practice test scores to create a custom roadmap. These plans help:

• Focus on each student’s specific skill gaps in reading, writing, and math

• Build on what students already know

• Give counselors real-time insight into progress

• Adapt to any prep timeline

By using IXL’s plans, students get targeted, efficient practice that builds confidence and improves performance.

• Video on using the plans! 

• ACT Skill Plans

• SAT Skill Plans 

FREE online options for ACT Prep:

• ACT

• Power up Prep

• Khan Academy

• Princeton Review

• Kaplan

DECA ACT Practice Tests:

October 11, 2025, January 24, 2026, March 7, 2026

Optional review sessions are offered the day after each test. Registration will open the month prior to each date. Cost is $15 for the test and $50 to go over test results the day after each test. Contact Eric Roesler at eroesler@isd271.org for more details. 

Click HERE to learn more and register for the October 11 DECA ACT Practice Test 

Other resources: 

• SAT Parent Guide

• SAT Student Guide 

• ACT/SAT Blog Post

Additional test prep resources can also be found HERE.

Kennedy High School will offer the PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) to interested 10th and 11th grade students on Tuesday, October 28, 2025. This is an optional test, but one we encourage students to consider. It will be offered only once.

Here’s why it matters:

• 11th grade students who take the PSAT may qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program, which offers academic recognition and scholarship opportunities. The test is also a great way for students to practice for college entrance exams, assess their college readiness, and receive feedback in reading, writing, and math.
  
  

• 10th grade students can use the test as a practice opportunity to gain early exposure to college entrance exams and identify areas of academic strength and growth. 10th grade students may take the test again as 11th graders.
  
  

The cost is $18, which will be charged to your student's Campus account. If you would like to inquire about fee assistance, please see your counselor or Ms. Jennings.

Important Registration Deadlines:

• Tuesday, September 3, 2025 for students requesting testing accommodations (based on an IEP or 504 Plan, or needing language support).

• Thursday, September 26, 2025 for all other students
  
  

Click here to register: PSAT Registration Form

To learn more about the PSAT and how it fits into college planning, visit the College Board PSAT/NMSQT page.

✏️ PSAT Information for Test Takers: 

• Test Prep: PSAT/NMSQT Student Guide - Fall 2025

• Directions to Complete Student Readiness Check