Nationwide ACT test April 9 for college-bound students

College-bound high school students can take the ACT Assessment on April 9, 2005, the next nationwide test date. The registration postmark deadline is March 4. Late registration postmark deadline is March 18 (an additional fee is required for late registration).

The ACT Assessment now contains an optional Writing Test. Some colleges will require writing scores from students entering college in the fall of 2006. Students should check the admissions requirements of colleges they are considering before deciding whether to register for the ACT with or without the Writing Test. The cost is $28 without and $42 with the Writing Test.

Students can receive registration information from their high school guidance counselors or they can register on ACT's website at www.actstudent.org. The website also features test tips, practice tests, and a database for students to find out if a prospective college requires a writing score.

ACT scores are accepted by virtually all colleges and universities in the nation, including all Ivy League schools. Scores are used, along with a student's high school GPA, high school courses taken, extracurricular activities and other information to help determine if a student is academically ready for college-level coursework. The ACT Assessment includes four tests; English, reading, math and science. Students who opt to take the Writing Test will add 30 minutes to the 3-hour normal testing time.