The ACT college entrance test is available for all students in grades 10-12, but commonly taken in junior year. It is considered the “universal college entrance exam” throughout the Midwest area and a curriculum-based test. In the past, it has been recommended that students who plan on attending a four-year college or university take the ACT exam in the spring of their junior year. With the FAFSA deadline earlier and decisions for admissions starting being made earlier, it was recommended that you take one prior so not to rush to get another one in before Fall of your senior year.
As of today, two thirds of the colleges/universities in the United States are test optional for admissions. This means that an ACT score is no longer required even for admission at those colleges. This is a permanent change at some colleges as they begin taking a more holistic approach to admissions. It's also become a temporary change for some colleges for students since Fall of 2020 and continuing for many in Fall of 2021 with Covid getting in the way of testing opportunities. Some schools have already indicated it will remain test optional or test blind even in Fall of 2022 already. To see if a college/university is test optional, check the individual college website or www.fairtest.org for a list of "test optional" or "test blind" colleges.
With that being said, there may still be some advantages to submitting an ACT score. Here are some things to consider:
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Is your school of choice one that is more difficult to gain admittance?
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Does the college/university use ACT scores for scholarship or honors consideration?
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Are you a good standardized test taker? A nice score can still add to your 'resume'.
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Is your ACT score a good reflection of your academic ability and potential?
If the answer is yes to any of those questions, you may want to submit an ACT score or test again if you feel your score is too low regardless of test optional admissions. Register to take the ACT during one of the National test dates at www.actstudent.org . This test is taken at a designated high school, and it assesses students in reading, math, english and science subjects. Either Lakeville North or South is often a choice for the test location for a majority of the testing dates.
Due to restrictions possibly with Covid lingering at times, be sure of all test dates, registration deadlines, and locations remain the same. Please check exam dates and locations on the ACT website.
The cost of the ACT exam for 2024-2025 is $69. There is an optional 30-minute writing test that can also be taken. The cost of the exam with the writing portion is $94. Students may register for the writing test when they register for the ACT. It is not possible to register for the ACT writing test alone. It must be taken at the same time as the ACT Assessment. More information about the writing test is available on the ACT website.
2025 Testing Date for ISD 194 Juniors
Juniors in the Cougar Class of 2026 will be given the chance to take the ACT at Lakeville South on Tuesday, March 11, 2025 during Digital Learning Day. This is provided at a reduced cost $52.50 to the student. If you qualify for educational benefits, your cost will be lower. The window to purchase this starts on November 25, 2024.
To register for this ACT test, please go to the student or parent Campus Portal. Go to the Campus School Store, select Exam Fees and select ACT test.
Any additional interest in taking the exam will require you to register and pay through ACT National Dates. Flyers with other test dates can be found in the Career and College Readiness Center on the 3rd floor, next to the Media Center.
ACT Details:
Grade Levels Tested: Grades 10-12
Required Test to Graduate: No
College Entrance Exam: Yes, score used for admissions and scholarships
Test Registration: ACT.org
Lakeville South High School Code: #241-326
Test Results: Notification email sent to students from ACT (approx. 2 weeks later)