The ACT Test is the test that is necessary for students who are planning on applying for entry into a 4-year college. Given 5 times annually, students know that it is really a test best taken in the junior year of high school so that they have it "behind them" upon entering into senior year. That way, all they have to worry about is applying for college and financial aid.

The Writing Test, was introduced in February of 2006. Thus far, relatively few Minnesota schools require that it be taken for admissions purposes. These schools are, primarily, the University of Minnesota (Twin Cities and Duluth), and Carleton College, so in the event that students are not planning on going to any of these, it's not necessary to take the written portion of the test. Students wishing to find out which schools (outside of Minnesota) require it, go to the ACT website.

Registration forms are available in the Academic Dean's office. However, the recommended way of registering is online, which is really a neat and clean way to do it. In fact, online is rapidly becoming the preferred way for students to apply for college, financial aid, et al, these days.

The ACT website is www.act.org and by going there you can learn about all aspects of the ACT program, including online registration.

NOTE: Saint Bernard's High School Code (asked for on the registration) is 242-298. It is very important that this number be listed, for it directs the test scores back to Saint Bernard's.

Call me if you have any questions or concerns.

Ted Simons