Understanding the Pre- ACT
- Initially, students will only be able to take the Pre- ACT if their school offers it.
- The Pre- ACT will closely mirror the ACT.
- The content, format, and question types will simulate what students will see on the ACT, but the Pre- ACT will be shorter than the ACT.
- Both the Pre- ACT and the ACT will test students in English, math, reading, and science; however, the Pre- ACT will not have an optional writing test like the ACT.
- Both exams will be scored on a 1 to 36 scale. Schools should receive students' scores within 5 to 10 days of submitting completed tests to ACT. Schools will also receive an estimated ACT score range for each student, along with a full score review packet for students to better understand their scores and get additional ideas for success in preparation for the ACT.
- There's more to the Pre- ACT than practicing for the ACT. Pre- ACT test-takers will be asked to provide information on their interests, the courses they plan to take in high school and their expected major. That information will then be distributed to students with their results. The idea is to help parents and counselors start important conversations related to college and careers.
- Students shouldn't worry too much about prepping for the Pre- ACT. The best preparation is to take courses like those in English, social studies, science, and math, which tend to develop skills that are measured on the ACT.
Taking the Pre- ACT as a 10th grader might help a student determine what he or she has to do to get ready for the ACT. The Pre- ACT gives students an opportunity to practice for the ACT, but also provides students, parents, and educators with a way to identify a student's strengths and weaknesses- information which they can use to build and refine the skills students will need to be successful in college and beyond.