NC Parents: Your 11th Grader Will Take the ACT This Spring. Here's What You Should Know.
If your student is an 11th grader in a North Carolina public school, there's an important test coming this spring that shouldn't catch your family by surprise: The ACT.
North Carolina administers the ACT to eligible 11th-grade students as part of the state's testing program. That means thousands of juniors will take a college admissions test during the school day this spring FOR FREE. Parents should view it as more than another required school test.
Why Does the ACT Matter?
The ACT measures college and career readiness in English, math, reading and science. ACT scores may also be used for college admission, placement and scholarship opportunities. In other words, the score your student earns during the statewide administration could potentially matter beyond high school. That's why students shouldn't walk into the ACT thinking, “It's just another state test.” It's an opportunity.
Start With the PreACT
North Carolina students generally take the PreACT in 10th grade. That score report can provide valuable information about a student's current performance and help predict future ACT performance. If you have your student's PreACT results, look at them. Which subject is strongest? Where are the biggest weaknesses? How far is the student from the score he or she would like to earn on the ACT? Those answers can help determine what preparation should happen before spring.
Don't Wait Until Test Month
ACT preparation is usually more effective when students have time to identify weaknesses, strengthen academic skills, learn the test format and practice under timed conditions. Waiting until a few weeks before the test limits those options. A student who needs help with ACT Math, for example, may need more than a few test-taking tricks. There may be foundational math skills that need to be strengthened. The earlier you know that, the more time you have to address it.
Three Questions Parents Should Ask Now
If you have an 11th grader, ask:
What did my student score on the PreACT?
What ACT score would support my student's college and scholarship goals?
Does my student have a preparation plan between now and the spring ACT?
If you don't know the answers yet, now is the time to find out. At APlus Test Prep, we believe confidence raises scores—and scores open doors. The ACT your student takes this spring isn't something to fear.
It's an opportunity to prepare for.