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Registering for the ACT
Registering for the ACT
Students register for the ACT online at www.actstudent.org. When registering for the ACT, please keep in mind that it can take about 30 minutes. The first step in the registration process is creating a username and password. Make sure you write this information down for future reference. It is important that the student register for the test as there are questions that only he/she will be able to answer. It may also be helpful to have a transcript handy to answer the questions about classes taken and grades earned. The ACT has an interest inventory to help assess students' potential career interests and filling out this inventory is optional. If you have questions regarding registration, you can contact ACT at 319-337-1270.
It’s important to note that many colleges and universities may not require a standardized assessment score as part of their admissions process. Students should contact their post-secondary institutions of interest for specific modifications to the admission requirements they may have.
All RVHS 11th grade students will have the opportunity to take one of three postsecondary tests (Accuplacer, ASVAB or ACT) on March 24th, 2026.
National ACT Dates 2025-2026
*ACT School Code for Redwood Valley- 242-075
The links below provide comprehensive information about the test dates, registration deadlines, late registration deadlines, and score release dates. *Late registration fee $40.
Register here: https://www.act.org/
Fee Waiver Information: https://www.nacacfairs.org/learn/fee-waiver/
Preparing for the ACT
Preparing for the ACT
ACT Academy is a FREE resource for students to prepare for the ACT. Students will need to create an account and can add in their PreACT test results for tailored test prep materials.
Science Practice Questions (Optional Test Section Starting 2025)
Understanding Your ACT Score Report
Understanding Your ACT Score Report
Click on the video to learn more about your ACT Score Report.
What is Superscoring?
What is Superscoring?
According to ACT, Superscoring is, "the process of averaging your four best subject scores from all of your ACT test attempts."
According to ACT, Superscoring is, "the process of averaging your four best subject scores from all of your ACT test attempts."
ACT has a free tool to help students Calculate their superscore.
What is "Test- Optional?"
What is "Test- Optional?"
Test Scores and College Applications
Test Scores and College Applications
Many colleges have decided to adopt a “test-optional” policy regarding college entrance exams, either temporarily (for Fall 2021 admissions) or permanently. Most still encourage students to submit their scores when they can, but they don’t require all students to do so in every instance.
What Is Test-Optional?
What Is Test-Optional?
If a college or university has a test-optional admissions policy, that means they allow all or some applicants to decide whether to submit SAT or ACT scores as part of their application. It doesn’t mean that schools aren’t interested in seeing all applicants’ performance and potential—but if a student doesn’t submit their scores, it won’t be considered in the application review.
In a recent survey, representatives from test-optional colleges and universities reported that, on average, close to 80% of their applicants choose to submit test scores.
Understanding test-optional policies can help you make informed decisions about whether to take the SAT, the ACT, or both. The most important point is that policies vary widely. Be sure to read each college’s policy carefully so you understand what you need to do to qualify for admission, scholarships, financial aid, etc.
Variations in Test-Optional Policies
Variations in Test-Optional Policies
Here are some possible variations in test score policies:
Example 1: Test-optional admissions policy for some
Example 1: Test-optional admissions policy for some
At some colleges, if your GPA or class rank meets the minimum requirements, you can decide not to submit SAT or ACT scores. Some applicants, like homeschooled or international students, are required to submit scores, regardless of GPA.
A rare variation of this is “test flexible.” This means you may be able to take a test other than the SAT or ACT, such as SAT Subject Tests™ or AP Exams, to meet the school’s requirements for admission. Even rarer with only 2 colleges in the U.S. having this policy is "test blind", which means the college won't look at test scores even if they are submitted.
Example 2: Test-optional admissions policy for all
Example 2: Test-optional admissions policy for all
In some cases, the college allows students to decide for themselves whether to submit test scores. Applicants are told, in essence, “if you think your scores are an accurate representation of your ability, feel free to submit them. If you feel they’re not, don’t.”
Example 3: Test optional for admissions, but required for enrollment or scholarships
Example 3: Test optional for admissions, but required for enrollment or scholarships
Some colleges that are test-optional for admissions require SAT or ACT scores for other uses, such as academic counseling and placement, or for institutional research. Students who don’t submit their scores as part of their applications will be required to do so before arriving on campus.
Remember: Many schools that don’t require scores for admission still consider them when awarding merit scholarships. When in doubt, check with the school.
Fair Test List of Colleges that no longer require the ACT/ SAT before admission decisions are made: https://fairtest.org/test-optional-list/
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