ACT
ACT TESTING
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. The purpose of the ACT test is to measure a high school student's readiness for college, and provide colleges with one common data point that can be used to compare all applicants. There are four sections of the ACT; English, Math, Reading, and Science. The exam is 2 hours and 55 minutes long. Students receive one break. Each section of the ACT is scored on a 1 to 36 point scale. The composite ACT score is the average of your four section scores, also on a scale from 1 to 36.
A standardized test, like the ACT, can be used for college admission and scholarships. If you plan to attend a 4-year school that requires the ACT, you should plan on taking the ACT during your junior year. It is a test students can take multiple times (National ACT Testing Dates) and it is offered through National Testing sites throughout the year. Learn more about the ACT.
KHS ACT (Juniors): At Kirkwood High School we believe in the importance of ensuring our students are college and career ready; therefore, we will be providing an opportunity for every student in the Class of 2027 to take the ACT free of charge. However, in order to plan for the appropriate number of students who will actually be tested on that day, we are asking that you OPT-OUT if you are NOT planning to take the ACT on March 10th 2026. More details on how to OPT-OUT will be available as we get closer to the testing date.
Practice ACT (Juniors): This exam is only offered to juniors at KHS. The practice ACT is on September 23rd, 2025. EVERY junior will take this test at KHS and it is free. This is NOT an actual ACT test and will NOT be a real score used for college admission or scholarships. The purpose is to give your student data and a baseline score. Again, the test will begin at 7:45 am and locations will be posted closer to the testing date.
PreACT (Sophomores): This exam is only offered to sophomores at KHS. The PreACT is on October 7th, 2025. EVERY sophomore will take this test at KHS and it is free. This test will introduce sophomores to the ACT by taking a version of the exam called the Pre-ACT. The Pre-ACT is specifically designed as a practice test for the ACT. It mimics the ACT's format, question types, and content areas. The Pre-ACT will help students and families understand what to expect from the standardized testing experience and will aid in identifying areas where students may need to improve.