About the pre-ACT?

I've heard some of my friends talking about the 'pre-ACT'. Can someone please clarify what this term means? What's the purpose of it and is it beneficial for preparing for the actual ACT?

The "pre-ACT" that you're hearing about is actually a standardized exam called the PreACT. Designed by the same organization that develops the ACT, ACT Inc., the PreACT is very similar to the ACT, but it's written for 10th graders, typically. The test is a bit shorter and the questions are not as rigorous.

The purpose of the PreACT is to give students a taste of what the ACT will be like. It provides valuable feedback as the score report not only tells the students how they performed overall, but also displays a detailed analysis broken down by subject areas (English, Math, Reading, and Science). This can guide students to areas they need to focus on for improvement before they take the ACT.

It's beneficial in the sense that it simulates the ACT testing experience without the score significantly impacting the student's college journey, as most college admissions don’t take PreACT scores into account. So to answer your question, yes, it can be a useful tool for preparing for the ACT.

Do note that the PreACT is not offered as widely as the ACT or SAT, so it's best to check with your school counselor or ACT's official website to see how it is offered at locations near you. It's not the only way to prepare for the ACT - there are prep books, online courses, and tutors that can be just as, if not more, effective. But if you have the opportunity to take it, it can be beneficial.