Lana Oconnell
In Wisconsin, all public high schools are mandated to offer a free ACT test to their junior students. The exam includes the writing section and is also available to some private school students. Students who wish to retake the test or take it without the writing section must pay for it themselves, although their school may offer financial assistance. While the ACT is not mandatory for college applications in Wisconsin, it is often used as an additional factor in the admissions process. Students who choose not to submit their scores will not be penalised, and their application will still be reviewed holistically.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who is required to take the ACT in Wisconsin? | High school juniors in public schools and some private schools. |
| Who pays for the ACT in Wisconsin? | The school pays for the first test, which is free for students. Students or schools must cover the cost of retakes. |
| Is the ACT required for college applications in Wisconsin? | No, but it may be considered as part of a holistic review. |
| Is the writing section included in the Wisconsin ACT? | Yes, the writing section is included in the Wisconsin ACT. |
| How is the ACT administered in Wisconsin? | The ACT is administered in-person by school staff, who are trained but not professional proctors. |
| When are Wisconsin ACT scores released? | Scores for the statewide test are typically released around three weeks after the exam. |
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What You'll Learn
Wisconsin high school juniors take the ACT
In Wisconsin, high school juniors are required to take the ACT as a standardised test. This is offered by their high school free of cost, and includes the writing section. The test is administered by school staff, though they are not professional proctors. The ACT is used as a college entrance exam, and can also be used for scholarship applications, course placement, and NCAA eligibility.
The ACT is composed of five sections: English, Math, Reading, Science, and Writing. The in-school exam sees the Writing section come after the other four. While the statewide ACT has the same format as the national test, there are some differences. The timing of the test, for example, can impact how students prepare for future exams. The scores from the statewide test are also not released as quickly as the national test.
Students who are placed in a state mental health facility or a Residential Care Center (RCC) are still tested. The district of residence should work with the facility or RCC to complete testing, though it is not their responsibility to do so. If the student is not tested, they count as a non-test participant for reporting and accountability purposes.
While the ACT is required for juniors in Wisconsin, it is not mandatory on an individual level. Students can exempt themselves from the test in certain circumstances, or if they have already taken the ACT and met the state's benchmark scores. Students who choose not to have their scores considered will not be disadvantaged in the application process.
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The ACT is free for students
While the ACT is not a mandatory requirement for students in Wisconsin, it is an option for those who wish to supplement their applications. The ACT is free for students who meet the requirements of the ACT Fee Waiver Program. This program is available for students who are enrolled in a federal free or reduced-price lunch program, reside in a foster home or are homeless, or whose family's total annual income is at or below USDA levels for free or reduced-price lunches. Students who register with a fee waiver will also receive free access to learning resources such as The Official ACT® Self-Paced Course, Powered by Kaplan®. Additionally, students who qualify for a fee waiver can send additional ACT score reports to colleges and/or scholarship agencies for free during their college search process.
The ACT is a standardized test that plays a role in the college admissions process. While it is not required, it can be beneficial for students to take it as it provides an opportunity to showcase their skills and academic aspirations. The ACT covers sections such as English, Math, Reading, and Science, with an optional writing section. Students can choose whether or not to include their ACT scores in their college applications, and there is no disadvantage to not submitting scores. However, if provided, ACT scores can be considered as one factor in the holistic review process.
Wisconsin has a statewide ACT that most high school juniors, particularly in public schools, take. This in-school ACT follows the same format as the national test, but scores tend to take longer to be released. Students should be aware of potential small mistakes during the administration of the test, such as a lack of time warning, and keep an eye on the clock. The in-school test is proctored by teachers and staff, who are trained but not professional proctors.
Preparing for the ACT can be a stressful process, and students are advised to give themselves enough time to practice. Official practice tests and prep materials are available for free through the ACT website, including sample questions and a full-length practice test. Students can also sign up for a free MyACT account to access additional resources. While the ACT is offered multiple times throughout the year, the April test is recommended for students due to its better timing in the school calendar.
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Schools decide whether to offer the writing section
The ACT writing test is optional, but some colleges, high schools, and states require it for admission, scholarships, or specific programs. Therefore, students should research the requirements of their target colleges and understand their stance on this portion of the ACT. As of February 2021, only five institutions mandated the ACT Writing Section for incoming first-year students.
The ACT writing test is a 40-minute essay that comes after the main ACT exam. It is designed to measure the writing skills that students have been honing in high school and will need in college. Students receive a prompt with a complex issue and three perspectives, and they must craft their own viewpoint and analyze how it relates to the given perspectives. The writing sample is evaluated based on four components: understanding the issue and generating relevant ideas, backing up the argument with solid reasoning, structuring the essay clearly, and using clear and effective language.
