ACT

  
   

ACT tests are designed to assess high school students' general educational development and their ability to complete college-level work.

The ACT is administered by not-for-profit organisation ACT.

The ACT (along with the SAT Test) is one of two standardised testing programs widely recognised for undergraduate college admissions in the US. Most colleges and universities in the United States require ACT or SAT test scores as part of their application process.

The standard ACT test includes multiple-choice tests in four subject areas - English, mathematics, reading, and science. The tests measure students' current levels of educational development in these subjects. An optional additional Writing Test measures skill in planning and writing a short essay.

Who needs to sit the tests?

If you are applying to an undergraduate programme in the US then you will most likely have to sit the ACT (or SAT Test) as part of the application process. Please check admissions criteria of the college(s) you intend applying to, in order to determine what test you should take.

^ topWhere can I sit the tests?

There are ACT test centres in Auckland and Wellington.

When can I sit the tests?

The ACT is given on set dates throughout the year.

The schedule for the 2010-2011 testing cycle is as follows:

Test date Location(s) Registration deadline
23 October 2010* Auckland 17 September 2010
11 December 2010* Wellington 5 November 2010
9 April 2011* Auckland, Wellington 4 March 2011
11 June 2011 Wellington 6 May 2011

* ACT Plus Writing available only on these dates

Test dates for the 2010-2011 cycle will be announced in July 2010. Please do not call us for information about these tests before then, as we will be unable to answer your enquiry.

^ topWhat do I have to do to sit the tests?

Register

Students must register for the ACT test online at the ACT website.

Fees

The 2010–2011 fee for taking the ACT in New Zealand is US$59.00 (or US$74.00 if you are taking the ACT Plus Writing). It must be paid by credit card when you register online.

How can I prepare for the tests?

A free preparation booklet entitled Preparing For The ACT can be downloaded from the ACT website, which includes:

  • strategies to prepare for the tests
  • what to expect on test day
  • a complete practice test with scoring key
  • a writing prompt with sample essays

> Download PDF documentdownload booklet (1,075KB PDF)

The ACT website also offers an ACT Online Prep programme, practise test questions, test tips and descriptions.

ACT publish an official ACT study guide - The Real ACT Prep Guide, which can be purchased online from the ACT Store.

Buy books from Fulbright New Zealand
Fulbright New Zealand offers a selection of test study guides for sale. For a list of titles currently in stock, please download the Educational Advising Centre Research Catalogue from the Guides & Information Packs page of our website. Popular study guides are generally also available to purchase from major book shops and online booksellers.

For other useful information visit the official ACT website - www.actstudent.org

  
Updated: 12 July 2010  
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