Registration deadline for next ACT test is January 2

Students can register on-line at www.act.org or they can get a registration packet from their high school guidance counselor and register by mail. The website also has sample test questions and a link to a free financial aid calculator.

ACT scores are accepted by virtually all colleges and universities in the nation. The test fee is $26.

Colleges use ACT scores, along with a student's high school GPA and other information to help determine admissions and the appropriate course placement for new students.

The ACT Assessment is curriculum-based, designed to measure a student's academic achievement. There are four sections to the exam: English, reading, math and science.

Students who have already taken the ACT can retest and try for a higher score.

Juniors often use their scores to examine academic weaknesses, take courses or tutoring to correct those weaknesses and retest as seniors.

Students who test more than once can choose which scores to report to prospective colleges.