ACT National
There are two “types” of ACT tests.
The national test is offered several times per year at hundreds of testing centers. National scores can be sent to any university that you might attend. (National test dates are in February, April, June, October, and December. There is usually a national test date in September — but it is not offered in Arkansas!)
NOTE: UALR receives score reports, for regular registrants*, from ACT electronically. UALR expects to have regular registrants’ scores in the UALR system within fourteen working days barring any delays.
*Stand-bys, center changes and date changes will have their scores processed by ACT on the typical time line which is four to six weeks.
The residual test is offered by some universities for their students only. A RESIDUAL SCORE IS VALID ONLY AT THE CAMPUS WHERE YOU TAKE THE TEST.
ACT National Registration
There are two ways to register for the ACT national test.
- Register online and pay with a credit card. (Check the test registration deadlines before you try to register! You cannot complete an online application if you are trying to be a standby on a national test day.) You will print out your admission ticket directly from the ACT website if you register online.
- Use a paper registration packet. The packets are available at most colleges, universities, and high schools. Pick up the packet, fill it out, and mail it to ACT with your fee. (Make sure you check the test dates and deadlines — don’t mail the form if you are trying to be a standby.) ACT will mail you an admission ticket if you register with a paper registration form.
Standby Registration
If you have missed the late registration deadline and would like to try to come in as a standby, please read the following information.
- Pick up a registration packet from a college, university, or high school. (Online registration is NOT an option for standbys.)
- Complete the Registration Folder. The packet contains a booklet entitled “Registering for the ACT ” that will help you complete the folder. Be sure to read the section on “Standby Testing”. Do not mail the registration folder if you’re trying to be a standby! Instead, bring it with you to the test.
- Make sure you have acceptable identification and your fee ready.
- Arrive at Ross Hall no later than 7:30 a.m. Read the signs posted in Ross Hall to find your reporting place. (We sometimes are administering several different tests. Be sure you look for ACT signs!)
- There are many ACT testing centers besides UALR. If you live in another town, you may prefer to look for a center that is closer to you. You can find a list of test centers in the registration packet or on the ACT website. ACT scores from national test administrations can be sent to any college or university. (ACT scores from residual administrations are good only at the campus where you test.)
- Be sure you have your SEALED REGISTRATION PACKET with your COMPLETED REGISTRATION FOLDER and FEE (cash is not accepted) enclosed. The total due is $71.00 payable to ACT by check, money order, or credit card. (If you want to take the ACT Writing test in addition to the multiple choice test, the total cost for a standby is $86. UALR does NOT require the Writing test for admission to UALR — but we do administer the test for students who wish to take it.)
- You may bring an acceptable calculator.
- Bring some sharpened #2 pencils.
- Print your name on the standby list at the designated reporting place. Ask the testing staff for help if you have questions.
- After all registered examinees are seated, the test supervisor will determine how many standbys can be admitted. She will admit standbys first-come, first-served according to the standby list. Standbys who are not ready (no completed packet, or no acceptable ID, or no acceptable fee, etc.) cannot be admitted.
- Standby seating is not guaranteed. No determination can be made until the test day after all registered examinees have been seated. While we make every attempt to seat standbys, there are days when standbys are turned away. Your best bet is to register on time for the ACT test. If you did not register and you want to be a standby, be sure you arrive early with everything you need.
Changing Your Test Center or Test Date
This option applies ONLY if you have registered for ACT and now need to change to a different center or a different test date. If you want to make this change BEFORE the late registration deadline, follow the directions at the ACT website. If you want to make this change AFTER the late registration deadline, continue reading.
- Arrive at Ross Hall no later than 7:30 a.m. Read the signs posted in Ross Hall to find your reporting place. (We sometimes are administering several different tests. Be sure you look for ACT signs!)
- There are many ACT testing centers besides UALR. If you live in another town, you may prefer to look for a center that is closer to you. You can find a list of test centers on the ACT website. ACT scores from national test administrations can be sent to any college or university. (ACT scores from residual administrations are good only at the campus where you test.)
- Be sure you have acceptable
identification. - You may bring an acceptable calculator.
- Bring some sharpened #2 pencils.
- Print your name on the standby/change list at the designated reporting place. Ask the testing staff for help if you have questions.
- After all registered examinees are seated, the test supervisor will determine how many standbys and changes can be admitted. She will admit them first-come, first-served according to the standby/change list.
- Seating is not guaranteed. No determination can be made until the test day after all registered examinees have been seated.
- If you are admitted, ACT will send you a bill for their fee to change you to another center or another test date. Visit the ACT Registration Changes website to find out more.
ACT Preparation
ACT publishes a free booklet called “Preparing for the ACT.” It is available at most locations where you find paper registration forms for the ACT.
ACT sells and also offers free test preparation guides.
The UALR Academic Success Center (formerly the Center for Developmental Skills) offers test prep assistance.
Pulaski County Youth Services offers ACT prep to eligible high school students on occasion. Call 501-340-8250 for details or refer to their application.
The Arkansas Extended Learning Center offers test preparation.
You can find many other ACT prep ideas online. For example, go to www.google.com and in the search box type “ACT preparation.”