November 6, 2007 - Scheduling our ACT test...
Today is another busy day. Among the things that need to get done, I am scheduling my daughter's ACT exam. Beings, we do not test on Saturday, I have to schedule it with the local college. We call them up, and they have to find a test administrator and once that is done, we arrange a date that works for both of us. After that, I need to drive in to the college and fill out the ACT registration form, sign it and my daughter signs it and I pay the $30 fee. Not too bad.
The first time, however, it seemed a bit more confusing and frustrating. I was checking with ACT and calling our local school district and even stopped in to talk with the guidance counselor who assured me she'd check into it and get back to me, which they never got back to me, so I ended up calling our local college. They were glad to help, but they hadn't done it before, so they called ACT themselves to get the information they needed to proceed. Once we figured it out, it went smoothly.... Although still nerve wracking since neither party had "done" it before so we were both cautiously stepping into the ring.
One thing I learned about taking the ACT is that you don't HAVE to take it your junior year of high school. You can take it anytime! Really!!! By anytime, I mean after your graduated, or during your senior year... anytime. The only advantage to taking it the year prior to college is to get your numbers in when you are applying for financial aid... a good score can me good scholarships. My daughter has graduated and we are taking her tests this fall. We hope to apply for financial aid this winter for college next spring. Currently she is working and saving up some money... and still trying to decide what it is she wants to do.
And you can keep retaking it every 60 days, if needed or wanted. Why would one want to do that? Well, the higher your ACT score, the higher the scholarship at many colleges. And for some colleges they want homeschoolers to have a certain ACT or SAT score to be admitted. Many colleges take your highest score, whether it was your first or your last test. The college we were looking at my daughter met the composite score, but she was one point too low on her math (we didn't take geometry). So, we are retaking it in hopes of raising that math score.
There are also lots of ACT study options. If you go to the ACT website, they will suggest their own study book. We found this book at the library and borrowed it for 6 weeks (we renewed it) and it was FREE! We also checked out older books just to give my daughter more practice on math and english type problems. We also got a ACT program for our palm pilot which we had found for $1 at the local office supply store. Lots of the resources are cheap. If you go to the bookstore and find a book you like, check to see if your library has it or can get it on interlibrary loan and save yourself some funds!
So, don't be scared of the ACT test. It is a nice test to take for college entrance. It does not ding you for missed answers, so you can guess on questions you do not know. My daughter struggled with the timing a bit, and she feels that she didn't get through the entire test, so has been working on her speed a bit. Knowing that she just filled in circles for 15 or more problems on each test because she ran out of time, gives her hope that her next test will go more smoothly. We always said... taking the test, there is a learning curve. Don't be afraid to take it twice or be disappointed if the first score isn't as you desired. It sure doesn't mean you are stupid... the score reflects alot of things more than knowledge... (nerves, timing, getting over sitting in a room by yourself with a complete stranger, etc.!)
Warmly, ~Melissa
