ACT, Inc. has been selected as the college admissions exam vendor for the 2023-2024 school year.
Senate Bill 59 (2022) Amends KRS 158.6453 to delete the tenth-grade college admissions examination. Therefore, only Grade 11 students will take a college admissions exam in the spring of 2024. The ACT junior spring administration is an online-based examination. Paper testing will only be available for accommodations with no online equivalent, including Non-College Reportable (NCR) accommodations.
KDE's primary use of the college admissions exam is to measure students' level of readiness for college in core academic content areas. Meeting benchmarks on the ACT is one-way students may demonstrate academic readiness in the Postsecondary Readiness indicator of the state's accountability system for schools.
Beyond the state use of results, the state-administered college admissions exam also benefits students, their parents and educators in several ways. Administering the college admissions exam as part of the state testing program permits students to take the exam at no cost. The exam is administered during the school day, providing equitable access for all students to participate. Additionally, many organizations that offer merit or academic scholarships will identify and award financial assistance based on scores from a college admissions exam.
The ACT program is a comprehensive system for collecting and reporting information about students planning to enter the workforce or continue with postsecondary education.
The program consists of four major components:
Tests of Educational Development
The multiple-choice tests cover four skill areas: English, mathematics, reading and science. The examinations emphasize reasoning, analysis, problem-solving, and the integration of learning from various sources, as well as the application of these proficiencies to the kinds of tasks that college students are expected to perform.
Course/Grade Information Section
This component provides 30 self-reported high school grades in English, mathematics, natural sciences, social studies, language, and the arts. The courses include those that customarily form the core of a college preparatory curriculum and are frequently required for college admission.
Student Profile Section (SPS)
The SPS contains information reported by students in such categories as educational plans, interests and needs, financial aid, and demographic background information.
The ACT Interest Inventory
This 72-item survey reports scores parallel six interest and occupational types, helping students identify majors consistent with their interests.
More information can be found on the Kentucky ACT website.
Test Preparation
ACT provides free resources to all students, parents, teachers, principals, and other educators. These resources are housed within ACT's Test Preparation website and additional resources are available via individual student MyACT accounts that are created prior to the test administration window. Students can access MyACT via computer, tablet, Chromebook, or smartphone.
Additionally, students can greatly benefit from using ACT practice tests as preparation for the actual exam. Engaging in ACT practice tests allows students to familiarize themselves with the format, structure, and content of the test, helping to alleviate any anxiety or uncertainty. By simulating the test-taking experience, students can gauge their strengths and weaknesses in different subject areas, identifying areas that require further study and improvement. ACT practice tests also provide valuable opportunities for students to practice time management and pacing strategies as they work through the test within the allocated time limits. With repeated practice, students can enhance their test-taking skills, build confidence, and increase their chances of achieving their desired scores on the ACT exam.
Accommodations
Accommodations for students with an Individual Education Program (IEP) and supports for English Learners (ELs) are available for the ACT. A School Test Accommodations Coordinator must request ACT-approved accommodations and EL supports. Students may test with non-college reportable accommodations without prior ACT approval. More information can be found on the Kentucky ACT website.
Score Reporting
Online Score Reports
Students participating in State Testing may view their score reports on the free MyACT student account. College reportable scores are available online three to eight weeks after the test date.
Creating a MyACT Account
Students may create a MyACT account on the MyACT website. If they have questions about creating an account, they may fill out this ACT Contact Web Form.