ACT 2019

WHY THE ACT IS IMPORTANT: All students take the ACT Plus Writing exam in April of their junior year.  They are automatically registered for the test, so parents and students don’t need to worry about any paperwork, and the test is paid for by Montana Gear Up and the Office of Public Instruction, so a fee is not required.  ACT is a National College Admissions exam that tests English, Math, Reading, and Science with an optional Writing section.  This is a great opportunity for students to take a college entrance exam, at no cost, during the school day.  In addition to general admissions requirements, all colleges require students to meet minimum writing and math competency standards.  To enter a 4-year university within the Montana University System, high school graduates are required to meet the following standards:

• Math Proficiency: ACT math score of 22
• Writing Proficiency: ACT English/Writing score of 18 or if they score 19 or higher on the Writing Assessment

See MUS admissions standards website here for more details.

TEST DAY:  This year the ACT will be given at the Lewis and Clark Fairgrounds.   Students must arrive at the Fairgrounds and be in their seat no later than 7:45am.  Late students will not be permitted to test so be sure to arrive early! Students will need to go directly to the fairgrounds as transportation to the test will not be provided.  However, a bus will be available for returning to HHS after the test.

Students should bring a photo ID, pencils, and  (optional) calculator.

Students should not bring any electronic devices (cell phone, iPOD, etc), backpacks, or food/drink.  Please leave your cell phone at home or in your locker.  You are not allowed to access your phone during breaks, so please don’t bring it with you.  Any student found with a phone will be dismissed from the test, and any phone that goes off in the testing room will result in the owner’s exam score being voided and may affect other examinees in the room.

Although calculators are not required for the math test, they are allowed.  We will not be providing back-up calculators for students who do not bring one to the test.  Refer to your study guide or the ACT website for a list of prohibited calculators (link below).  Please note that the TI-89 is the most common reason students are dismissed from the ACT for prohibited calculator use.
Prohibited Calculators

TEST PREP:  All students will receive test preparation information from their English teacher ahead of the test.  Free test prep is also available through many online sources:

• ACT
• ACT Test Prep
• ACT and SAT Test Prep
• Reach Higher Montana
• 4 Tests Test Prep
• Free ACT and SAT Test Prep
• Princeton Review Test Prep
• Montana Career Information System
• Khan Academy

AFTER THE ACT: Some students will choose to re-take the ACT and/or take the SAT.  Below are the testing dates for exams given over the summer.  Please note that students will not have received their scores for the April ACT test in time to know how to specifically prepare for the June ACT test, but taking it in June is an option.  Want a basic description of the similarities and differences between the SAT and ACT?  Check out this site.