ACT: Preparing and Taking the American College Testing With Ease
Contributed by Speak Up for Kids Student Intern Team — This article was developed through the combined efforts of multiple student interns, each bringing unique skills and perspectives to support life skills education for foster youth.
Overview: What is the ACT?
The ACT is an exam that, like the SAT, many colleges nationwide recognize and use as a factor in assessing applicants.
This exam consists of four sections- a reading section, a math section, a writing section, and a science section. There is also an optional writing section. In order to prepare for the test, visit this site here: ACT Test Preparation.
Taking the ACT
You can take the ACT on a national test date at a testing center, and you can register here: ACT Registration.
ACT Fee Waiver
As a foster youth, you are able to have the fee for the ACT waived for you, so that you don’t need to worry about paying to take the exam.
To get your ACT fee waived, talk with your academic counselor. If you are homeschooled, you would need to contact your local high school counselor.
You can find more information here: ACT Fee Waivers.
Final Thoughts
The ACT is one of several tools colleges use to evaluate applicants, and understanding how it works can help you feel more confident in the college application process. Whether you choose the ACT or the SAT, planning ahead, using preparation resources, and taking advantage of available fee waivers can help remove barriers and set you up for success.
The SAT and ACT are both college prep exams, but they do have differences. One of the best ways to learn the differences is to talk with friends who have taken each exam.
Sources
https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/test-preparation.html
https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/registration.html
https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/registration/fees/fee-waivers.html
