Typical testing schedule throughout high school:
9th & 10th Grades
Pre-ACT (practice ACT) & AP (if enrolled in AP level classes)
11th Grade
An official ACT, PSAT (optional, practice SAT test) & AP (if enrolled)
12th Grades
ACT (in the fall if needed) & AP (if enrolled)
** Mark these test dates in your calendars to help avoid scheduling appointments or missing school on those days**
**These tests do not have make-up day options**
CEEB/HIGH SCHOOL CODE: 430320
RECOMMENDED TIMELINE
SPRING TEST AT NDHS
"NATIONAL TEST" DAYS (AKA: "Saturday tests")
FEE WAIVERS
ACCOMMODATIONS
OFFICIAL TESTS FOR COLLEGE & SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS
TEST PREP
ADDITIONAL INFO
SHOULD YOU TAKE THE SAT?
Contact Mrs. Bacher or Mrs. Wicks, the test coordinators, if you have further questions about taking this test.
- We recommend students take the ACT 2-3 times throughout high school for a variety of reasons:
- Variations in test questions
- Ability to Super Score for some college admission applicaitons (Some colleges accept the highest score from each section of all the ACT tests taken.)
- Differences in how a student performs on each test day
- Here is a typical timeline of dates for students/families to consider:
- 11th Grade: December or February of their Junior year (Usually taken as a baseline to get a starting point. Family register/pay for this.)
- March or April of Junior year (this one is free, offered at NDHS and we will register students)
- 12th Grade: June or July prior to Senior year (family registers for this; some students take this test if they haven't taken it twice going into Senior year)
- September (Students may take if haven't been able to take it a 2nd time yet or are pursuing a certain score not yet reached.)
- 11th Grade: December or February of their Junior year (Usually taken as a baseline to get a starting point. Family register/pay for this.)
SPRING TEST AT NDHS
- An official ACT test is given each spring for all Juniors at NDHS
- Date: Tues./March 26, 2024 *Students will be released after 12:30/1:00
- Price: free
- Registration: NDHS staff will register students so no action is needed by parent/student.
- Pre-Bubbling/Optional questions:
- The school will schedule this as a group to complete the week prior to test during Flex.
- You will need to have 4 possible colleges chosen that you would like to have your scores sent to for free (once you apply)
"NATIONAL TEST" DAYS (AKA: "Saturday tests")
- These ACT tests are given at various locations in town, on Saturdays. The list of locations is available when registering.
- Dates: Each school year, a new calendar of test dates is released at the end of July.
- To sign up for reminder text alerts: www.act.org
- Tests are given the same months each year.
- Price: $68 for "No Writing" Essay
- Late fees, change of location, score report fees, etc. link
- Registration:
- Students need to complete the online registration: www.act.org
- NDHS "high school code"/CEEB code: 430320
- Choose multiple choice/"NO WRITING ESSAY" unless you are applying to a school Senior year that requires it. (This test is rarely required.)
- There is limited seating so don't wait until the last few days to register.
- The registration deadline is usually 30-35 days prior to the test so mark your calendars!
FEE WAIVERS
- See your School or College Counselor about receiving 2 "Fee Waivers" in order to take the ACT National tests for free (This is for students who are on a very limited income per ACT requirements)
- Are you eligible for a fee waiver? Check here
ACCOMMODATIONS
- Accommodations needed for a test (IE: learning differences, mental health or physical diagnosis).
- Link to review documentation ACT requests from medical professionals.
- Email the documentation to your School Counselor to request special accommodations.
- ACT will determine which accommodations will be approved, if any.
OFFICIAL TESTS FOR COLLEGE & SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS
- The test given at NDHS plus Saturday/National tests are official tests, admissible for college and scholarship applications.
- The Pre-ACT practice tests given in 9th & 10th grades are not.
- DUKE TIP test scores are not.
TEST PREP
- One of the best ways to practice is by taking timed tests at home, either doing only 1 subject at a time or by taking all 4 subjects back-to-back. This helps with pacing because many people struggle with running out of time on the ACT.
- Varsity Tutors link (mot popular among students)
- free; do not have to create an account; site is easy to use; has flashcards, practice tests by subject, great feedback with score results
- Has Question of the Day link
- Silverdale Saturday sessions *2023-2024 information is pending
- UT Martin free ACT webinars *2023-2024 information is pending
- Official free ACT practice test and answer key
- More free resources from ACT
- If you are a member of the public library, here is their resource:
- Link (Click on COURSES at the top, then on TEST PREP)
- There are other free options online for practice tips, practice tests, apps, etc.
ADDITIONAL INFO
- 21 is the minimum score to earn the TN HOPE Scholarship (for in-state schools only).
- Additional information about the ACT: Prepscholar
SHOULD YOU TAKE THE SAT?
- One reason to take it would be if a student is not scoring as high on the ACT as they would expect. SAT is a little different and some may perform better on the SAT. (We have 1-2 Seniors per year take the SAT test.)
- Here is break down of the differences between the 2 tests: Kaplan link
Contact Mrs. Bacher or Mrs. Wicks, the test coordinators, if you have further questions about taking this test.