ACT

What is the ACT?  The ACT is a national college admissions examination that consists of subject area tests in English, Math, Reading, Science, and an optional Writing test. 

ACT results are accepted by all four-year colleges and universities in the US.

The ACT includes 215 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes to complete, including a short break (or just over four hours if you are taking the ACT with writing). Actual testing time is 2 hours and 55 minutes (plus 40 minutes if you are taking the ACT with writing).

ACT requirement is dependent upon the college/university; most colleges are test optional for students planning on attending a four-year college directly after high school.  The ACT is NOT required to enter the workforce, military, vocational, or two year college. Students entering the military will take the ASVAB with their military recruiter.  Students pursuing a vocational or two year college will need to take the required placement test for the designated college.  The ACCUPLACER and COMPASS are common placement tests for two year colleges.  The ACT may waive a placement test if a student meets the following college readiness testing scores: English ACT score of 18, Reading ACT score of 21, and Math ACT Score of 22. 

Why take the ACT?  

1. To Save $ on college tuition.  Taking the ACT may serve as an advantage for students that plan to apply for scholarships.

2. College Admission.  Even though many colleges are test optional, taking the ACT may help with your admission to college and/or a specifice program.

3. College Course Placement.  Your ACT scores can help you be placed in the appropriate college course and help you avoid develomental coursework.

2023-24 National Testing Dates: 

National test dates are offered at several test centers throughout the nation on the dates listed below.  PEM HS is no longer a test center for national testing dates.  To register for one of these test dates go to: http://www.actstudent.org/ 

• February 10, 2024 Registration deadline is January 5, 2024

• April  13, 2024 Registration deadline is March 8, 2024

• June 8, 2024 Registration deadline is May 3, 2024

• July 13, 2024 Registration deadline is June 7, 2024

District Testing Date  

March 12, 2024 is the District ACT Test Date (administered during the school day on campus beginning at 7:45 a.m.).  This does NOT include the writing section.  The District ACT Test is offered to juniors and seniors.  Here is the information to register:

• • Step 1 is to make the $53 payment through PEM Community Education by January 18, 2024.  Go to PEM Community Education and click on Fees and Purchases, select ACT Test, and follow the prompts to pay. 

  • Step 2 is to follow the directions sent by the counseling office after January 18th to complete MY ACT registration online.  

  • Step 3 is to follow test day direction provided by the counseling office and ACT resources.  

Registration Information for National Test Dates: 

• Registration Link for National Test Dates:  http://www.actstudent.org/

• PEM HS Registration Code: 242-015

• Important information to know when registering for the ACT: 

  • Register online

  • Select test date and testing center 

  • Meet registration deadline

  • Be prepared to pay online when registering for ACT

  • ACT requires you to upload a photo

  • A copy of your transcript is helpful to have on hand when registering because ACT asks you to report classes and grades for 9th - 12th.  You can access through JMC. 

  • Select 4 colleges you want to send your scores to.  For students undecided about what colleges to send their ACT scores to, the PEM HS Counseling Office recommends completing a school sort through MnCIS.

  • Allow at least one hour to complete registration

Preparing for the ACT

• The best preparation for the ACT is taking core courses in high school (English, Math, Social and science).

• ACT Test Prep Flyer

• Preparing for the ACT Test Booklet

• Sample tests and donated prep materials available in counseling office for students to check out.

• MnCIS (https://mn.cis360.org) has practice tests – once logged in to your account, click on Practice Tests tab.  Then select Practice for the ACT.  You can accees the ACT Online Course or ACT Practice Test.

• ACT Website with prep http://www.actstudent.org/testprep/

• Check out ZAPS class offering at: doorwaytocollege.org/.  The seminar teaches students those strategies necessary for answering specific question types and general test taking tips.  

• Huntington Learning Center in Rochester, MN.  507-424-1222 (www.huntingtonhelps.com)

• Sylvan Learning Center offers free practice tests and prep classes (507-258-6036; www.sylvanrochester.com)

• Sophia-College Readiness-ACT Test Preparation

• ACT Practice Tests

For more information or to register for a national test date visit http://www.actstudent.org/