ACT, Advanced Placement, and PSAT/NMSQT Information
ACT 2022
Date: Tuesday April 12, 2022
Time: doors open at 7:15 AM, you must be seated by 7:45 AM. No exceptions!
Location: Lewis & Clark Fairgrounds
We are getting closer to ACT time! On Tuesday, April 12th all CHS, HHS, and Access to Success Junior students will take the ACT at the Lewis and Clark Fairgrounds and PAL students will test at PAL (unless otherwise arranged due to testing accommodations).
ACT Preregistration
Students will pre-register for the ACT online during the school day. If your student misses this opportunity during the school day, they can complete it at home on their own and they can obtain directions for this at their school. Students will simply be able to make an ACT account, log in, and answer basic questions about their academics and where they would like (free) test scores sent. It is the expectation that each student completes this pre-registration process prior to April 12.
ACT Preparation
The Prep Booklet online –Your student can print this off and use it to help prepare.
The Information for Examinees website has an online practice test that your student could take.
This pamphlet tells students to access this site for My ACT Academy, now also called Access ACT.
Additional resources for ACT test prep can be found on the below sites:
- https://www.kaptest.com/act/free/act-free-practice-test
- https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/test-preparation/free-act-test-prep.html
April 12th have your student bring:
- Photo ID
- Pencils (#2 only)
- Calculator (see list below)
April 12th what NOT to bring:
- CELL PHONES OR ANY ELECTRONIC DEVICES
- Backpacks
- Food/Drink
- Reading Materials
- Hats
- Watches
**Please be aware that we will confirm with each student before they enter the testing facility that they do not have an electronic device.**
**Please note that parking is limited at both locations. If possible, please have students carpool, or consider dropping off and picking up your student. The district will not be able to provide transportation to and from the exam.**
Although calculators are not required for the math test, they are allowed. We will NOT be providing back up calculators for students who do not bring one for the test. The following calculators with built in computer algebra systems ARE NOT permitted during the ACT:
- Texas Instruments: All model numbers that begin with TI-89 or TI-92 and the TI-Nspire CAS-Note. *The TI-Nspire (non-CAS is permitted)*
- Hewlett-Packard: HP 48GII and all model numbers that begin with HP 40G, HP 49G or HP 50G
- Casio: Algebra fx2.0, ClassPad 300, ClassPad 330 and all model numbers that begin with CFX-9970G
- Handheld, tablet or laptop computers, including PDAs
- Electronic writing pads or pen-input devices. *The Sharp EL 9600 is permitted*
- Calculators built into cell phones or any other electronic communication devices
- Calculators with a typewriter keypad (letter keys in QWERTY format) *Letter keys not in QWERTY format are permitted***Using a TI-89 is the most common reason students are dismissed from the ACT for prohibited calculator use.**
IMPORTANT REMINDERS:
- Students need to be in their seats at 7:45AM. YOU WILL NOT BE ADMITTED IF YOU ARE LATE! Doors will open at 7:15A.M.
- Students are expected to attend their regular afternoon classes. Students should be excused from testing at approximately 1:30 and will be expected in their 6th period classes, unless you call and excuse them ahead of time.
- CELL PHONES AND OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES ARE NOT ALLOWED DURING THE TEST, THIS INCLUDES BREAKS! Any student found with a cell phone will be DISMISSED from the test. This can jeopardize the scores of all other students testing. PLEASE LEAVE CELL PHONES IN VEHICLE, AT HOME OR IN LOCKERS.
COVID-Safety Protocols mandated by the district at the time of testing will be in place during ACT testing, this may include masks, physical distancing, and symptom screening.
If you have individual testing questions, please contact the appropriate testing coordinator at HHS:
ACT Testing Coordinator and Administrator: Willie Schlepp wschlepp@helenaschools.org
ACT 504 Accommodations: Jamie Pandis jpandis@helenaschools.org
ACT Special Education Accommodations: Merren Marks mmarks@helenaschools.org
ACT Self-Paced Prep Program through AHEC:
Looking for some help preparing for the ACT or SAT? Montana AHEC is offering this self-paced course for only $50 (the program usually retails for $299!) Send an email to westyn.kiehn@mtha.org or call him at 406 457 8008 to register.
Advanced Placement Testing
Advanced Placement (AP) courses offer students the opportunity to get a head start on college while in the supportive environment of a high school classroom. Students can earn college credit or placement by taking the AP exam at the end of the school year, while at the same time achieving a higher level of learning.
Your AP scores could earn you college credit or advanced placement (meaning you could skip certain courses in college). Use this tool to find colleges that offer credit or placement for AP scores. View the AP Credit Policy here.
Taking an AP exam is optional, but we encourage students to consider the opportunity.
If you have any questions regarding AP Exam registration and payment, please contact Helena High’s AP Coordinator: Ellaina Staldine,406-324-2224, estaldine@helenaschools.org
More information regarding testing dates, locations and expectations are communicated to students as the AP Exam date nears.