ACT Frequently Asked Questions

1. When/where is the ACT exam?

You're in luck! We host a testing date on APRIL 08, 2017 at Marian! If you choose to take the exam elsewhere, Woodstock High also hosts ACT testing nearly every testing session. See actstudent.org for more info.

2. How much does it cost?

$39.50 test fee - this includes fee for your scores to be forwarded to up to four colleges that you choose. $56.50 will get you all that, plus the WRITING portion. I STRONGLY urge every student sign up to take the writing portion! Don't forget to keep an eye on those registration dates - a $20 late fee will be applied if you miss your deadline! Click here for additional fees and information.

3. Should I sign up to have my scores automatically sent to my four college choices?

You have the option (included in the registration fee for the ACT test) to have your scores automatically sent to up to four colleges of your choice. If you choose not to take advantage of this, there is a fee per mailing ($12) per college.

I've read two different responses about this. Lately, the consensus is that most colleges will select to "judge" a candidate by their highest composite score. That means, if you take the exam and have a low - you can always retake it. If the next composite score is higher - your potential colleges will automatically replace the low composite with the better one.

I've also read (and heard) that some ACT prep courses/books are advising students NOT to have their scores automatically sent out. That way, you get to see your score first and then decide if you want to share them in the application process. I understand the logic behind this - but most colleges will naturally replace lower scores with higher ones if they are earned in a retake.

*NEW FROM ACT*

Many colleges and universities will consider waiving or deferring the admission application fee for students who have been granted an ACT Fee Waiver. To Facilitate consideration of such requests, ACT has provided a request form for high school guidance counselors to photocopy and complete for students. Individual institutions are not obligated to waive or defer their admission application fees for any particular applicants. This form is located on our Educator and Counselor Resource Page in the "Results" section and can also be found in the ACT USER HANDBOOK FOR EDUCATORS in the "About the ACT Test" Section.

My suggestion is that you work with the Guidance Office on this decision! They are such a wonderful resource and keep daily tabs on all changes of policy and protocol!

4. Can I retake the exam and have only certain portions of different tests combined to create the highest composite score?

I've heard rumors about this one. Here's the situation: You take the ACT test in April. You tank on the math portion, but the other sections are pretty strong. So, you register to take the exam again, this time - just concentrating on the math portion. The theory is - if you increase your math portion, you could simply pull that score from the later test, and replace the earlier math score.

Here's the short answer: I haven't found evidence that this happens...ever. My research indicates that colleges usually look first at the composite score from ONE complete test. Colleges look at the individual section scores to evaluate an already accepted candidate for proper class placement and scholarship consideration - not necessarily for general acceptance into college. My research focuses on the guidance office, actstudent.org and all the latest Kaplan ACT prep books I continually purchase. Now - if you've had a coach or fellow students tell you otherwise - I strongly suggest you do your own research first! DON'T gamble this - it's too important.

5. Should I take the written portion of the exam? Is it required from colleges? Do they even see my essay?

You'll need to do some research on the colleges you are looking into. More and more colleges are REQUIRING the written portion. Those that don't require it still strongly consider the written portion when making a decision. Let's say they have two candidates fighting for one acceptance slot. One's taken the essay portion and the other did not - and they both have the same ACT composite score. The student who has taken the essay portion has provided ONE more piece of information to admissions - and that could make that student look more serious and willing to put in the extra work to succeed. Anyone can fill out bubbles - a dedicated student will go that extra mile.

Can they view your essay? Yes. The colleges you choose to share your scores with have the ability to view an image of your essay for up to one year after you take the exam. Your high school will also have that capability.

6. Let's say I register to have my scores sent to four colleges (it is included in the registration fee, so might as well get my money's worth...) but then I bomb the test, or score lower than the required admissions minimum. Can I cancel the order to send them out after I get the results?

NO. NO. NO. By the time you get your results online, it's too late to change anything. You may only change your options within 24 HOURS of TAKING the exam - and that'll require some careful work with your account.

7. I have an IEP on file, can I get special accomodations for this ACT?

You will have to do your own research - EARLY! Start with actstudent.org (Direct link to Services for Students with Disabilities)- it has a great link to this area. Then get the guidance department involved. I believe there is paperwork that is needed - and you should NOT put this off until the last minute. It's much like preparing to close on a house - take special care that you have all your paperwork in order early, so you don't have any regrets or confusion later. I believe the most popular accomodations are 1) longer test times 2) ACT test/answer sheets that are in a larger font. Beyond that, I'm not sure - so please take the initiative on this.

