Time of First Testing
As seen later in this report, the grade level in which students first take the ACT can serve as a broad indicator of numerous college choice behaviors.
Percent of ACT-Tested High School Graduates First Testing Before Grade 12 by State ACT Participation Rate, 2012
- The percentage of ACT-tested high school graduates who first test before 12th grade increases with state ACT participation rate.
Graph reads: 64% of the ACT-tested high school graduating class of 2012 first test before 12th grade in states where the ACT participation rate is between 51% and 75%.
| State ACT Participation Rate | Testing Before Grade 12 |
|---|---|
| Less than 26% | 53% |
| 26%–50% | 61% |
| 51%–75% | 64% |
| 76%–100% | 73% |
| Statewide (100%) | 95% |
Because nearly all students (95%) in statewide administration states first test during 11th grade, there is no relationship between the students’ time of first testing and their background or achievement level.
In non-statewide administration states, however, there are notable differences in time of first testing by the students’ background and achievement level.
Percent of ACT-Tested High School Graduates in Non-Statewide Administration States First Testing Before Grade 12 by ACT Composite Score, 2012
- In non-statewide administration states, the share of students who first test before 12th grade increases with ACT Composite score.
- Less than half (47%) of all students with an ACT Composite score in the range of 1–15 first test before 12th grade. In comparison, 86% of students in the score range of 33–36 first test before 12th grade.
Graph reads: In states that do not administer the ACT statewide, 80% of the ACT-tested high school graduating class of 2012 with an ACT Composite score in the range of 28–32 first test before 12th grade.
| ACT Composite Score Range | Testing Before Grade 12 |
|---|---|
| 1–15 | 47% |
| 16–19 | 53% |
| 20–23 | 64% |
| 24–27 | 72% |
| 28–32 | 80% |
| 33–36 | 86% |
Percent of ACT-Tested High School Graduates in Non-Statewide Administration States First Testing Before Grade 12 by Parent Education Level, 2012
- In non-statewide administration states, the share of ACT-tested students who first test before 12th grade increases with the education level of the students’ parents.
- Among those ACT-tested students whose parents did not attend college, a little more than half (53%) first test before 12th grade.
- In contrast, nearly 3 out of 4 (73%) ACT-tested students whose parents earned a graduate degree first test before 12th grade.
Graph reads: In states that do not administer the ACT Test statewide, 68% of the ACT-tested high school graduating class of 2012 whose parents earned a bachelor’s degree first test before the 12th grade.
Note: Based on 81% of ACT-tested high school graduates in non-statewide administration states for whom parent education level is available.
| Parent Education Level | Testing Before Grade 12 |
|---|---|
| No College | 53% |
| Some College | 59% |
| Bachelor's Degree | 68% |
| Graduate Degree | 73% |
Percent of ACT-Tested High School Graduates in Non-Statewide Administration States First Testing Before Grade 12 by Degree Plans, 2012
- In non-statewide administration states, the percentage of ACT-tested students who first test before 12th grade increases with students’ degree aspirations.
- A little more than two-thirds (68%) of all ACT-tested students who plan to earn a graduate degree first test before 12th grade.
- In contrast, a little less than half (48%) of all students who plan to earn an associate’s degree or certificate first test before 12th grade.
Graph reads: In states that do not administer the ACT statewide, 60% of the ACT-tested high school graduating class of 2012 who plan to earn a bachelor’s degree first test before 12th grade.
Note: Based on 89% of ACT-tested high school graduates in non-statewide administration states for whom degree plans are available.
| Degree Plans | Testing Before Grade 12 |
|---|---|
| Less Than Bachelor's Degree | 48% |
| Bachelor's Degree | 60% |
| Graduate Degree | 68% |