ACT Testing

General Information:

The ACT assessment includes four tests of educational development:

English Test: 75-question, 45-minute test measuring student's understanding of the conventions of standard written English (punctuation, grammar, and sentence structure) and of rhetorical skills (strategy, organization, and style). Three scores are reported for the English Test; a total test score based on all 75 questions, a re-register in Usage/Mechanics based on 40 questions, and a re-register in Rhetorical Skills based on 35 questions.

Mathematics Test: 60-question, 60-minute test designed to assess the mathematical skills that student have typically acquired in courses taken up to the beginning of grade 12. Use of calculators is permitted on the Mathematics Test. Four scores are reported: a total test score based on all 60 questions, a re-register in Pre-Algebra/Elementary Algebra based on 24 questions, a re-register in Intermediate Algebra/Coordinate Geometry based on 18 questions, and a re-register in Plane Geometry/Trigonometry based on 18 questions.

Reading Test: 40-question, 35-minute test measuring the student's reading comprehension as a product of skill in referring and reasoning. That is, the test questions require students to derive meaning from several texts by referring to what is explicitly stated and by reasoning to determine implicit meanings and to draw conclusions, comparisons, and generalizations. Three scores are reported: a total test score based on all 40 questions, a re-register in Social Studies/Sciences reading skills (based on the 20 questions in the social studies and natural sciences sections of the test) and a re-register in Arts/Literature reading skills (based on the 20 questions in the prose fiction and humanities sections of the test).

Science Reasoning Test: 40-question, 35-minute test measuring the student's interpretation, analysis, evaluation, reasoning, and problem-solving skills required in the natural sciences. The test is made up of units consisting of some scientific information and a set of multiple-choice test questions. The use of calculators is not permitted. Scores: Only a total test score is reported.

Writing Assessment Test: 30 minutes to write an essay in English. Before you begin planning and writing your essay, read the writing prompt carefully to understand exactly what you are being asked to do. Your essay will be evaluated on the evidence it provides of your ability to express judgements by taking a position on the issue in the writing prompt; to maintain focus on the topic throughout the essay; to develop a position by using logical reasoning and by supporting your ideas; to organize ideas in a logical way and to use language clearly and effectively according to the conventions of standard English. 

It also includes: the High School Course/Grade Information questionnaire, the ACT Interest Inventory, and the Student Profile Section.

Test Dates:

10/24/09

12/12/09

02/06/10

04/10/10

06/12/10

Registration:

Register online at www.actstudent.org. If paying by check or money order, please go online to www.actstudent.org to order a Registration Packet (allow 7-10 days for delivery).

The ACT plus Writing fee is $47 (the ACT plus Writing is required for admission into the University of Montana); general registration for the ACT is $32; late registration handling fee is an additional $21.

Standby Testing:

Will be admitted on a first-come, first-admitted basis only if there are sufficient space, testing materials, and testing staff after all registered students have been admitted. The registration packet must be completed along with the $41standby fee must be paid in addition to other fees and must be submitted by check, money order, or VISA or MasterCard.

Test Preparation:

For your convenience, check out ACT Practice Tests @ no charge.

Contact the Center:

Helen Utsond
Testing Coordinator
The University of Montana
Office of Career Services
Lommasson Center 154
Missoula, MT 59812
406.243.2175 (direct)
406.243.5866 (fax)
testingservices@umontana.edu