ACT/SAT Tests

by Jessica Harman

ACT:  Knowledge for College - - Know the Facts

“The ACT tests are universally accepted for college admission”

Overview:

Any student planning to attend a four -year college or university should take the ACT exam.  Even seniors planning to start their post secondary careers at a community college and then transfer at a later date will benefit from having an ACT score on file.

It is recommended that students take their initial ACT test in the Spring of their junior year.  This leaves open the opportunity for retesting in the Fall of the senior year, if necessary.

    Central Lyon High School Code:  163780

    Online Registration and Information:  www.act.org

     ACT Cost:  $68.00 ($93.00 ACT plus writing)

     Late Registration:  Add $40.00

2025-2026 Test Dates (National)

Writing Test (Optional):  “Students should decide whether to take the ACT Writing Test based on the admission policies of the postsecondary institutions in which they are interested and on the advice of their high schools.”  ACT lists and updates information on their website about individual college policies regarding the writing portion of the ACT.  Currently, no schools in Iowa require the ACT Writing Test for admission although some recommend it for advising and placement purposes.

Retesting:  There are no limitations on how many times a student can take the ACT.  Many students take the test twice, once as a junior and again as a senior.  Retesting does not guarantee an improved score.  ACT has compiled research on students who took the ACT more than once . . .

         55% increased their composite score

        22% had no change in their composite score

         23% decreased their composite score on the retest

 Accomodations:  Special accomodations and extended time testing is available.  To request accomodations, students must fill out the approrpriate documentation which can be found on the ACT website or in the Guidance Office.

WHAT ABOUT THE SAT?  - - Interesting Fact:  Only 4% of last year’s graduating seniors in Iowa took the SAT.  Why?  While both the ACT and SAT exams are widely accepted by colleges and universities, the SAT is preferred by colleges on the East and West Coasts.  Thus, if a student is interested in attending school on either coast they should strongly consider taking the SAT but if they plan to stay in the Midwest the ACT will be sufficient.

Students who anticipate taking the SAT will benefit from taking the PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test) during their junior year.  The PSAT is the practice SAT exam and is given at Central Lyon each October.

    Central Lyon High School (CEEB) SAT Code:  163780

    Online Registration and Information:  www.collegeboard.com

SAT:  $68.00

     Late Registration:  Add $44.00

2025-2026 School Year Test Dates