Parent / Student resources
ACT Testing Dates, School Code and Fee Waiver Info!
Go to www.act.org to register to take the ACT test.
When filling out your ACT registration form our school code is 373-445. There are ACT fee waivers available for those who qualify; however, these waivers can only be used for one test per year. Any additional test must be paid for in full. For more information or for fee waiver applications, see Ms. Gracey. Remember there is no limit to the number of times you can take the ACT test. It is best that you take it early and give yourself time for any additional retakes to improve your score.
College admission standards for the ACT are rising. Most colleges look for a 21 composite score and sub-scores of 19 on individual subject areas. This makes it even more imperative that you take and retake the ACT and do all you can to raise your score.
There will be a ACT workshop at the Career Tech in Burns Flat, OK in September. This workshop can give you tools to help improve your ACT score.
The cost is $30.00 and speak to Ms. Gracey to sign up.
ACT NATIONAL TESTING DATES
Regular Deadline Late Deadline Photo Upload Standby Deadline
September 10, 2022 August 5 August 19 September 2
October 22, 2022 September 16 September 30 October 14
December 10, 2022 November 4 November 11 December 2
February 11, 2023 January 6 January 20 February 3
April 15, 2023 March 10 March 24 April 7
June 10, 2023 May 5 May 19 June 2
July 15, 2023 June 16 June 23 July 7
2023-2024 ACT Test Dates the projected dates and deadlines for the 2023-24 ACT testing year
Test Date Deadline Late Deadline Online Score Release*
Sept 9, 2023 Aug 4, 2023 Aug 18, 2023 Sept 19; Oct 3, 2023
Oct 21, 2022 Sept 15, 2022 Sept 29, 2022 Nov 7; Nov 21, 2023
Dec 9, 2023 Nov 3, 2023 Nov 17, 2023 Dec 19, 2023; Jan 2, 2024
Feb 10, 2024 Jan 5, 2024 Jan 19, 2024 Feb 27; Mar 13, 2024
April 6, 2024 March 1, 2024 Mar 15, 2024 April 16; May 1, 2024
June 8, 2024 May 3, 2024 May 17, 2024 June 18; July 2, 2024
July 13, 2024 June 14, 2024 June 21, 2024 July 23; Aug 6, 2024
*The first date is when multiple-choice scores come out, and the second date is when complete scores become available
ACT Study & Test Prep
22-23 - Preparing for the ACT Test
Free Resources from ACT.org ... and this is just a beginning!
English Test Tips & Practice Questions
Math Test Tips & Practice Questions
Reading Test Tips & Practice Questions
Science Test Tips & Practice Questions
Writing Test Tips & Practice Questions
Free Official Practice Tests ...
Test information, Directions, Full-Length Practice Tests with Correct Answers
Preparing for the ACT Test - 2021-2022 (green book, ACT Form 2176CPRE)
Preparing for the ACT Test - 2018-2021 (pink book, ACT Form 74FPRE)
Preparing for the ACT Test - 2015-2018 (purple book, ACT Form 72CPRE)
Answer Explanations for all practice tests above (piqosity.com)
We also have former students' ACT tests and answers - ask Mrs. Reed!
Chad Cargill Test Prep Workshop & Podcast
Chad Cargill is an Oklahoma, 1st generation college graduate who took the ACT 18 times, raised his score from a 19 to a 32, and now studies the ACT and its data to create tips and strategies to better prepare students to effectively tackle the ACT.
Sweetwater High School students may sign up to attend his workshop held at Western Technology Center in Burns Flat. Mr. Cargill teaches general strategies as well as breaks down each test, teaching tips from timing, selecting the "most correct" option, and providing question numbers that correlate to each subject and topic from the Preparing for the ACT Test booklets above. Sign ups to attend Mr. Cargill's workshop are generally in October and cost $30. His test prep book is optional but available for $20 on the day of the workshop.
*NEW* Chad has published two seasons of Chad Cargill's ACT Test Prep Podcast. Listen on your own or with your friends.
Here are a few of his General Tips and Strategies, shared with permission, to get you started until you can get to a workshop!
1. Take as many ACT tests as you can. (Episode 1)
2. The ACT is beatable.
3. There are generalities to every test.
4. Take residual (now called the On Campus) tests at your local college or university.
5. Don't stay up late the night before cramming for the test.
6. Treat the ACT morning like a regular school day. ... Don't roll out of bed 15 min before the test. ;)
7. Use the bathroom before the test. (Episode 6)
8. Answer every question; leave no blanks! ... (A or D)
9. Always have a watch and keep exact time while taking the test. (Episode 10)
10. If you think you are doing badly; DON'T WORRY; everyone else is too.
11. Do not read the directions before each section. (Episode 31)
12. Always order a copy of your tests and answers when available. (Episode 4)
These are available on December, April, and June national test dates.
