Friday, September 16 is the deadline for DeKalb County High school seniors to register for a free retake of the ACT test on October 22.
The statewide “ACT Senior Retake Opportunity” allows seniors at all Tennessee public high schools who took the test as a junior to retake the test regardless of socioeconomic status, according to the Tennessee Department of Education.
The ACT is used across the country as an assessment of college and career readiness. Many colleges require the ACT or the SAT for admission and the tests are often used to determine eligibility for scholarships.
“DCHS seniors received their wavier/vouchers recently with their registration codes and directions to register for the retake test on October 22 at any National test site. Each student will be responsible for their own registration, transportation, and documentation by the registration deadline of September 16th. Many students across the state will be registering, so register now to ensure your first site choice. By retaking the ACT, many students will gain valuable scores that will help in admission or placement into their technical programs, colleges and career choices,” said Lisa Cripps, Supervisor of Instruction for 7th through 12th grade in DeKalb County.
Historical ACT data for Tennessee shows that students who take the test again typically increase their composite score by one to three points, according to the state department of education.
That could make the difference for students to qualify for the HOPE scholarship by earning a score of 21 out of 36 and also would allow more students to avoid remediation courses when they get to college.
“Allowing students an additional opportunity to show what they know by retaking the ACT can expand the possibilities for our students’ futures,” said State Education Commissioner Candice McQueen.
The statewide goal is to have an average ACT score of 21 by 2020, according to the department. A score of 21 is the benchmark for college readiness according to the ACT.
As of August 2015, the state average score was 19.8.
The registration deadline for the October 22 test is September 16 and if students register late, they are responsible for paying the late fees. The retake voucher expires on the late registration deadline, Sept. 30, and can’t be used for another national test date.
If students were to pay to retake the test, the cost is $39.50 for the test and $56.50 with the writing portion, according to the department.
If you have questions concerning this ACT RETAKE opportunity please contact Lisa Cripps at 615-215-2107. And If any DCHS senior missed taking the ACT last year as a junior they may take it this year with the junior class on April 19, 2017. Just notify your school counselor
You may also visit http://tn.gov/education/topic/act-sat. for more information.
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