ACT / SAT

Senior ACT, Sept. 22, 2020

Seniors, please go to your Canvas Page to find your room assignment for the ACT on September 22. Go to "Canvas", then "Class of 21", then click on "Counseling" to find the list for room assignments.

What's the difference between these 2 test?

The ACT and SAT are the 2 major exams that students take to gain entry into colleges. Click here for a graph about the them!

What's the Big Deal:

-Every college looks at the same 4 things. We call them the Big 4: 1)GPA 2)How challenging was your curriculum 3)Resume – what do you do beside go to school? and 4)ACT score

-ACT is big because it is a standardized test. It gives colleges a chance to see how you stack up against students in other parts of the world that took the same test. Cost of the test varies (usually approx. $55)

-There are four parts to the ACT (and an optional 5^th part):

1)English – 45 minutes – 75 questions

2)Math – 60 minutes – 60 questions

3)Reading – 35 minutes – 40 questions

4)Science – 35 minutes – 40 questions

5)Writing test (optional)– 40 minutes – check with your college that you are applying to in order to decide if you need to take the writing test – it usually costs extra to take the writing test (approx. $25)

-We recommend that you take the ACT no later than early your Junior year. Some students may take the ACT earlier if they are an advanced student and have taken advanced courses (especially math). The ACT math portion has a lot of Geometry and Alg 2 (along with a little Stats and PreCalc).

-Many students take the ACT several times. If you really want to score the highest you can, plan on taking the test multiple times. Usually offered 6-8 times per calendar year on Saturdays at SHHS.

-You can register at www.actstudent.org if you want to register to take the test on a Saturday. The deadline to register is usually about 4-5 weeks before the test date, so don’t procrastinate.

-Every student receives two free ACT’s. One during junior year (spring semester). One during senior year (fall semester). These free ACT are offered during the school day. This year, the free ACT for seniors is planned for Sep 22^nd. More info to come on how to register for your free ACT.

-Fee waiver students may qualify for an additional free ACT. See your counselor for details.

-If you want to try to earn academic scholarships, you need to plan on earning the highest ACT possible by November/December of your Senior year (depends on the college’s scholarship deadline).

-How do I study for the ACT?

1)Do your homework and take challenging classes

2)ACT Prep classes are available at SHHS

3)Buy ACT study guides. They have practice tests and explain questions you missed

4)Your counselor can give you a free practice ACT.

5)There are several free Act study websites (like Uniontestprep.com and more)

6)ACT Tutors are pricey, but are usually a good investment. Your counselor can provide contact info (usually around $40 hour)

Goals for composite ACT:

1) 18+ in English- this makes a student eligible for college level English when they begin college

2) 19+ in Math – makes a student eligible for college level math courses

3) 21+ - makes a student eligible for the HOPE scholarship

4) 25+ - many colleges start to offer guaranteed academic scholarships at 25 or higher. Every point matters and means more money in your pocket!!!!!

See your counselor with any questions!!!

When is the ACT offered?

Check out the graph below for the latest testing dates and deadlines!

*Science Hill will be offering a free ACT for students on 9/22/20