Crescent-News.com - ACT deadline nearing

The next ACT test administration for college-hopeful high school students is June 14. Students who wish to take the exam on this date must register online or have their paper registrations postmarked by the end of the day May 9. The late registration postmark deadline is May 23 (an additional $19 fee is required after May 9).

The June test date is a popular one for high school juniors. Many of them take the ACT at the end of 11th grade to see how they fare, knowing they can always re-take it the following year. Based on the information they receive in their score report, students can study to boost academic weaknesses before taking the test again as seniors. Students who take the ACT more than once may choose which set of scores to send to college.

ACT offers an optional writing test. Many colleges do not require students to submit a writing score, so students should check the admission requirements of the colleges they are considering before registering for the ACT. The registration fee is $30 for the traditional ACT exam or $44.50 for the ACT plus writing.

Students may obtain a registration packet from their high school guidance counselors' office, or they may register online at www.actstudent.org. The ACT website also features test-taking tips, practice tests, an online test prep program, and a searchable database for students to find out if prospective colleges require a writing score.