IOWA CITY, Iowa—ACT will offer low-income students free access to the new version of its ACT Online Prep™ program. The completely redesigned program will be available starting on Dec. 18.
“This new benefit is part of ACT’s commitment to helping increase college access, opportunity and success for low-income students,” said Jim Larimore, ACT chief officer for the advancement of underserved learners. “We want to make sure these students have access to the same resources as their peers.”
Students who register for the February 2016 ACT test or any subsequent test date using a low-income fee waiver will automatically receive free access to ACT Online Prep for a year. To qualify for a fee waiver, students must be enrolled in 11th or 12th grade; be either a United States citizen or testing in the U.S., U.S. territories or Puerto Rico; and meet one or more selected indicators of economic need.
For the 2014-2015 academic year, ACT provided ACT test fee waivers valued at $34.4 million to more than 700,000 low-income students. Providing low-income students with free access to ACT Online Prep has a market value of up to $27.9 million for the academic year.
“ALAS is very pleased to hear that ACT is making its new Online Prep program available to all students, regardless of income,” said Veronica Rivera, executive director of the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (ALAS). “Within the next decade, Hispanic children will make up more than one quarter of the nation’s student population. Creating equal access to learning opportunities for Latino students is vital to their future success in college and career.”
“This bold ACT program will help level the playing field for underrepresented students who too often struggle to access the same high-quality college preparatory resources available to wealthier peers,” said Michael Lomax, president and CEO of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF). “UNCF applauds ACT’s efforts to increase college access and improve college and career readiness for low-income students.”
ACT Online Prep is designed to build students’ understanding of the ACT® test and provide them with the opportunity to evaluate their academic strengths and areas for development. It is available for purchase on an individual basis by students and on a group basis by schools and districts. It is one of many tools—both free and paid—that ACT offers to help students prepare for the ACT.
ACT Online Prep offers students abbreviated ACT subject tests that provide a predicted ACT score range, personalized learning paths with content review and a full-length practice test with a predicted score. Students can access the program anywhere, anytime on the Internet, including via a mobile app that is free to students registered to take the ACT.
The new version of the program will provide enhanced learning content, including lessons to help students review subject-area content, and a game center where they may choose from several learning games and compete with other students.
“We’ve made the changes in ACT Online Prep based on extensive feedback we’ve received from customers,” said Paul Weeks, ACT senior vice president for client relations. “We’re excited about the new and useful features that it will provide to students.”
The standard price for individuals for the new ACT Online Prep will be $39.95, which provides a year of access.
ACT offers a variety of free test prep materials and information on its website, including free practice tests, test taking tips, complete test descriptions and a test-day checklist.
ACT has made a strong commitment to help improve college access and success among low-income and other underserved students. This commitment is evidenced through ACT’s fee waivers program, its free ACT Profile college and career planning community and initiatives such as Get Your Name in the Game.
Information on eligibility requirements for the ACT test low-income waiver is available at www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/test-preparation/act-online-prep. Students and parents also may contact their high school’s guidance office for more information.