Counseling Corner: Addison Trail Guidance Department shares important information about college entrance exams

The Addison Trail Guidance Department would like to share important information regarding college entrance exams.

Illinois won’t be funding the ACT this year and has selected the SAT as the college entrance exam of choice moving forward. While we are pleased the state has supported an exam, there has been no indication by the Illinois State Board of Education as to how and when the SAT will be administered to our students.

District 88 is committed to providing our students with an opportunity to take a college entrance exam. Because details regarding the SAT are still being finalized, we will offer a national ACT exam on April 9 at Addison Trail and at Willowbrook (buses will be provided for students). Below are details about that test.

  • Students must register for the ACT by March 4 at www.actstudent.org/regist. We encourage students to sign up as soon as possible, and Guidance Counselors are available to assist with the registration process. Registration will take about one hour, and you will need to upload a photo of yourself to complete your registration.
  • When you register, you have the option to send your ACT score to four colleges or universities for free – even if you haven’t applied to those schools yet. If you wait to send your scores until after you take the ACT, you will have to pay about $12 per score sent.
  • The cost of the ACT is $39.50, and the cost of the ACT with writing is $56.50. Some colleges and universities require an ACT with writing. Be sure to check the college/university admissions website to see whether the ACT with writing is required.
  • Students can go to www.actstudent.org/faq/feewaiver.html to request an ACT fee waiver.
  • Students who require testing accommodations should contact their Guidance Counselor or case manager to assist in submitting the necessary paperwork to register for the ACT.

For questions or more information, contact the Addison Trail Guidance Department at 630-628-2613.