With your USA College career soon to be getting underway, it is important to understand that there are a few formalities that will need to be followed before getting admitted into your dream school. One of those formalities is the ACT. So, what exactly is the ACT?

The ACT (American College Testing) test is an entrance exam used by most colleges and universities to make admissions decisions. It is a multiple-choice, pencil-and-paper test administered by ACT, Inc. For international students, the test can be adapted to a computer-based test/online test.

The purpose of the ACT test is to measure a high school student's readiness for college and provide colleges with one common data point that can be used to compare all applicants. College admissions officers will review standardized test scores alongside your high school GPA, the classes you took in high school, letters of recommendation from teachers or mentors, extracurricular activities, admissions interviews, and personal essays. The importance of ACT test scores in your college application varies from school to school.

What does the ACT test consist of? There are four sections:  

• English
• Reading
• Math
• Science

The ACT test also includes an optional 40-minute writing piece. Some colleges may require that you complete the ACT Writing Test. It is important that you confirm if the college you wish to attend will require you to do so.

Now that you have a better understanding of the nature of the ACT, the question remains: how do international students go about registering for the ACT test?​

International registration test dates are for all countries outside of the US, and US territories. All students testing outside the United States, United States territories, or Puerto Rico, must register online. You must establish a free MyACT account in order to register. It is through your MyACT account that you will be able to view your scores, send score reports to your respective colleges and, if need be, register for the next test. The ACT has 24 testing opportunities per year, more than enough to take advantage of improving your score with each attempt.

International students should check to make sure that a testing centre exists in their country before registering for the test. You can search for testing centres in your country on the ACT website. Not all countries have testing centres, and not all testing centres administer the ACT on every testing date. It is your responsibility to check on the availability of a testing centre and testing administration before registering for the test.

To register for and attempt the ACT test is quite a simple process. Create an account, pay using your credit card (the ACT accepts payment via valid American Express, DISCOVER, MasterCard, or VISA card), and you’re all set to go.

Remember, it's always the perfect time to begin your journey towards studying at the university of your dreams. Sign up now for a free consultation with one of our recruitment experts, and you could join over 300 student-athletes already placed in the USA, competing at the highest level and earning a world-class degree!