ACT

The ACT is the common standardized assessment used by many 4-year colleges.  Most colleges in the mid-West and many along the coasts will accept the ACT.  The ACT is a standardized test comprised of 4 multiple choice sections:  English, Math, Reading and Science and an additional 40 minute Writing test.

The ACT predicts the success of students in their first year in college in English, Math, Social Sciences (Reading) and Science courses.  Meeting the benchmarks in each area indicates that the probability of a student earning a C or better in each of those core areas in 75% in their first year in college.

The benchmarks are:

ACT Subject            ACT Benchmark                    College Course

English                               18                                              English Composition

Math                                   22                                             College Algebra

Reading                             22                                             Social Sciences

Science                               23                                            Biology

STEM                                  26                                            Calculus/Science/Engineering

The minimum composite score 4 year colleges (especially the MNSCU schools) typically look for is a 21 but many schools (more selective colleges) look for a higher composite score and others will accept students who score under a 21.

For more information or to register for a test, go to:  http://www.actstudent.org

Practices tests and ACT online prep can be found at: https://cloud.e.act.org/free-practice-act-test and https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/test-preparation/free-act-test-prep.html