8. Should I sign up for one of those test prep sessions through an outside provider?

It certainly can't hurt! I certainly try to keep up with the latest tips and changes, but having a wider variety of input can help. If you do not, please know that you are getting the best that I can offer. Every year, Mrs. Kelly and I purchase NEW materials, test examples and review guidelines. Whatever we learn, we immediately share with you. We also hold the annual Great ACT Race - in which we go head-to-head with our class scores. This helps keep us all motivated, focused and somewhat entertained. The result has been amazing: Our students have consistently averaged a 5 pt score increase. That is ON PAR - if not slightly BETTER than private test preps. However - our focus is ONLY the three sections; whereas private test-preps cover ALL sections.

We also intentionally select the more DIFFICULT Reading passages for practice. That would be the equivilant of training on a steep uphill running course. If you happen to get a tough actual test - you're ready. If it's on the easier side, perhaps your training will have made it a breeze.

Here is the link for ACT's recommended Online Prep as well

9. What should I expect the week of the actual test?

We will be reviewing all the general test-taking tips we've gone over throughout the quarter. We will NOT be taking any last minute tests. We will intentionally ease back on the homework as the week progresses, and hope that your other teachers will consider doing the same. What we ask, in exchange, is that you use the time to rest and take care of yourself. Get plenty of sleep in the days leading up to the test, and eat regular balanced meals. Now is not the time to start or end a relationship, pick fights with family or pull all-nighters. Also - those friends will understand if you choose to stay in on Friday night. If they don't - then, really, are they truly friends? Don't let the stress that could come with the anticipation of this test be your excuse to treat people badly either - just know that you'll be on edge. Keep that in mind before you give a person a piece of your mind....

The night before the exam - do NOT go out! Rest, watch a relaxing movie and get to bed early.

The morning of the exam - eat a GOOD breakfast (oatmeal, mini-wheats - something filling but not gastrically exciting (think about it...) Don't load up on coffee or Red Bull - especially if you normally don't drink that stuff - you don't want to discover any reactions during the exam!

Read the newspaper, a magazine article or browse an online newspaper: this helps warm up the brain. Don't let the actual exam be the first thing you read that morning! Facebook doesn't count - try an actual news article.

Get to the exam early - nothing ups the stress level like being late and panicked. Remember - late-comers will not be allowed into the testing.

Wear loose layers - something that's easy to slip on/off if the room temp is uncomfortable.

Try to go to the bathroom one last time before the exam. Bring tissues and have them on your desk, if it's ok with the administrator. Pencils, erasers & approved calculators - have them ready! I can't believe how many students go around begging for this stuff on the day of the exam - it's embarrassing.

Bring a snack/bottle of water - keep it in your bag/locker - for your break. Stay hydrated and keep your blood sugar levels normal!

SILENCE your cell phones! TURN them off! Keep them in your car....Anyone who truly cares about you will UNDERSTAND if you ignore a call.

DON'T disrupt the test - you WILL not be given a warning or stern look - you will be removed from the test. Period. If you're thinking about being cute and testing the system - just be aware that you will have to live with the consequences.

After the exam... Don't think about how you did. It's out of your hands now. Everyone feels like they did poorly - you focus on the answers you didn't do well on - and not the several you did. Let it go. If you were removed or could not complete your exam (illness, etc.) go online IMMEDIATELY and see what your cancellation options are.

Beginning two weeks after the exam, your test scores will be available for free online at www.actstudent.org. The WRITING portion will take longer to grade, so don't expect those results at the same time. If you're happy with the score you received, go ahead and register for them to be sent to your choice colleges. If not, schedule to take your ACT again. It's a good idea to take the actual ACT twice - and then choose the higher composite score to send out.

I do ask that you write down and share your actual scores for me for the three sections I help prep. This will NOT be shared with anyone - it is for MY records and planning only. I want to know if what I'm doing is working - and this is the best way to determine my goals/strategy.

I was doing a little lookie-loo on some of the Illinois colleges to see what the average ACT scores (overall score) were per school: remember - these are AVERAGES - NOT minimum ACT...please research your schools!

Augustana: 24-29 www.augustana.edu

Bradley: 24 www.bradley.edu

DePaul: 23.6 www.depaul.edu

Elmhurst: 24 www.elmhurst.edu

Eastern Illinois University: 22 www.eiu.edu

Illinois State Univ: 24.2 www.illinoisstate.edu

Illinois Weslyan: 28 www.iwu.edu

Loyola: 25.8 www.luc.edu

National-Lewis: 18.2 www.nl.edu

North Central: 25 www.ncc.edu

Northeastern I.U.: 19 www.neiu.edu

Roosevelt: 22.4 www.roosevelt.edu

Northern Illinois University: 22 www.niu.edu

U of I

-Chicago: 23.7 www.uic.edu

-Champaign: 28 www.uiuc.edu

-Springfield: 25 www.uis.edu

Western Illinois University: 21.2 www.wiu.edu