ACT announced recently that it is introducing three new options for students taking its test used in college admissions. The changes would first go into effect for students taking the test in September, 2020.
The new options come at a time when the college admissions testing giants - ACT and SAT - are intensifying their competition for market share as new questions are raised about the fairness and validity of the tests. And they are no doubt at least partially a response to the increasing number of colleges and universities adopting test-optional admission policies.
ACT Section Retesting
For the first time in the ACT’s history, students who have taken the test once will be given the option of retaking any one of the individual section tests (English, math, reading, science, and/or writing) rather than having to take the entire test again. Historically, about half of ACT test-takers repeat the test in an attempt to better their scores.
Online testing with faster score turnaround
Also for the first time, students will be able to take the test online during national test days at ACT test centers. The test is currently administered only in a paper-and-pencil format on national test days. Students who elect to take the online test will learn their results in two days as opposed to the typical two-week time lag for the paper-pencil administration.
New ACT “superscoring”
For students who have taken the test more than once or who retake individual sections of it, ACT will permit them to combine their best scores on the subtests across all administrations, rather than the scores from just one sitting. This “pick and choose” option will, of course, allow students to report a higher combined score than the more restrictive, former method.
Winter/Spring 2020 Mock Test Dates
These tests are taken in a group setting to simulate the testing environment, and VHES will provide all materials, including the test booklet, essay booklet, answer sheet, testing timer, pencils, and a test proctor. Parents receive a nine-page detailed diagnostic report that reveals strengths and weaknesses.
View sample ACT/SAT diagnostic reports:
Northern VA/DC - ACT / SAT
Richmond VA - ACT / SAT
Charlotte NC - ACT / SAT
The registration fee is $25 per test. For students taking both the ACT and SAT, we will review the scores to see which test they are scoring higher on, using our score concordance chart to make a test recommendation. Since all colleges and universities accept both tests, it's beneficial to know if your child is scoring higher on the ACT or SAT.
Testing Dates and Locations:
Vienna, VA
Wesley United Methodist Church
711 Spring Street, SE
Vienna, VA 22180
Click here to register for a mock ACT/SAT or click on a specific test date below.
ACT - 1/18/2020, 3/7/2020, 5/16/2020
Charlotte, NC
VHES
15720 Brixham Hill Avenue
Charlotte, NC 28277
Click here to register for a mock ACT/SAT or click on a specific test date below.
ACT - 1/11/2020, 3/21/2020, 5/9/2020
SAT - 1/25/2020, 3/7/2020, 5/16/2020
Richmond, VA
Richmond Community Church
11801 Nuckols Road
Glen Allen, VA 23059
Click here to register for a mock ACT/SAT or click on a specific test date below.
ACT - 1/18/2020, 3/7/2020, 5/16/2020
Warrenton, VA
VHES
4263 Aiken Drive
Warrenton, VA 20187
Click here to register for a mock ACT/SAT or click on a specific test date below.
ACT - 1/11/2020, 3/21/2020, 5/9/2020
SAT - 1/25/2020, 3/7/2020, 5/16/2020
Raleigh, NC Test dates TBA