U14 - Understanding the ACT's Role in College Admissions

Why do some colleges use ACT scores for course placement?

• To place students into appropriate course levels

• To determine which sports team a student can join

• To decide if a student can graduate early

• To assign students to dorm rooms

What is a benefit of having a standardized benchmark like the ACT for college admissions?

• It allows fair comparison of students from different backgrounds

• It eliminates the need for any other application materials

• It guarantees admission to all applicants

• It only benefits students from private schools

How might a strong ACT score benefit a student with solid grades and extracurricular activities? (DoK 2)

• It can further strengthen their college application

• It replaces the need for personal essays

• It allows them to skip the application process

• It guarantees a scholarship

Explain how improving your ACT score by a few points could affect your college affordability. (DoK 2)

• It could make you eligible for more scholarships, reducing college costs

• It would have no impact on financial aid

• It would only affect your high school GPA

• It would increase your tuition fees

A student receives a high ACT score and is placed in advanced college courses. What is a potential benefit of this placement? (DoK 3)

• The student can save both time and tuition costs by skipping remedial classes

• The student must retake the ACT every year

• The student is required to take more introductory classes

• The student cannot participate in extracurricular activities

Which of the following is a benefit of studying for the ACT, according to the text?

• It guarantees a perfect score on the test.

• It helps students develop better study habits.

• It eliminates the need for college applications.

• It reduces the number of subjects students need to study.

What is one reason the ACT is considered an alternative to the SAT?

• The ACT is only for college graduates.

• The ACT is easier than the SAT for everyone.

• The ACT may better align with some students’ test-taking strengths.

• The ACT is not accepted by any colleges.

In some states, what role does the ACT play in education accountability?

• It is used as a state-level education assessment.

• It replaces all classroom tests.

• It is only used for private schools.

• It is not recognized by any state.

Why might a student choose to take both the ACT and the SAT?

• To avoid studying for either test

• To increase their opportunities to shine by choosing the test that suits them best

• Because both tests are required for all colleges

• To reduce the number of subjects they need to learn

What is a possible outcome for schools when students take the ACT, as mentioned in the text?

• Schools can demonstrate academic progress and meet accountability standards.

• Schools can eliminate all other exams.

• Schools can reduce the number of teachers.

• Schools can avoid state regulations.