ACT Parent : September 2007


September 2007 : Volume 2, Issue 6

Welcome to ACT Parent, a monthly newsletter to help you guide your kids through middle school and high school toward college and a career. We know that sometimes you feel like you're in survival mode. We'll try to make the process a little less stressful.

If you have comments or suggestions, we'd like to hear from you. Contact us at actparent@act.org.

Learning from the class of 2007

Each year when ACT reports on the high school graduating class, people want to know "the number"—the national average composite score. For the class of 2007, that number was 21.2, out of a possible 36.

Maybe a more important number to know this year is 22.0. That's the average composite score for students who took at least the minimum recommended core classes to prepare for college. For students who took less than the minimum recommended core courses, the average was 19.8.

One thing students need to know is that college success comes from the preparation they've done in their high school classrooms. ACT test scores reflect that college preparation.

Research shows:

students who earn a score of 24 or higher on the ACT Science Test are likely to have the skills to succeed in college biology
students earning a score of 22 or higher on the ACT Math Test are likely to succeed in college algebra
students earning an 18 or higher on the ACT English Test are likely to have the skills necessary to be ready for college English composition classes
students earning a score of 21 or higher on the ACT Reading Test are likely to succeed in college-level social science courses

The class of 2007 earned higher ACT scores than classes from previous years, but many are still likely to struggle with college coursework, particularly in math and science.

Based on students' scores on the math and science tests, ACT found that only 28 percent earned a score that showed they are ready for college biology, while just 43 percent earned a score that showed they are ready for college algebra.

Encourage your child to take challenging courses in high school, particularly working on high-level skills in math and science and on reading skills.

Using EXPLORE, PLAN and ACT test scores

Steve was planning on a pro baseball career without working hard on academics, until he took EXPLORE. Like most students, he saw tests as something to take, get over and move quickly past. But his counselor helped explain his EXPLORE information and he began to understand that he would need to work hard in his classes to get into college and succeed. Baseball skills would not be enough.

ACT's EXPLORE and PLAN give students information to help plan for the future. They help students prepare for college and for the ACT.

EXPLORE, PLAN and the ACT were designed to work together to help students make educational and career plans starting in 8th grade and take them through high school and beyond. Most students take EXPLORE in 8th grade or at the beginning of 9th grade. PLAN is for 10th graders and the ACT is for 11th and 12th graders.

Each of these programs includes a test with four parts—English, math, science and reading—and each offers an interest inventory. The inventory leads to career information for students based on their interests, abilities and work preferences.

Students can use EXPLORE and PLAN test scores to find out how well they know the subject matter and what they need to learn next. This will help them prepare for college and score higher on the ACT.

The best-kept secret is that students can get a predicted score range for the next test. A student's EXPLORE results include a predicted score range for PLAN. This predicted score range assumes that the student will take additional coursework and have some academic growth. The same thing goes for the PLAN results. Students get a predicted ACT score range on the PLAN report, again assuming additional coursework and academic growth.

Score information can be used by students and parents. It doesn't have to be just for counselors and admissions officers.

To find out more about EXPLORE and PLAN, watch the video or visit www.explorestudent.org and www.planstudent.org.

Beware of solicitations

Planning for college is an exciting time for a student. But sadly, some people try to take advantage of families by offering bogus college planning services and programs that make exaggerated claims and promises.

Before you act on any offer, write the information down. Research the offer and the company or person calling. Talk it over with your school counselor.

If you are a victim of a scam, take the following steps:

Immediately contact your bank, explain the situation, and request that the bank either monitor or close the compromised account.
Report the fraud to the Department of Education Office of Inspector General hotline at 1-800-MIS-USED (1-800-647-8733) or email oig.hotline@ed.gov. Special agents in the Office of Inspector General investigate fraud involving federal education dollars.
Report the fraud to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC has an online complaint form at www.ftc.gov/scholarshipscams and a hotline at 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357; teletype for the hearing impaired; 1-866-653-4261). The FTC will investigate if the fraud seems widespread. It's important that every student contacted by those in question lodge a complaint so the FTC has an accurate idea of how many incidents have occurred.
Notify the police about the incident. Impersonating a federal officer, telemarketing fraud schemes and identity theft are crimes.

Visit www.ed.gov/misused for information about identity theft prevention. For information about preventing financial aid scams, visit www.studentaid.ed.gov/lsa.

Free financial aid guide

It's never too early to learn about college financial aid programs, and one of the best sources is the U.S. Department of Education. To find out about federal financial aid programs and your rights and responsibilities under these programs, read Funding Education Beyond High School: The Guide to Federal Student Aid from the U.S. Department of Education. The guide is available in English and Spanish. You also can find a link to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). If you have questions or want additional information on student financial assistance, contact your high school counselor, the financial aid officer at the college you're interested in attending, or the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243).

ACT test date reminder

The next nationwide ACT testing date is Oct. 27, 2007. The regular registration date has been extended to Sept. 26, and the late registration deadline is Oct. 5. Students registering online should register early to avoid heavy Web traffic and delays.

ACT offers an optional Writing Test. Find out about the Writing Test on the ACT student website, including what colleges have decided about requiring it.

The website also provides test prep aids, including free sample test questions, and ACT Online Prep™, an online ACT test prep program. You'll also find test day tips, a list of items to bring to the test, and details on what types of calculators are allowed on the Math Test.