What is the ACT?

The ACT is an entrance exam used by most colleges and universities to make admissions decisions. It is a multiple-choice, pencil-and-paper test administered by ACT, Inc.The purpose of the ACT test is to measure a high school student's readiness for college, and provide colleges with one common data point that can be used to compare all applicants. College admissions officers will review standardized test scores alongside your high school GPA, the classes you took in high school, letters of recommendation from teachers or mentors, extracurricular activities, admissions interviews, and personal essays. How important ACT scores are in the college application process varies from school to school. Overall, the higher you score on the ACT, the more options for attending and paying for college will be available to you.

When should I take the ACT?

Most high school students start taking the ACT as early as the end of sophomore year for a baseline score. Students continue to take the ACT throughout Junior and Senior year to improve their score. It's important to leave time to re-take the test if you need to raise your score before you apply to college. The ACT exam is offered nationally every year in September, October, December, February, April, June, and July.

Is the ACT offered at Sterlington every time?

No, ACT depicts what months SHS can offer ACT.  The ACT is currently being offered at Sterlington High School in October 2023 and February 2024.

What is on the ACT?

There are four ACT sections:  

• English
• Reading
• Math
• Science

The ACT also includes an optional 40-minute Writing Test. Some colleges may require that you complete the ACT Writing Test. You can confirm each college's admissions policies on the school website or on our  school profiles.

How long is the ACT?

The ACT is 2 hours and 55 minutes long. If you choose to take the ACT with Essay, the test will be 3 hours and 35 minutes long. Check to see if the college you are applying to requires writing portion. 

How is the ACT scored?

Each section of the ACT is scored on a 1 to 36 point scale. Your composite ACT score is the average of your four section scores, also on a scale from 1 to 36. If you take the ACT with Writing Test, you will receive a separate score on the Writing Test.

Should I take the ACT or the SAT?

Most colleges and universities will accept scores from either the SAT or ACT, and do not favor one test over the other. That said, college-bound students are increasingly taking  both the SAT and ACT.  Changes made to the SAT in 2016 have made it easier than ever to prep for both tests concurrently—and earn competitive scores on both! The best way to decide if taking the SAT, ACT, or both tests is right for you is to take a timed  full-length practice test  of each type. Since the content and style of the SAT and ACT are very similar, factors like how you handle time pressure and what types of questions you find most challenging can help you determine which test is a better fit. Sterlington High School currently is not a testing location for the SAT.  Go to https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/ for test dates and locations. 

How do I register for the ACT?

Registration deadlines fall approximately five weeks before each ACT test date. You can register online on the ACT Website.