$30 for a copy of the questions, your answers, and the correct answers.
You can order when you register, online up to the day of the test, or by mail up to 6 months after the test.
Your Test Day Checklist - What You Must Bring to the ACT (Episode 37)
Available Counseling Services
Our school counselor is available to provide the following services to students, parents, school staff, and the community:
Direct Services for Students
Direct services are in-person interactions between the school counselor and students. Counselors are available for specific student needs as well as for attendance interventions, testing needs and interpretations, and educational opportunities.
Individual Student Planning
School counselors coordinate ongoing systemic activities designed to assist students in establishing personal goals and developing future plans. Students meet with the counselor throughout each school year to revisit and/or make any changes necessary to his/her Individual Career and Academic Plan (ICAP). ICAPs are specific to the student's academic and post-secondary goals and plans.
Responsive Services
Responsive services are activities designed to meet students' immediate needs and concerns. Responsive services may include counseling in individual or small-group settings or crisis response. Sweetwater Schools has staff trained as Critical Response Team and are available to assist surrounding schools when necessary.
Indirect Services for Students
Indirect services are provided on behalf of students as a result of the school counselors' interactions with others including referrals for additional assistance, consultation and collaboration with parents, teachers, other educators and community organizations. Counselors collaborate regularly with public school counselors to assist with career guidance as well as informing them of updates and policy requirements for the referral and enrollment process.
(American School Counselor Association)
Bullying
"Bullying, harassment, and intimidation" means any gesture, written or verbal expression, electronic communication, or physical act that a reasonable person should know will harm another student, damage another student's property, place another student in reasonable fear of harm to the student's person or damage to the student's property, or insult or demean any student or group of students in such a way as to disrupt or interfere with the school's educational mission or the education of a student.
Students and personnel are to immediately report observed or suspected bullying to the instructor and/or administration. The report will be investigated and any appropriate action taken, which may include suspension from school for students found to have violated this policy. Depending on the situation it may also be necessary to report the incident to law enforcement authorities.
Cyber Bullying
• Cyber bullying is when one or more people intentionally harm, harass, intimidate, or reject another person using technology. This includes but is not limited to the following:
A. Sending mean or threatening messages via email, IM (Instant messaging), or text messages.
B. Spreading rumors about others through email, IM, or text messages
C. Creating a Web site or social networking account that targets another student or other person(s).
D. Sharing fake or embarrassing photos or videos of someone with others via a cellphone or the Web.
E. Stealing another person’s login and password to send mean or embarrassing messages from his or her account.
• Students and staff can anonymously report cyber-bullying by calling the school and reporting it. It shall be the policy of Sweetwater School that cyber bullying will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
College Days / Campus Visits
Seniors are permitted a college day for the purpose of making a visitation to the institution of their choice. Students must have an ACT on file for his/her request to be considered. The senior must get the required paperwork one to three days before the visit is scheduled. You will have each teacher sign it, return it to the office (before you leave!), and then bring back proper documentation signed by the school showing you visited the campus.
Career Tech students must also complete the WTC Activity Sheet (the pink sheet) before leaving. You will be charged an absence in the computer unless proper documentation is returned in the appropriate time frame. Once documentation is submitted, it can then be changed to an Activity absence and not count against your semester totals.
*Due to Covid-19, be sure to call ahead to verify colleges/universities/tech centers are allowing visitors on campus before making the trip there.
Oklahoma colleges and universities invite students and families to visit their campuses virtually! With this centralized list of virtual tours, students can easily explore schools they’re interested in attending.
College Days / Campus Visit Suggestions
Plan at least one half day at each school (an overnight stay is recommended if possible).
Prepare a list of questions before you go.
Vist when the school is in session.
Check out the libraries, student union, bookstore, etc.
Tour the dorms. Ask if freshman are required to live in dorms. Can you have a single room or must you share? Look at things students have in their rooms and how they arranged it (computers, tv, etc.)
Eat a meal on campus.
Arrange an interview with an admissions officer.
Talk with students and faculty, preferably from a major that interests you.
Ask if there are active fraternities &/or sororities on campus if you are interested.
Pick up a student newspaper or activities calendar.
Notice how well the campus and its facilities are maintained.
Attend an extracurricular activity (sports, theater, etc).
Get names and/or business cards of people you meet.
Tour the community surrounding the campus.
Talk to a student or counselor in the career center.
Schedule a visit with financial aid.
Imagine attending this campus for 2/4 years.
College Fairs
The Chamber of Commerce in Elk City hosts a College Fair each year at the Civic Center. Representatives from area universities, technical schools, and military branches are available for you to visit. If you have a specific school you would like to research or speak with, come see me and we will find a name and number for you to call.
