Get Your "ACT" Together: Everything You Need to Know About Taking the ACT Test

Are you planning to go to college soon? If you're a junior or senior in the , you probably already know you'll need to achieve certain ACT scores in order to get into your desired school.

The district wants to help you succeed, so you've got many options to help you prepare for one of the most important tests in your academic career so far.

Ways You Can Prepare for the Test

During the 2012-2013 school year, Hazelwood School District juniors and seniors will have many opportunities to enroll in workshops to prepare for the ACT tests.

Math or science teachers will conduct math/science workshops while communication arts teachers will lead communication arts/reading workshops.

The workshops include ACT Test-Taking Strategies and ACT Content Reviews for math/science/English, which have a $10 fee (pay in guidance office at sign-up). These are held after school over three days, starting at 2:35 p.m. and ending at 4:35 p.m.

ACT Content Review Workshops will take place on the following dates:  October 9–11; November 27–29; January 29–31, 2013; and April 2-4, 2013 while ACT Test-Taking Strategies Workshops will occur on the following dates: September 4-6; October 16-18; December 4-6; February 5-7, 2013; April 9-11, 2013 and May 22-24, 2013.

What You Can Expect on Test Day

The ACT assesses high school students’ general education development and their ability to finish college-level work. The test is multiple-choice and covers four skill areas – English, mathematics, reading and science. There is also an optional writing test that measures planning skills.

When You Can Take the Test

ACT exam dates are Sept. 8, Oct. 27, Dec. 8, Feb. 9, 2013, April 13, 2013 and June 8, 2013.

How You Can Sign Up to Take the Test

Students interested in taking the ACT can pick up registration packets in the counselor’s office and submit the completed forms to ACT by various deadlines for the desired ACT test date. Students may also register online by going to www.actstudent.org

How Much the Test Costs

There are two fees, $35 for the regular ACT and $50.50 for the ACT with the writing test.

What to Do If You Can't Afford the Fees

Students who cannot afford to pay the registration fees may be eligible for an ACT fee waiver. These students should consult with their high school counselor for fee waiver eligibility requirements.

The District will reimburse one ACT fee for each student who is ineligible for a fee waiver during the student’s senior year. To receive reimbursement, students must complete a six-hour ACT Workshop or the ACT Prep class. Students must sign up for the workshop in the school’s guidance office and the following documentation is needed for reimbursement:

• Proof of enrollment in ACT Prep class or complete an ACT Workshop (six-hour minimum) for each ACT fee reimbursement. ACT teachers will submit attendance to the guidance offices.
• ACT scores – College Board sends scores to the guidance offices.  

Why You Should Take the Test

High schools use ACT results in academic advising and counseling, to identify students who need extra help in certain subject areas and to plan changes and improvements in the curriculum.

Colleges use ACT results in admission decisions, course placement, academic advising and to disburse scholarships and loans. Students are encouraged to check with their high school counseling office for updated ACT workshop dates.