There are two distinct ways to take the ACT, the ACT National Test and the ACT Residual Test. Website: www.act.org

The National ACT is the same test given in many high schools. The most important aspect of this test is that it provides scores that are valid nationally, at any school that accepts ACT as an admission exam. It is available 5 times yearly--always on Saturdays (many high schools participate in only 2 or 3 of the 5 dates). Students must register through ACT (by mail, phone, or Internet) approximately 5 weeks in advance of the test date.

• Cost: $34.00 (Plus Writing: $49.50)
• Where: Generally administered in the Business Building, not in the weekday Testing Services office (check your admission ticket for details)
• Register: at the ACT website (www.actstudent.org)
• Scores: Arrive by mail approximately 4 to 6 weeks after test date *Expedited services available
• Note: May be taken each time it is given. If optional Plus-writing section is taken, cost is $48
• When: Upcoming National ACT Dates:
  • October 22, 2011
  • December 10, 2011
  • February 11, 2012
  • April 14, 2012
  • June 9, 2012

The Residual ACT is exactly like the National ACT except that scores are valid only at the college or university where the test is actually taken. Residual ACTs taken at USU provide scores valid for USU purposes only. A student cannot take the ACT Residual at USU and use scores for other schools (one partial exception: USU's ACT Residual may be used for the USU/Weber State University Cooperative Nursing Program--though they will not be valid for admission to other programs at Weber State University). Residual ACT scores are not valid for NCAA Clearinghouse purposes.

• Cost: $45.00
• Where: Administered at USU Testing Services, University Inn 115
• When: Wednesday mornings 8:30 a.m., by appointment only
• Register: call (435) 797-1004
• Scores: Available immediately
• Notes: ACT Residual may not be repeated (at USU or any other school) within 60 days. Be aware that there are occasional exceptions to these dates and times. Also, testing schedules often fill to capacity, so an advance appointment is required to ensure a seat. Walk-in testing is allowed but will not guarantee a spot.

The high school equivalency exam, a test of basic skills in Writing, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and Reading. Successfully completing the GED exam gives the examinee a "Utah High School Completion Diploma," which allows students to apply for admission at university, college, trade and tech school programs, and to apply for employment where a high school diploma or its equivalent is required.
State GED website: www.utahged.info
National GED website: www.acenet.edu/clll/ged

• Cost: $85.00
• Where: USU Testing Services, University Inn 115.
• When: Mondays at 8:00 am, by appointment (test is 7 and 1/2 hours in length).
• Register: call (435) 797-1004
• Scores: Available approximately 2 weeks after test date.
• Notes: Students must be at least 16 years of age to be eligible. Students who are enrolled in any high school course are not eligible. Individuals 16, 17, or 18 years of age who wish to test before the graduation date of the high school class of which they normally would have been a member must go to the counselors’ office of their local high school and obtain and complete all sections of the Education Withdrawal and Application Form. This form includes parental permission signatures, proof from the school district that the student has withdrawn from the public school system, and certification that they have received counseling on their decision to take the GED, including acknowledging that they will forfeit any future right to return to a traditional public school program if they successfully pass the GED exam.
  Be aware that there are occasional exceptions to these dates and times. Also, testing schedules often fill to capacity, so an advance appointment is required to ensure a seat. Walk-in testing is allowed but will not guarantee a spot.

The SAT I is an undergraduate admissions exam like the ACT which is accepted by most institutions and even required by some. While most Utah schools and many institutions in the West look first for ACT scores, the SAT is more commonly required by schools in California and the eastern part of the country. SAT II includes exams in 20 specific subject areas.

• Cost: $49.00 for SAT I, $22.00 for SAT II
• Where: Generally administered in the Business Building, not in the weekday Testing Services office (check your admission ticket for details)
• Register: Online at www.collegeboard.com/sat
• Scores: Available for viewing online approximately 2 weeks after the exam, and mailed out to individuals and institutions approximately 3 weeks after the exam
• When: Upcoming SAT dates:
  • October 9, 2010
  • January 22, 2011

A test of basic English language reading, writing, speaking, and comprehension skills used as an admission criterion (undergraduate and graduate) for those whose native language is other-than English. Website: www.toefl.org

• Cost: $175.00
• Where: USU Testing Services, University Inn 115
• Scores: available approximately 4 to 6 weeks after test date
• When: Approximately 30 dates per year, predetermined by the test company. USU participates in approximately half of the test dates. See the TOEFL website for details
• Register: at the TOEFL website (www.ets.org/toefl)
• Scores: mailed approximately 15 days after test date
• Note: current passport required as identification unless examinee is a US citizen. Advance appointment required