What is the ACT Aspire Test?

Acceptance into your preferred college or university. Scholarships. Grants. Confidence as you begin your post-secondary education.

Doing well on the ACT test can be the key that opens the doors of opportunity.

That’s why it’s important for students to know with precision whether or not they are prepared for their post-secondary education.

Enter: the ACT Aspire Test.

What is the ACT Aspire Test?

ACT Aspire is a powerful tool to help students and their parents monitor progress toward a successful ACT test from third grade through tenth grade. The Aspire test assess students’ readiness in five areas covered by the ACT test: English, math, reading, science and writing.

Who should use ACT Aspire?

In the past, students in tenth grade with college aspirations could take the PLAN test and students in eighth and ninth grade could take EXPLORE. Both were pre-tests offered by the non-profit organization that administers the ACT. Both gave students an indication of how well students would likely do on the ACT.

Today, those pre-test assessments have been replaced by ACT Aspire, so any students who plan to take the ACT should take advantage of the program.

In addition, ACT Aspire is designed to measure how well students are understanding topics, concepts and skills required to succeed under the Common Core standards, which are being widely adopted across the country and focus on identifying what students should know at the end of each grade level.

What does the ACT Aspire Test show you?

The ACT Aspire Test is designed to help students answer four questions:

• Where do you stand right now? After a student takes the ACT Aspire Test, she or he will know with precision how well they are doing–when compared to Common Core standards–in each of the five subject areas for which they are tested. In addition, test takers will receive information about their areas of strength and weakness within each subject area.
• How can you improve? Once students have their scores, they will know with precision where they need to improve. This allows them to focus on specific areas or even seek the assistance of a tutor prior to taking the ACT.
• Are you on target? Falling behind in a particular area is one of the worst things an aspiring college student can do. Once you fall behind, it can be incredibly difficult to catch up. The ACT Aspire Test lets you know how you stack up when compared to the widely adopted grade-level standards. If you are behind, you will have time to make changes–and know exactly where those changes need to be made.
• How do you compare to other students? Taking the SAT is not all about you as the test taker. It’s also about how you compare to other students. You want to score as high as you possibly can–and better than other students–because it leads to more acceptance letters and scholarship offers. Your ACT Aspire Test results will tell you how you stack up to other students.

How can you take advantage of the ACT Aspire Test?

The ACT Aspire Test is offered in the fall and spring. Students in grades three through eight can take the test online, although paper tests are also available for an additional charge. The cost for the assessment tool depends on how many subject matters you would like to measure and how often you want to your student to be tested. More information about costs and ordering can be found on the ACT Aspire website.

There is a lot riding on the ACT test. Make sure you are prepared to do the best you can possibly do by taking advantage of the ACT Aspire Test.