Registration deadline set for ACT exam

College-bound high school students can take the ACT Assessment April 6. The registration postmark deadline is March 1. Late registration postmark deadline is March 15 (an additional fee is required for late registration).

ACT scores are accepted by virtually all colleges and universities in the nation, including all Ivy League schools. The test fee is $24. Colleges use ACT scores, along with a student's high school GPA, the type of college-prep courses taken and other information to help determine admissions and the appropriate course placement for new students.

The ACT Assessment is an achievement test in English, reading, math and science. It measures what students have learned in high school, and the skills required for success in college. It is not an aptitude test. Some students find it more comfortable than an aptitude test because it reflects their high school curriculum. The ACT was taken by students nearly two million times last year.

Students who have already taken the ACT can take it again and try for a higher score. Juniors can use their scores to examine academic weaknesses, take courses to correct those weaknesses and re-take the exam as seniors. Students who take the exam more than once can report only their highest composite score to prospective colleges if they choose.

For information, including registration forms and test locations, contact high school guidance counselors.