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.

Where 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 2009-2010 testing cycle is as follows:

* ACT Plus Writing available only on these dates

What do I have to do to sit the tests?

Register

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

Fees

The 2009–2010 fee for taking the ACT in New Zealand is US$58.00 (or US$73.00 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 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.

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