Communication & Courtesy
Whether you are going to work, a trade school, college, or the military, communication is KEY! Make a point to start contacting schools and employers. What are their admissions or hiring requirements? How do you apply?
There will be many things you need from your teachers, principals, and counselor this year: transcripts sent, GPA updates, ACT dates, letters of recommendation, etc. Communicate politely, and communicate early! Transcripts and grades can be sent in a day; however, a good letter of recommendation may take a week or two. Don’t wait until the last minute!
Before requesting a letter of recommendation, tell the person for what you are applying and ask if they would be able and/or willing to write a positive letter. If their answer is no, respect and thank them for their honesty, ask someone else, consider what changes you may need to make, and use it to better yourself. If their answer is yes, respect and thank them for their time and give them a timeframe in which you need it.
Remember: Use your manners, and consider what and how you want to be perceived before you say something.
Concurrent Enrollment
Concurrent high school enrollment refers to eligible juniors and seniors who enroll in college courses and earn both high school and college credit.
Concurrent enrollment is an important academic decision and should be carefully considered. This resource has been created to help you and your young adult determine if this is the right decision for him/her.
For up-to-date resources and information, check these out!
Concurrent Standards and Requirements
Parent/Guardian Quick Glance of Important Information - ** READ THIS **
Sweetwater students typically take concurrent classes through Western Oklahoma State College or Southwestern Oklahoma State University. Each school has similar application and enrollment requirements; however, it is important students and parents research each campus and degree plans to determine the best for his/her student ... and complete the required paperwork before each semester.
Western Oklahoma State University (WOSC) - Altus, Oklahoma
Concurrent Information: Admission Requirements, Applications & Enrollment Procedure, Tuition Waiver information, and More!
Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) - Weatherford, Oklahoma
Concurrent Information - Application Procedure & Forms
Official transcripts and test scores must be uploaded/sent by a school official for a student's Concurrent Application to be considered complete.
Keep in Mind ... students who enroll in concurrent courses are expected to assume responsibility for his/her organization, pacing, and execution of required assignments and assessments and are considered "adults" according to the college/university/institution. Colleges assume all students are full-time college students until he/she self-identifies as a high school concurrent student. We encourage concurrent students to send an email to each professor/instructor at the beginning of each semester to introduce yourself and let them know you are a high school student taking concurrent classes. Communication is essential to successful online coursework. (Helpful hint: Read Communication & Courtesy above.)
FSA ID - Federal Student Aid Identification
FAFSA - Free Application for Federal Student Aid
ICAP - Individual Career and Academic Plan
ICAP definition Student Login for OK College Start
Oklahoma Colleges - Resources & Information
The Oklahoma College Guide is a resource shared with me and is another good starting place for researching Oklahoma Colleges, degree programs, and occupational growth potential. They also have a section committed to Scholarships and Grants available to Oklahoma students!
Oklahoma's Promise
Oklahoma's Promise offers qualified Oklahoma students an opportunity to earn a scholarship for college tuition.
REQUIREMENTS
Must be an Oklahoma resident.
Must enroll in the 8th, 9th, 10th or 11th grade.
Must be a student whose parents' federal adjusted gross income does not exceed:
$60,000 with 1 or 2 dependent children OR
$70,000 with 3 or 4 dependent children OR
$80,000 with 5 or more dependent children.
Online ACT (FREE) Practice Tests
Free Resources from ACT.org ... and this is just a beginning!
English Test Tips & Practice Questions
Math Test Tips & Practice Questions
Reading Test Tips & Practice Questions
Science Test Tips & Practice Questions
Writing Test Tips & Practice Questions
Free Official Practice Tests ...
Test information, Directions, Full-Length Practice Tests with Correct Answers
Preparing for the ACT Test - 2021-2022 (green book, ACT Form 2176CPRE)
Preparing for the ACT Test - 2018-2021 (pink book, ACT Form 74FPRE)
Preparing for the ACT Test - 2015-2018 (purple book, ACT Form 72CPRE)
Answer Explanations for all practice tests above (piqosity.com)
We also have former students' ACT tests and answers - ask Mrs. Reed!
OTAG - Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grant Program
The Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grant Program (OTAG) is a need-based grant program for Oklahoma residents who attend eligible colleges, universities and career technology centers in Oklahoma. Awards are approved for full-time or part-time undergraduate students.
Students' Right to Confidentiality
School counselors make every effort to maintain confidentiality at all costs. Information students share
will remain remain confidential except in the case of:
Suicide,
Risk of harm to oneself, or
Risk of harm to another person
Transcripts
Request an official transcript from Mrs. Joy, Mr. Reed or Ms. Gracey