The ACT is an integral part of the application process for many universities and colleges. It measures your readiness for college-level coursework and is an admissions factor for most undergraduate programs. If you are a high school student looking to attend college in the near future, you will need to take the ACT. However, knowing why you should take this exam can be challenging. If you're on the fence about whether or not taking this exam is right for you, read on to find out more about why students take the ACT. But first, let's understand what ACT is and the reasons why students take the ACT exam.

Understanding the ACT

All four-year undergraduate institutions in the United States accept the ACT as one of two standardised tests for college admissions (the other is the SAT). In addition to the four-subject, multiple-choice exam, the ACT Exam may include a writing section (known as the ACT Plus Writing), or it may not have a writing section (known as the ACT Exam Without Writing). The ACT tests English, Math, Reading, and Science as the four subjects; each of the ACT sections can be considered a test in its own right. 

​​Reasons Why Students Take The ACT Exam

1) There is a better chance of getting in if you submit your test scores.

Many colleges do not require scores, such as test-optional schools or entirely test-blind schools. When many students could not take the ACT or SAT due to the coronavirus pandemic, test-optional policies became much more popular. Some schools have made test-optional a permanent change, while others have only implemented it temporarily. Colleges still need to know how you did on the SAT or ACT. Despite a school's test-optional policy, a strong test score increases your chances of being accepted. You may be unable to apply to colleges if you choose not to take the ACT and lose out on the opportunity to make your application stand out. 

2) There Are Scholarships for High Scorers

A test like the ACT isn't only used for admissions purposes; colleges also use it for various other purposes, including grant applications, scholarships, and work-study programs. Grants and scholarships are still awarded based on test scores, even in a test-optional environment. Then some institutions offer a tuition discount if a particular GPA or ACT score is achieved. Even though the test is not a requirement for admissions, its benefits in paying for college are very significant.

3) Your state or high school may require it

If your high school or the state requires the ACT, you might still take it even if the colleges you're applying to don't need it. When this happens, you will take the ACT at your school during school hours. Colleges can receive scores from these in-school tests the same way as any other ACT scores, but they are not required if you're not satisfied with your results. 

4) More than an admission exam

In addition to its role as a college admissions test, the ACT includes a profile section and a section on education and career planning. As part of the process, you'll receive personalised career information and build a comprehensive profile that explains what you've accomplished in high school and what you intend to do in the future. The test results can also help you determine your strengths and weaknesses in specific subject areas.

5) You can use it to your advantage in the workplace

ACT scores have perks that extend beyond your academic career. Your resume might be a little thin if you're new to the workforce. It is common for employers to ask applicants about their ACT scores, and, by all means, mention yours when applying. If you score well on the ACT, you can convince prospective employers that you're the kind of employee they want.

6) You choose which scores to send

It is possible to take it again if you did poorly the first time. Next time you have the chance to practice, you will have better luck. If you take the ACT more than once, it is possible to select which test date results you wish to send to schools. Test scores are only sent for the dates you select. If you register for the ACT, you can send your scores to four colleges for free.

7) Passing the ACT can compensate for a low high school GPA

Possibly, one of the subjects you took in high school wasn't the right one for you, which caused your GPA to drop. It is not something you need to worry about because you can make up for your low GPA in high school if you study well and get a high score on the ACT.

 

These are some of the  reasons why students take the ACT exam. The ACT score is an integral part of the application process for students and universities. It measures your readiness for college-level coursework and is an admissions factor for most undergraduate programs. If you are a high school student looking to attend college in the near future, you should take the ACT inorder to stand out in your college application. You can join Sage Educational services for your ACT preparation in Dubai. In addition to ACT classes, Sage is renowned for admission consultant services to universities throughout the world.  In order to be successful in the college application process, it can be essential to take competitive exams like ACT , SAT and more