More High School Students Opting to Take ACT

March 8, 2005

IOWA CITY, Iowa—More U.S. high school students are opting to take the ACT Assessment college admissions exam this year than ever before. The number of ACT test-takers grew substantially in February compared to the same time last year, rising 17 percent nationally.

Growth was particularly high on the East Coast, with 22 percent more students taking the exam this February than last. There were also solid gains in tests administered across the nation (see chart).

"It's clear that college-bound students from Boston to Seattle are recognizing the benefits of taking the ACT," said Jon Erickson, ACT's vice president for educational services.

"Virtually all colleges and universities accept ACT scores. The test measures what students have learned in high school and many students find it more comfortable because there are no trick questions. Colleges only see the scores that the students want them to see. And it's not the kind of college admissions exam that requires expensive test preparation courses."

The February administration of the ACT was the first to include a new optional writing test. Sixteen percent of all February test-takers opted to take the writing portion. The College Board will add a mandatory writing test to the rival SAT starting this month, along with other revisions.

ACT made its writing test optional because most four-year colleges and universities will not require a writing score. Only around 18% of the schools surveyed by ACT report that they will require a writing score, with 61% reporting that they will not require it. Another 21% say that they will recommend students take the writing test, but will not require it.

"Everyone realizes that writing skills are important for success in college and the workplace," said Erickson. "The ACT already measures writing skills through its English Test. Some colleges and universities believe an essay can give them additional information on a student's writing ability, but many believe that they receive enough information and simply don't need another test. We are providing the Writing Test for schools that want it, but we decided against forcing all students to take an additional test and bearing an increase in registration costs."

Before registering to take the ACT Assessment, students are urged to find out if the college they are considering requires them to submit writing test scores. Students can register to take the ACT with or without the writing test, depending upon the college's requirements.

Last year, around 2.1 million ACT tests were administered. Among the high school class of 2004, nearly 1.2 million graduates had taken the ACT. Visit ACT's student website for more information on test dates, sample tests, registration information, and to find out which colleges require the writing test.