Registration is now open for the April 10, 2010, ACT achievement test. Students who wish to take the college admission and placement exam must register before March 5, 2010.

The ACT is a curriculum– based achievement exam. It tests what students have actually learned in school, not their aptitude for learning. The ACT also measures what students need to know to be ready for entry–level college– credit courses based on ACT College Readiness Standards. Every student’s results can be tied directly to these consistent standards.

The ACT has four sections —English, mathematics, reading and science— and takes about three hours to complete. Students who take the ACT Plus Writing complete an optional writing test that requires an additional 30 minutes. Unlike other exams, students are not penalized for guessing or answering all the questions on each test section. In fact, it is beneficial for test takers to answer all questions within the time allowed.

The cost for the ACT test without writing is $32. When combined with the optional ACT Writing Test, the total cost is $47. Students who qualify may apply for a fee waiver through their high school counselor.

Register at www.actstudent. org