ACT for Parents

  • What is the ACT?

    The ACT test is a college entrance exam covering English, reading, math, and science. It measures what students have learned in high school, so taking the right courses is important. The minimum recommended high school courses are: 

    • four years of English
    • three years each of mathematics (algebra and higher), natural sciences, and social sciences

    For more information, visit the official ACT website.

    Click here to access Preparing your Student, a thorough document which explains the significance and benefits of the ACT preparation and administration.

     
    Some Frequently Asked Questions:
     

    How does a student register to take the ACT?

    Students must register in advance to take one of the national administrations of the ACT. They can register online, by telephone, or by mailing a registration packet to ACT. When they register they will choose a test date and location. ACT offers six national test dates a year.

    In addition, all GCS students who are enrolled in Grade 11 will be taking the ACT free of charge in February/March each year. These scores will be reportable to universities.

     

    Is the test offered in languages besides English?

    The ACT test is offered only in English. Extended-time testing is not available for students who speak English as a second language. This accommodation is only available for students with diagnosed disabilities.

     

    How are the tests scored?

    Scores range from 1 (low) to 36 (high) for each of the four tests and the Composite. The Composite score is the average of the four test scores, rounded to the nearest whole number.

    ACT scores are based on the number of questions answered correctly. No points are deducted for wrong answers. Raw scores are converted to scale scores. Scale scores have the same meaning for all versions of the tests.

    Three of the four tests also have sub scores, which range from 1 (low) to 18 (high).

    There is no direct, mathematical relationship between sub scores and test score. Also, the test scores in English, mathematics, and reading do not represent the sum of the sub scores in those areas.