ACT

The ACT and PreACT are standardized assessments designed to measure students’ readiness for college and careers.

Each spring, the PreACT 9 and PreACT are taking during the freshman and sophomore years, respectively, while the ACT is taken by juniors. The PreACT 9 and PreACT serve a practice experience that helps students identify strengths and areas for growth, while the ACT is a college-reportable exam used by many institutions for admissions and placement. Each of the assessments evaluate skills in English, math, reading, and science, with the ACT offering an optional writing component.

In Illinois, taking the ACT with the writing component is also a state graduation requirement.

Testing for Spring 2026

On Tuesday, April 14, all U-46 juniors will take the school-day ACT.  Juniors will not attend school on Wednesday, April 15, unless they have approved accommodations that require multi-day testing, in which case they will report to complete the assessment. This exam is required by the Illinois State Board of Education, and taking the ACT (with writing) is a graduation requirement in Illinois.

All juniors have been registered and should arrive at school at their regular time. Most students will finish testing and be dismissed by 12:40 p.m., while some students with accommodations may be dismissed at 2:55 p.m.; lunch will be available at school. 

Testing Room Look-Up

Students can use the dashboard below to locate their testing room in April 14th and 15th.