The ACT is one of the 2 main college entrance exams.

• Most students in North Carolina will take this test once for free during their junior year of high school.

• Not all schools require the ACT. Community colleges do not request ACT scores.

• Scores range from 1-36.

  • A student must score at least 17 on the ACT in order to be admitted to a North Carolina public university.

The test contains the following sections:

• English (75 questions in 45 mins): grammar, punctuation, sentence structure & style

• Math - Calculator active (60 Qs in 60 mins): Pre-algebra, algebra, geometry, and trigonometry

• Reading (40 Qs in 35 mins): reading passages and comprehension

• Science (40 Qs in 35 mins): Interpret, analyze, evaluate graphs and charts

• Writing (1 essay in 40 mins): Write a persuasive essay about a passage or topic.

What does test-optional mean?

All UNC-System schools are TEST OPTIONAL for 2022, meaning they will not take into consideration ACT/SAT test scores in the admissions process.

Situations where you should still consider testing/re-testing:

• Specific scholarships may still require a test score

• Private or out-of-state colleges may still require a test score

• Your GPA is at or below the necessary 2.5 to be admitted into a UNC-System school, but your test score can help improve your application

Students must register in advance for an ACT testing session. They are not held at Pamlico County High School, but some local high schools act as testing centers. Late registration is also available for an additional fee. Please note that if you are eligible for a fee waiver, you will not need to pay the late registration fee.

Directions

1. Go to myact.org

2. Click on “SIGN UP/ LOG IN” in the center of the page

3. If you already have an account, enter your USER ID and PASSWORD.

4. If you do not have an account, click the middle box that says “I have scores from an ACT test, but don’t yet have an account” IF you took it in school last Spring.  Use the ACT ID from your score report on the next page (ask your guidance counselor for a copy of your ACT scores from junior year if you do not have it). Fill out the following pages (fields marked with an * are required). Our school code is 340-520.

1. Write down your username and password in your phone, I recommend your Notes app

1. PRO-TIP - keep all your college usernames and passwords in one place!

5. After logging in, click "register now". Answer the required questions to the best of your ability.

6. When prompted to pick a test location, choose one close to you.

7. When asked if you want to register for the writing portion, check to see if any of your colleges require the essay portion of the ACT. Most schools do not require the essay.

8. Review to make sure all information is correct, then click "continue". If you have a fee waiver, the number to enter is located at the top right-hand corner of the fee waiver.

9. Upload a clear, front-facing photo of yourself for your ticket.

10. Print your admission ticket. If you need your college adviser or counselor to print it, click “print” then “save as PDF” and send the file to your guidance counselor or kashaseltzer@pamlicoschools.org

Learn more about the test:

• About the ACT (ACT.org)

  • Includes key content and scor

How does the SAT compare to the ACT?

• Comparing the SAT and the ACT

• Comparing the test content

FREE Study Resources:

• There are so many study tools available online and through the school. Don't pay for something you don't need!

• Free resources from ACT

• 15 free online resources for ACT Prep