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Testing Services and Student Life Research

ACT (National Exam)

Test Score Interpretation Check-List updated April 16, 2013

Test Score Interpretation Check-List effective Fall 2013 updated April 29, 2013

There are two “types” of ACT tests: ACT National and ACT Residual. 

UALR only administers the ACT National.   

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, September, October, and December.)

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.

The ACT 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:

  1. Register online and pay with a credit card. (Check the test registration deadlines before you try to register!) You will print out your admission ticket directly from the ACT website if you register online.
    • You will have to upload a current and recognizable photo to the ACT website. Be certain you follow ACT’s photo requirements to avoid being denied admission on your test date.
  2. Use a paper registration packet. A few packets may be available at colleges, universities, and high schools, but it is best to order directly from ACT. UALR no longer receives registration packets. After you receive your packet, fill it out, and mail it to ACT with your fee. Make sure you check the test dates and deadlines. ACT will mail you an admission ticket if you register with a paper registration form.

Standby Registration

Test day stand-by registration is no longer permitted. If you have missed the late registration deadline and would like to try to come in as a standby, you must follow one of these procedures:

  1. Go to the ACT website for Stand-by testing.  Follow the instructions regarding how to create an ACT account.
  2. Order a registration packet from ACT or pick one up from a college, university, or high school.  We apologize, but UALR does not have registration packets.
  3. 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“.
  4. You may bring an acceptable calculator.
  5. Make sure you have acceptable identification.
  6. Your current photo must be uploaded through the ACT website. This photo will appear on the test day roster and your admission ticket. It is very important that you follow ACT’s photo requirements when taking your photo to avoid being denied admission.
  7. 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!)
  8. 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.)
  9. Bring some sharpened #2 pencils.  Mechanical pencils are not permitted.  Other prohibited items can be found on the ACT website or in the registration packet.
  10. Print your name on the standby list at the designated reporting place. Ask the testing staff for help if you have questions.
  11. 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 acceptable ID, or stand-by admission ticket) cannot be admitted.
  12. 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. You MUST make this change online BEFORE the late registration deadline, follow the directions at the ACT website.

    • On test day, 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!)
    • 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.
    • Visit the ACT Registration Changes website to find out more.

    Extended Time and Special Accommodation

    1. Extended Time
      If a student can test with extended time on one day at a National test center, and does NOT need additional accommodation, he/she should register for the Extended Time National Program at www.actstudent.org.
    2. Special Accommodation
      Students needing to test through Special Testing SHOULD NOT register on-line. On-line registration is for Extended Time National Testing only. Special Testing requires a completed Request for Special Testing form (www.actstudent.org) submitted with the appropriate testing fee and required documentation by postal mail. If you inadvertently registered on-line for a National test, you may submit your Admission ticket and an additional $21.00 processing fee as payment to ACT.

    ACT Preparation

    UALR Testing Services is not permitted to participate in test preparation of any kind per our contracts with the testing companies.

    The following are resources available through ACT and the Central Arkansas Community:

    Updated 4.29.2013