test prep
ACT Q&A
8 Common ACT
Questions A nswer ed!
Have you taken the ACT yet? Maybe you have a few
questions about how to get your best score, or what
to do with your score once you’ve gotten it. We
went to Len Silverman at Huntington Learning
Center for answers!
When is the right time to take the ACT for
the first time (freshman, sophomore, or junior
year)?
Most students take the ACT for the first time
during their junior year. Students should give them-
selves enough time to take the test more than once
before college application due dates. If you don’t get
the score you want the first time, you need to have
enough time to take the test again before
applications are due.
Is it better to have my scores sent directly to
my chosen schools, or should I wait to see
the results and then send them myself?
When registering for the ACT you may select four
schools to receive your scores, free of charge. Unless
it is a highly selective school, it is easier and cheaper
to send your score before results are posted. After taking the test,
it costs $12 per school to send your results.
I’ve taken the ACT a couple of times now and I’m still not
happy with my score. I’d like to retake it at least one more
time. Do colleges view multiple attempts negatively?
A general rule of thumb is to limit retakes of the ACT to no more
than 5. ACT allows score choice, meaning students control what
score they send and where they send it. Students list the schools
they would like to receive the scores at each sitting of the ACT.
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If I take the test multiple times and my scores improve,
will my lower scores count against me?
Schools consider just your best score—unless they superscore
(averaging out your best section scores from different test dates),
which is to your benefit.
Is it common practice for schools to accept
superscoring?
Every school has a different admissions policy.
Students need to do their research ahead of time to
know which schools superscore for admissions and
scholarships.
I'm trying to increase my overall score—
should I focus on my best subject or my
weakest?
Both! Never neglect one part of the test. Continuing
to strengthen stronger subjects can help to boost
scores and “carry” the weaker subjects, but weaker
subjects are areas that should be strengthened so
that they don’t hold your score back. Don’t over-
look any part of the test when prepping.
What is a reasonable amount of time I should plan to
spend prepping for the ACT?
It’s never too soon to start! We prep our students by building and
strengthening the academic skills that they need to improve test
scores. As students improve their test scores, which will help to
get them into college, they are also building the academic skills
that help them stay in college and be successful. Students need to
understand that they should not wait until the last minute. The
ACT is like no test you have ever taken before, and it is not a test
you can “cram” for.
I have a learning disability. Is it possible to get special
accommodations? If so, how?
ACT offers many accommodations (see the FAQ section on the
ACT website for details). Be aware, though, that accommodations
are not guaranteed and may take a while to attain, so plan for
plenty of time in your timeline to investigate and begin the process.
For more information contact 334.277.9200 or visit
www.huntingtonhelps