Taking the ACT without the writing section can save students time and money. The writing section costs an additional $25 and requires extra preparation time. However, a strong writing score can make a student's application more competitive. It is a valuable tool in the college application process, providing a unique platform for students to articulate their thoughts and viewpoints and connect with admissions officers on an intellectual level.
Students should consider their goals, strengths, and the specific requirements of the colleges they are considering when deciding whether to take the ACT with or without the writing section.
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ACT scores are not required for scholarships
In Wisconsin, ACT scores are not required for scholarships. While ACT scores can be used to apply for scholarships, they are not mandatory. Students who do not submit their ACT scores will not be at a disadvantage during the application review process.
The University of Wisconsin considers a student's day-to-day performance to be the most important factor when evaluating scholarship applications. The university takes into account a student's grades, the courses they have taken, and the rigor of those courses. This information is supplemented by essays, letters of recommendation, and other materials provided by the applicant. ACT scores are only one factor in the university's holistic review process.
Similarly, Wisconsin students who were homeschooled and wish to be considered for the Wisconsin Guarantee are not required to submit ACT scores. However, submitting official test scores can provide a better understanding of their mastery in subjects like English and math.
While ACT scores are not required for scholarships, they can be beneficial. Many colleges and universities offer scholarships based on ACT scores. For example, Texas Tech offers scholarships that increase in value as the applicant's ACT score and GPA go up. Louisiana Tech University offers scholarships starting at $2,000 for students with ACT scores between 23 and 24. The University of Mississippi offers Academic Merit scholarships based on GPA and ACT scores, with higher scores required for non-residents.
In summary, while ACT scores are not mandatory for scholarships in Wisconsin, they can be used to strengthen a student's application and may be considered alongside other factors. Students should carefully review the requirements and criteria for the scholarships they are interested in and submit any additional materials, such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, and essays, to ensure a comprehensive application.
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Students with disabilities are tested offsite
In Wisconsin, students with disabilities who are placed per IEP at the Wisconsin Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, the Wisconsin School for the Deaf, Lakeland School of Walworth County, Syble Hopp Elementary, or Secondary School of Brown County are tested offsite. The district of residence should work with the above schools to complete testing at the specialized school the student is attending. If the student is not tested, the student counts as a non-test participant for reporting purposes.
Similarly, students with disabilities who are placed in a state mental health facility operated by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services are also tested offsite. The district of residence should work with the facility to complete testing; however, it is not the facility's responsibility to test the student. If the student is not tested, the student counts as a non-test participant for accountability purposes.
The test coordinator takes care of testing the student through the offsite testing process. All facility requirements, test administration procedures, and security requirements must be met. Decisions regarding student participation in ACT assessments are made by the student's Individual Education Program (IEP) team. If a student is not tested, the student counts as a non-participant for reporting and accountability purposes.
The federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and state laws affecting special education require all school districts to provide a free appropriate public education to students with disabilities. Each student receiving special education under these laws has an individualized educational program (IEP) outlining the special education and related services the school must provide to meet the student's individual needs. Federal and state special education legislation requires that all students with disabilities participate in state and district assessments. The 2004 reauthorization of IDEA states that "all children with disabilities are included in all general State and district-wide assessment programs, including assessments described under section IIII of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, with appropriate accommodation and alternate assessments, where necessary and as indicated in their respective individualized education programs."
Students with disabilities in grades 3 through 11 who are instructed in curriculum aligned with the Wisconsin Academic Standards for English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies are expected to participate in the Forward at grades 3-8 and the high school ACT assessments administered in their grade level. Students with the most significant cognitive disabilities in grades 3 through 11 who are instructed in alignment with the Wisconsin Alternate Achievement Standards in English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies are expected to participate in statewide alternate assessments.
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Frequently asked questions
Wisconsin state law requires all public high schools to administer one ACT test, free of cost, to its junior students. While participation in the test is not mandatory, schools are required to aim for a 95% participation rate.
The school pays for the first ACT test taken by its junior students. If you want to take the ACT again, you or your school must cover the cost.
No, the University of Wisconsin–Madison has waived the requirement for first-year applicants to submit an ACT or SAT test score as part of their application through the spring 2027 term. Including scores from either the ACT or the SAT with the application is optional and students will not be disadvantaged if they choose not to include them.
No, ACT/SAT scores are not required for scholarship consideration. However, they may be used in consideration for a scholarship if provided by the student.
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