The ACT
What is the ACT and why is it important?
Created by ACT Inc., the ACT is an entrance exam used by most colleges and universities to make admissions decisions. The idea (in theory, at least) is to provide colleges with one common criterion that can be used to compare all applicants. The weight placed on ACT scores varies from school to school. Other important factors that schools consider in their admissions decisions are your high school GPA, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, interviews and personal essays. For more specific information on the importance of ACT scores at the schools you're interested in, contact the admissions offices directly.
When is the ACT offered?
The ACT is offered nationally every year in September, October, December, February*, April and June. Beginning in 2018, the test will also be offered in July*. Additionally, the state of Wisconsin adopted the ACT as a mandated testing device. All students in the state of Wisconsin take the ACT at their resident schools in late February/early March of their junior year.
What specifically does the ACT test?
The ACT has four sections: English, Reading, Math and Science, as well as an optional 40-minute writing test. Some schools may require the writing test, so be sure to ask before you take it. Learn more about what's on the different sections of the ACT.
Should I take the ACT or the SAT?
SAT versus ACT. Is one harder? Is one better? More prestigious? More useful? If only it were that simple. Click to read more about ACT vs SAT.
How is the ACT scored?
You'll earn one ACT score (1 to 36) on each test (English, Math, Reading and Science) and a composite ACT score, which is an average of these four tests. Usually, when people ask about your score, they're referring to your composite ACT score. The composite score falls between 1 and 36. The national average is about 21. If, for example, you scored 31 on the English, 30 on the Math, 29 on the Reading and 30 on the Science, your composite ACT score would be 30.
The ACT includes an optional essay, known as the writing test. If you take the writing test, you will receive a writing test subscore and a combined English/writing score. Visit www.ACT.org for detailed information about how your ACT writing test will be scored.
ACT Test Prep
The following web sites have free or minimal fee resources for preparing for the ACT.
High School Office -- Phone: (715) 458 4560 option 2 • Fax: (715) 458 4236