College Entrance Exams

Over the last few years, many four-year college admission offices have decided to move away from requiring college entrance exams (ACT or SAT) entirely or are moving to test-optional (you can provide a test score if you wish, but do not have to).  Some four-year school still require the ACT or SAT, and some are making a determination on if they require tests year-by-year.  Some schools may still be using test scores for scholarship determination even if they aren't using it for admission.  Students should check with each college they are considering to learn their specific requirements for application and scholarship selection.

We're increasingly seeing four-year colleges move toward a holistic application process (one that looks at the whole student, rather than just their ACT score, GPA, or class rank) - be sure to check any prospective college's admission requirements to see if a college entrance exam is required.  Two-year colleges do not require the ACT or SAT college entrance exam, but have their own course placement assessments that are offered on campus as part of the registration process once admitted.

Who needs to take the ACT? Infographic

The ACT is the test HHS students typically take and is accepted at the vast majority of colleges to which HHS students apply.  If you are interested in attending a school outside of the Midwest, you may find that the SAT is preferred.  (SAT information and registration information can be found at www.collegeboard.org/sat)  Students who may need it should plan to take the ACT the spring of the junior year, with other opportunities to take or re-take the test during the summer before and fall of the senior year.

ACT Information

School-based testing is available to juniors in the spring of the junior year at HHS.  Ms. Anderson will communicate with students and parents about how to register - typically in mid-winter of the junior year.

Students wishing to re-test or take the ACT outside of the HHS date can register online at www.actstudent.org  Students will need to create an account to get into the registration site.  If the student took the ACT at HHS and is registering for a re-take, the student will need to create an account.  Their ACT ID can be found on the ACT score report they received in the mail or via their online ACT account.  During the registration process, students will be able to select their test date and testing location.  When selecting your test date, keep in mind that you can expect scores to be available two to eight weeks after test day.

2026 National Test Dates (Registration deadlines are typically 5 weeks prior)

April 11

June 13

July 11

2026-27 National Test Dates

September 19

October 17

December 12

February 27

April 10

June 12

July 10

ACT Fees (through July 2026)

ACT - $68

Writing Add-On - $25

Science Add-On - $4

Writing or no writing?  Science or no science?

The writing and science portions of the ACT are optional.  Some colleges (none around here, to our knowledge) require it, some recommend it, and some don't need it.  Some schools like to see the science section for STEM majors.  Check with any schools in which you're interested to determine if you need to take the writing portion.

Fee Waivers

Fee waivers are available upon request from Mrs. Boeshans.  Fee waivers can also give you access to free ACT prep resources.  To apply for the ACT fee waiver program, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:

1. Be currently enrolled in high school in the 11th or 12th grade.

2. Be testing in the United States, US territories, or Puerto Rico.

3. Meet one or more of the indicators of economic need listed below:

   • Enrolled in a federal free or reduced-price lunch program at school, based on US Department of Agriculture (USDA) income levels (see table).

   • Enrolled in a program for the economically disadvantaged (for example, a federally funded program such as GEAR UP or Upward Bound).  Note: If the student participates in a program, but is not economically disadvantaged, they are not eligible for a fee waiver.

   • Resides in a foster home, is a ward of the state, or is homeless.

   • Family receives low-income public assistance or lives in federally subsidized public housing.

   • Family’s total annual income is at or below USDA levels for free or reduced-price lunches on the USDA Food and Nutrition Service website.

Unofficial vs. Official ACT scores

As part of your registration fee, you can have your official ACT scores sent to up to four colleges at no additional cost.  Take advantage of this!  Your unofficial ACT scores are placed on your HHS transcript at no cost when HHS receives them from ACT.  (If you do not wish to have your ACT scores on your HHS transcript, let Mrs. Boeshans know.)  If you need to submit your official ACT scores as part of the application process but didn't select that college during the ACT registration process, you will need to do a request through ACT on their website.  There is a $20 fee to have your official ACT scores sent and the request may take longer than a week to arrive at its destination.  HHS is unable to submit official ACT scores for students.