ACT

Testing Dates:

ACT (11th Graders) – March 20, 2018            Makeup Test (April 3, 2018)

ACT Senior ReTake (Grade 12):   Oct. 3, 2017    (Only for Seniors who took the ACT as a junior.)

Overview:

Students in Tennessee are required to take a college entrance exam (either the ACT or SAT) in the eleventh grade. This is now a graduation requirement for student seeking a regular or honors diploma. Districts in Tennessee contract with ACT to provide an opportunity to take the ACT at their own school during the school day at no cost to the student.

Required:

Yes

Federal and State Law:

Administered in accordance with T.C.A § 49-6-6001(b).

Purpose & Use:

Our vision for student success in Tennessee is that all students are equipped with the knowledge and skills to successfully embark on their chosen path in life. Empowering our students to pursue the education and training that matches their chosen career pathway is essential to this vision. In order to prepare our students with the knowledge and skills valued by both employers and postsecondary educators, the department has set two major strategic goals:

  • By 2020, the average composite score on the ACT (or equivalent on the SAT) will be a 21.
  • By 2020, the majority of high school graduates will be on track to receive a postsecondary degree or credential.

Administration Window:

ACT state testing dates

Paper testing: March 20, April 3, and April 24, 2018

Accommodations window: March 20-April 3, 2018

Online window: March 20-29, 2018 (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday only)

SAT

Students may register to take the SAT on the following dates in 2017: August 26, October 7, November 4, and December 2.

Dates in 2018 include: March 10, May 5, and June 2.

Length of Assessment:

ACT:

English: 45 minutes

Math: 60 minutes

Reading: 35 minutes

Science: 35 minutes

SAT:

25-minute essay

Six 25-minute sections (mathematics, critical reading and writing)

Two 20-minute sections (mathematics, critical reading and writing)

10-minute multiple choice writing section

Results to Districts:

District receive ACT results 2-3 months after state testing is complete.

Results to Parents & Students:

ACT results are delivered to parents and students 3-8 weeks after the assessment. SAT results are delivered to parents and students