ACT Test

The ACT is a standardized test used by colleges and universities in the United States as part of the admissions process. All Grade 11 students (juniors) are required to take the exam by the State of Illinois. It measures students' readiness for college by assessing their skills in four key areas:

• English (grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure)
• Math (algebra, geometry, and trigonometry)
• Reading (comprehension and analysis)
• Science (interpretation and problem-solving)

There is also an optional Writing section, which some colleges may require. The ACT helps provide a snapshot of students' academic strengths and areas for growth, and many colleges use it to determine eligibility for admission, scholarships, and other academic opportunities.

An ACT score can: 

• Strengthen a student’s college applications
• Qualify a student for scholarships and financial aid
• Help identify academic strengths and areas for growth

The Pre-ACT is a practice version of the ACT that all Grades 9 and 10 students at ETHS take on Assessment Days. It covers the same subjects as the ACT—English, Math, Reading, and Science—but in a shorter format and without the writing section.

Taking the Pre-ACT gives students a preview of what to expect on the real ACT in junior year. It also helps identify strengths and areas for improvement, so students can focus their efforts where it counts.

By taking the Pre-ACT, students get comfortable with the structure and pacing of the ACT and gain valuable insight into how they should prepare to take the official exam.

In Illinois:

• Grade 9 (freshmen) take the Pre-ACT 9 Secure
• Grade 10 (sophomores) take the Pre-ACT Secure

ACT, Inc. and College Board are private test companies that are not obligated to accommodate for standardized testing. These test companies review applications for eligibility and make determinations based on the documentation submitted by the parent/guardian. Both companies require evidence of an impairment or disability that requires an accommodation to access the test (disabilities include physical, medical, learning, emotional/psychological, hearing, vision, language, etc.). In addition, both companies have firm due dates for making such a request 6 – 8 weeks before a testing date. Requests cannot be made just before a test (the exception to this can be an emergency medical accommodation).

Certain accommodations, including any time greater than 50% time in one session or multiple days, cannot be provided on Saturday national college entrance test dates. In such cases, students must test in a prescribed window of time during the school day.  ACT has a separate registration process for Special Testing.

ACT Test Accommodations

Once approved for accommodations by a test company, a student does not have to be re-approved for the specific accommodations. However, each time the student registers to take a college entrance test the parent must submit a request to the test company to add the approved accommodations. Test companies do not automatically add previously approved accommodations. If a request for accommodations is denied, there is an appeals process for both ACT and College Board. The outcome may not be determined by the requested test date, so a student may have to change to a later test date if the student chooses to wait for the results of the appeal. The ETHS Testing Coordinator can provide guidance on how to make an appeal, but the parent/guardian is responsible for submitting all additional documentation required by the testing company in order to complete the appeal process.

The ACT and Pre-ACT are now fully digital and taken online at ETHS. Students should come prepared with:

• Fully charged Chromebook
• Chromebook charger
• Student ID
• A healthy snack and water bottle for the break (optional)
• A book or something quiet to do after finishing the test (optional)

Note: Calculators are built into the digital testing program, so students do not need to bring their own.

What Not to Bring

To maintain a secure and focused testing environment, the following items are not allowed during the test and must be turned off and stored away before testing begins:

• Cell phones, smartwatches, headphones/earbuds, and any other electronic devices or wearable technology

• Personal calculators (a calculator is built into the digital testing platform)

Cell phones and other personal devices may not be used at any time during the exam period, including during breaks and even after you’ve finished your test. Possession or use of any prohibited items during testing will result in your test being invalidated.

ACT scores are typically available 2–8 weeks after the test date. If you set up a MyACT account with your student code before testing, ACT will email you when your scores are ready. ETHS does not distribute ACT scores directly.

Here’s how to check your scores:

1. Create or log into your ACT student account:
   Visit www.act.org and sign in or create an account.
    
2. View your scores online:
   Once scores are posted, you’ll see them listed in your ACT account.
    
3. Score reports include:
   • Composite score
   • Section scores (English, Math, Reading, Science)
   • College and Career Readiness benchmarks

ETHS counselors are available to help students understand their results and explore how scores may be used for college admissions, scholarship opportunities, and course placement.

If you’re having trouble accessing your account or don’t see your scores, contact ACT directly through their website.

Missed the School-Day ACT?

If a student is absent on the official ACT testing day at ETHS, they may be eligible to take a makeup test. Information about makeup testing will be communicated directly to families via email. Please contact the ETHS Research, Assessment, and Evaluation Office as soon as possible if you know your student will miss the test. As a reminder, completion of the ACT is a graduation requirement.

Retaking the ACT

Students may retake the ACT on a national test date (offered on Saturdays throughout the year). These tests are:

• Optional and not administered by ETHS

• Self-registered through act.org
• Paid for by the student (fee waivers are available for eligible students)

Retaking the ACT can improve your composite score, and ACT also offers Superscoring, which combines your best scores from different test dates.

Tips for Retakes:

• Review your school-day ACT scores first to identify areas for improvement
• Consider ACT prep resources and tutoring available
• Register early to secure your preferred testing location

Preparing for the ACT can help students feel more confident and improve their performance on test day.

Assessment Days allow all Grades 9 and 10 students to take the Pre-ACT test at ETHS. This practice exam is a valuable opportunity for students to build confidence with standardized testing and prepare for the ACT in junior year.

There is also a wide selection of test preparation materials and resources available to students in The Hub (W220) through ETHS College & Career Services, as well as at the public library and retail bookstores.