Every March, juniors take the ACT, which assesses high school students’ general educational development and their ability to complete college-level work. The test measures what students have learned in their courses and measures their skills in English, math, science, and reading.

North Carolina requires the test to measure whether schools are preparing students for college and careers after school.

Sophomores take the PLAN in December. PLAN prepares students to take the ACT.

Both the ACT and PLAN are multiple-choice tests that cover four skill areas: English, mathematics, reading, and science. The writing test, which is optional, measures skills in planning and writing a short essay.  Many colleges also use the ACT as an admissions test. Check with the college to see it requires the ACT or SAT.

For more information, go to the ACT's website

Register for the ACT.  All students take the ACT in the spring of their Junior year during a scheduled school day.

Payment information for the ACT is available on the sites where you register for the tests. If you qualify for a fee waiver please see your counselor. Qualifying students can receive up to 2 ACT fee waivers.

Preparing for the ACT

ACT has several resources available for preparing for their test including practice tests and questions of the day sent straight to your phone. Check out Test Prep and help boost your ACT score. 

Use your PLAN results from junior year to help prepare for your ACT and to explore career options. Check out PLAN Student for tips and tools to make the most of your PLAN test results. 

For free ACT prep information, visit Prep Factory.