All the information you need about ACT registration is available on the test maker’s website at www.actstudent.org. There are two ways to register for the ACT: You can do so online, or you can use a registration packet and send your forms in by mail. If you need a registration packet, you should be able to get one from your school counselor, or you can request one directly via the test maker’s website.
Choosing a test day that is right for you depends on admission deadlines. Most students take the test during their junior spring and senior fall semesters, although some opt to take the ACT as early as freshman or sophomore year if they have completed most of the academic skills that are tested by the ACT. The earlier you take the test, the more opportunities you have to take the test again and increase your composite score. Check the websites of colleges to which you are applying, as well as scholarship agencies, to solidify a test date. The ACT website, www.actstudent.org, provides a list of colleges with information about standardized testing policies. It takes about three to eight weeks to receive your scores, so be sure to check college admission deadlines before you choose a test date.
If you think that registering for the ACT on time is simply a matter of logistics and fees, think again. Individual testing centers have limited space. When you know that you’re interested in a particular test date at a particular location, it is worthwhile to register as soon as possible. The earlier you register, the more likely it is that you’ll be able to test at your preferred location. Many students prefer to test at their own high schools, in a familiar setting. The morning of Test Day will go much more smoothly if you don’t have to worry about directions to get to an unfamiliar location. Planning ahead for ACT registration can help you avoid such unnecessary distractions.
When you register, you should read all the information the test maker provides. Learn specifically about what to bring with you, including forms of ID, pencils, acceptable calculators, and snacks for the breaks. You should also pay attention to what behaviors are and are not acceptable during the test. The more you know ahead of time about what to expect on test day, the more relaxed and confident you’ll be going into the test. When you put that confidence together with the Kaplan strategies and practice you’ll get from this book, you can look forward to higher scores on your ACT!