EXPLORE in grades 8 and 9 serves as the entry measure of academic progress
in the series of longitudinal assessments that comprise a component of the ACT
College Readiness System. The longitudinal assessments also include PLAN®
(grade 10) and the ACT® test (grades 11 and 12). All three programs share the
same score scale, enabling educators to seamlessly document student progress
in grades 8 through 12. EXPLORE is an early indicator of college readiness, an
effective tool for planning high school coursework, and a useful career
exploration and planning program. Learn more at www.act.org/explore.
ACT’s College Readiness System
• Only curriculum-based, research-validated
system available today
• Increases readiness for college or a career
• Provides link between scores and skills
• Promotes college enrollment, persistence, and success
• Built on a common score scale to measure academic progress from grades 8 through college
Why should you retake the ACT test from the ACT Website
Retake the Test
You can take the ACT as many times as you like. However, there are retest restrictions. Many students take the test twice, once as a junior and again as a senior.
How will I do on a retest?
Of the students who took the ACT more than once:
55% increased their Composite score
22% had no change in their Composite score
23% decreased their Composite score
What scores are reported if I test more than once?
You control which set of scores are sent to colleges or scholarship programs. We will release only the scores from the specific test date (month and year) and test location (e.g., National, State) you tell us.
Can I combine scores from different test dates to create a new Composite score?
Sorry, you can't combine scores from different test dates for a new Composite score.
Can I report only my Writing scores or only my multiple-choice scores from a test date?
No. All scores from a test date will be reported together.
Can I combine my Writing scores from one test date with my multiple-choice scores from another?
Scores cannot be combined across test dates. You must designate an entire test date record as it stands.
How do I sign up to retake the test?
If you are signing up to retake the test, you have the same registration options as someone registering for the first time. In addition, you may be able to register by telephone for an additional fee.