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?
To Save $ on college tuition. Taking the ACT may serve as an advantage for students that plan to apply for scholarships.
College Admission. Even though many colleges are test optional, taking the ACT may help with your admission to college and/or a specifice program.
College Course Placement. Your ACT scores can help you be placed in the appropriate college course and help you avoid develomental coursework.
District Testing Date
District ACT Test Date is April 26, 2026 (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. Students that complete registration will receive directions from the counseling office to complete MY ACT registration online and test day directions. Here are the steps to register:
Step 1 is to sign up in the PEM HS Counseling Office by January 30, 2026.
Step 2 is to pay the $54.75 fee through your JMC Family Portal by January 30, 2026. Directions to make payment: log in to your Family JMC Account. Select the Tuition/Fees tab on the left. At the top of the page, select Purchase Items. Scroll down to District ACT and add to cart to make payment.
National Testing Dates
National tests are offered at several test centers throughout the nation on the dates listed below or you can click on this link: National Testing Dates
December 13, 2025 Registration deadline is November 7, 2025 (Late Registration is November 24)
February 14, 2026 Registration deadline is January 9, 2026 (Late Registration is January 21)
April 11, 2026 Registration deadline is March 6, 2026 (Late Registration is March 24)
June 13, 2026 Registration deadline is May 8, 2026 (Late Registration is May 27)
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).
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 ACT Practice Test. 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)
For more information or to register for a national test date visit http://www.actstudent.org/