This page is designed to provide information that will assist you with career and postsecondary success, which includes career exploration and planning, teamwork, interview skills, job readiness skills, job search skills, resume and cover letter preparation, college planning, college admission testing, financial aid and scholarship search.

(Please see the bulletin board in the Counseling Department for additional information and opportunities.  Also, paper scholarship applications are available.)  

...by coming to the Counseling Department like these two students did.  When students pick up a packet they must sign the notebook and write the High School Code (490-280) on the back flap of the packet.

Note that the code is posted on the wall above the ACT packets.

General Tips for Taking the ACT

• Carefully read the instructions on the cover of the test booklet.
• Read the directions for each test carefully.
• Read each question carefully.
• Pace yourself—don't spend too much time on a single passage or question.
• Pay attention to the announcement of five minutes remaining on each test.
• Use a soft lead No. 2 pencil with a good eraser; do not use a mechanical pencil or ink pen.
• Answer the easy questions first, then go back and answer the more difficult ones.
• On difficult questions, eliminate as many incorrect answers as you can, then make an educated guess among those remaining.
• Answer every question. Your scores on the multiple-choice tests are based on the number of questions you answer correctly. There is no penalty for guessing.
• If you complete a test before time is called, recheck your work on that test.
• Mark your answers neatly. Erase any mark completely and cleanly without smudging.
• Do not mark or alter any ovals on a test or continue writing the essay after time has been called or you will be dismissed and your answer document will not be scored.
• If you are taking the ACT Plus Writing, see these Writing Test tips.
• http://www.actstudent.org/testprep/tips/index.html

English

• Be aware of the writing style used in each passage.
• Consider the elements of writing that are included in each underlined portion of the passage. Some questions will ask you to base your decision on some specific element of writing, such as the tone or emphasis the text should convey.
• Be aware of questions with no underlined portions—that means you will be asked about a section of the passage or about the passage as a whole.
• Examine each answer choice and determine how it differs from the others. Many of the questions in the test will involve more than one aspect of writing.
• Read and consider all of the answer choices before you choose the one that best responds to the question.
• Determine the best answer.
• Reread the sentence, using your selected answer.

Mathematics

• Read each question carefully to make sure you understand the type of answer required.
• If you choose to use a calculator, be sure it is permitted, is working on test day, and has reliable batteries. Use your calculator wisely.
• Solve the problem.
• Locate your solution among the answer choices.
• Make sure you answer the question asked.
• Make sure your answer is reasonable.
• Check your work.

Reading

• Read the passage carefully.
• Read and consider all of the answer choices before you choose the one that best responds to the question.
• Refer to the passage when answering the questions.

Science

• Read the passage carefully.
• Refer to the scientific information in the passage when answering the question.
• Read and consider all of the answer choices before you choose the one that best responds to the question.
• Note conflicting viewpoints in some passages.
• http://www.actstudent.org/testprep/tips/subtests.html

• Get plenty of rest the night before test day.
• Dress comfortably. Some test centers are warmer or cooler on weekends than during the week. Consider dressing in layers, so you'll be comfortable no matter what the room conditions are.
• Check your admission ticket for your test option—ACT (No Writing) or ACT Plus Writing—reporting time, and the reporting location of your test center.
• Bring your admission ticket to the test center. It contains Matching Information you must copy exactly onto your answer document to avoid delays in scoring.
• If you're unsure where your test center is located, do a practice run to see how to get there and what time you'll need to leave home to arrive by 8:00 a.m.
• Plan to arrive by the time indicated on your admission ticket (8:00 a.m.). If you arrive earlier than 7:45 a.m., you might have to wait outside until testing staff complete their arrangements.
• Make sure you have acceptable identification. You will not be admitted to test without proper ID.
• Be ready to start after everyone has been checked in.
• http://www.actstudent.org/testprep/tips/testday.html