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ACT

What is the ACT? 

The ACT is an entrance exam used by most colleges and universities to make admissions decisions. It is a multiple-choice, pencil-and-paper test administered by ACT, Inc. Overall, the higher you score on the ACT and/or SAT, the more options for attending and paying for college will be available to you.

Due to legislation passed in 2016 Crestwood High School will be administering the ACT exam each winter all Juniors. This exam is funded through the State of Ohio and will be at no direct cost to families. Students will have an opportunity to earn a "remediation-free" score on this exam. This designation is one of the three diploma options that qualifies a student for graduation. This ACT score can be used for college admission as well.  

Students can register to take the ACT additional times at www.act.org  

  • Select Information for “Students & Parents” and select the date of your choice

  • If you are on free/reduced lunch, please see your School Counselor for a fee waiver. You can use two of these.

  • This test is taken at a local school that is designated as a testing center.

Frequently asked questions about the ACT:

  1. When should my student take this test?

  • Its not necessary to take the ACT before the winter of your students’ Junior year unless they intend to apply for College Credit Plus before their Junior year or you are simply curious how well your student will do on this test as they begin their search for colleges. After the ACT is taken at Crestwood, students will still have several opportunities to re-take this before applying college. 

  1. Should my student re-take the test?

  • It depends on whether your student intends to apply to college and which college they intend to apply to. If your student does not intend to go to college, it is not necessary for them to re-take the ACT. Similarly, some colleges do not rely on the ACT score to determine admission (Examples: Tri-C and Kent State Geauga). If your student intends to apply to a more selective college, re-taking the ACT at least one time is always a good idea. Students tend to improve their scores taking it again at least once. Your students chances for college admission and college scholarships will increase if they increase their ACT score. 

  1. How can my student prepare for the ACT?

  • There are a variety of ways to study for the ACT ranging from free to more expensive. 

  • You can see free practice guides and tests at the ACT website.

  • When your student takes the Crestwood class “College and Career Readiness 11”, there will be an ACT prep website used as a part of the class. The more your student utilizes this resource, the more prepared they will be.

  • Some schools have one day workshops offered. You can see which ones will be in our area at: https://www.acttestprep.info/

  • There are individuals training specifically on ACT tutoring as well. This is the most costly method but also the most individualized.