About the ACT
The ACT is a national college admission and placement examination administered by ACT, Inc, a non-profit organization. The ACT assesses high school students' general educational development and their ability to complete college-level work. It is a multiple-choice test covering four subject areas: English, math, reading, and science. There is also an optional writing test, which measures skill in planning and writing a short essay. The ACT is not an aptitude or IQ test, but rather assesses what students have learned in their high school courses.

The ACT is administered on five national test dates: in October, December, February, April, and June. In selected states, the ACT is also offered in late September. Students may take the ACT as often as they wish. Many students take the test twice, once as a junior and again as a senior.

How is the ACT scored?
Scores are computed by counting the number of correct answers on each test and converting this number to a scale score ranging from a low of 1 to a high of 36. The scale scores for the four subject tests are averaged to produce the Composite score, which also ranges from 1 to 36.

High schools use ACT scores in academic advising and curriculum evaluation. Colleges use ACT scores in admission decisions, course placement, in awarding some scholarships and loans and in determining eligibility for participation in certain sports.

Source: ACT, 2006-2007

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