Postsecondary Testing Options
Which one is right for you?
Preparation is key!
High School Coursework
English
 Math
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Algebra I
Algebra II
Geometry
Math higher than Geometry
Science
◦ Biology, Chemistry and Physics
ACT

Used for admissions at 4-year
colleges/universities.
◦ Composite score of 20 required for UNL, UNO,
and UNK

Used for placement if attending a community
college and then transferring to a 4-year
college/university.
Components
English (Usage/Mechanics; Rhetorical Skills)
 Math (Pre-algebra, Elementary Algebra, Intermediate

Algebra, Coordinate Geometry, Plane Geometry &
Trigonometry)

Reading Comprehension (4 reading selections:
Social Studies, Natural Sciences, Prose Fiction,
Humanities)

Science Reasoning (Data Representation,
Research Summaries, Conflicting Viewpoints)
Optional Writing Test
Extra ½ hour test at the end of the
regular ACT test
 Extra cost
 No colleges or universities in Nebraska
require the writing test.
 Score does not help or hurt your regular
ACT score.

ACT Pilot
Columbus High School is one of 8 schools
in Nebraska that is part of a pilot
program giving the ACT to all juniors.
This year, all juniors will take the ACT on
Tuesday, March 19.
 In February and early March, test prep for
the ACT will be provided.
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Other times to take the ACT?
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6 test dates each year
◦ September
◦ October
◦ December of senior year – last one for
scholarship purposes
◦ February
◦ April
◦ June
When to take the ACT?

You should be finished with the following
math classes:
◦ Algebra I
◦ Algebra II
◦ Geometry

Helpful if you have completed or are in
Physics
Benchmarks for College Readiness

PLAN
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English – 15
Math – 19
Reading – 17
Science Reasoning – 21
ACT
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English – 18
Math – 22
Reading – 21
Science Reasoning – 24
Registration

ACT
◦ Online at www.actstudent.org
◦ $35

COMPASS/ASSET
◦ Schedule appointment by contacting CCC
◦ No cost
Requirements to register for ACT
High School Code - 280525
 Test Center Code

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College Codes (where you want your scores to
be sent)

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UNL requires scores be sent directly from ACT; other
schools will accept scores from your transcript
High School courses/grades information
ACT Prep

During lunch
◦ Science – the week before ACT tests
◦ Math – the week of ACT tests
John Baylor Test Prep
 Online opportunities

◦ www.number2.com
◦ www.actstudent.org
COMPASS/ASSET
COMPASS – computerized
 ASSET – pencil/paper

Used by community colleges for
placement.
 Some technical programs require a
minimum score – usually in math

Components
Writing
 Reading
 Math

COMPASS/ASSET Prep
http://www.act.org/compass/sample/
Who should take the
COMPASS/ASSET test?

Students enrolled in US History II Dual
Credit or other dual credit courses (not
Spanish) for Semester 2, if you want to
register for college credit.

Students planning to attend a community
college and not transfer to a 4-year
college.
Take the ACT seriously each and
every time you take the test.
Questions??