Use the information on this page, including the checklist below, to sign up for the ACT Plus Writing Exam, and to learn about vouchers or reimbursement.
Important deadlines (sooner is much better):
March 10 – Registration deadline (and the deadline for requesting accommodations)
April 7 – Deadline to upload a photo to your registration, and to get a valid matching photo ID
April 15 – Testing day! You must be at the test center before 7:45 a.m.
Who should take the ACT Plus Writing test and why?
- These instructions are for students who have chosen comprehensive (MNOHS-only) enrollment. Supplemental students, please check with your enrolling school about taking the ACT or another college readiness exam there.
- All MNOHS students are encouraged to take a college readiness exam, to help with post-secondary planning and access to post-secondary scholarships and other opportunities. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, some colleges have permanently changed their admission requirements. Please contact your MNOHS counselor or advisor to for help determining whether your post secondary plan, including possible scholarships, might require the ACT.
When and where should I test?
- MNOHS comprehensive students can take the ACT Plus Writing on Saturday, April 15 at test centers close to their homes. This is the only national testing date available before the end of the school year. National testing dates are also available in June and July.
How do I pay for it?
- If you are eligible for educational benefits (also called “free and reduced lunch” or FRL), ACT will provide a fee waiver through MNOHS for you to take the test up to two times in your lifetime, at no cost. Please contact Adrianna Black Bull at a.blackbull@mail.mnohs.org so she can send you an ACT fee waiver form. You will need this to complete the registration steps explained below.
- If you are not eligible for educational benefits, MNOHS will pay for you to take the test once in your lifetime. You’ll need to complete the registration process explained below, pay $88 on your own and take the test to be reimbursed by check at the end of the current school year. Please note that you must enter the MNOHS school code when you register so we will automatically receive proof that you have tested.
Important notes
- ACT strongly encourages you to register early to ensure that space is available at the test center you choose.
- Complete all steps well before the deadlines, so that MNOHS staff can help you if needed.
- MNOHS’ High School Code is 241-681; this is the high school you are attending. You will also be asked to enter a code for the test center you choose, which may be another school.
- Each ACT Fee Waiver Form has a number. It may be used only by the student it is given to.
Follow the steps in the checklist below to register, prepare for and take the ACT Plus Writing exam:
| Step 1: Now! | Save the date and pick the place:
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| Step 2: Now! | 11th grade students: report in your Ramp-Up advisory class that you’ve completed Step 3 below – or come to work on it in an advisory meeting. It’s a very good idea to take care of all ACT-related tasks well before the deadlines. Your MNOHS Ramp-Up class will focus on this so we know that you are on track! 12th grade students: please report that you have completed Step 3 below to Adrianna Black Bull at a.blackbull@mail.mnohs.org |
| Step 3: by March 10 – sooner is much better! | Register for the April 15 ACT Plus Writing exam:
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| Step 4: by March 10 | If you have a disability or are an English Language Learner, you must request accommodations or supports as part of the online registration process. Follow the link below to learn about the accommodations or supports that are available and the medical documentation required. Note: MNOHS cannot provide Special Testing. https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/registration/accommodations.html |
| Step 5: by April 7 | Get a valid Minnesota photo ID:
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| Step 6: by April 7 | April 7 is the final deadline for uploading a photo of yourself to your ACT web account. The photo that you upload will be part of the ACT Plus Writing admission ticket that you print out. It must match your photo ID (see Step 5 above) and also match you! You can complete this step by taking a snapshot of yourself with a web cam or phone. Photo Submission Requirements: https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/registration/photo-submission-requirements.html Important: If you do not upload a photo by this date, your test registration will be cancelled. Also, you can’t print your admission ticket until you upload a photo. |
| Step 7: by April 15 | Prepare for the ACT Plus Writing exam;
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| Step 8: on April 15 | Go to the test center, with your admission ticket and your photo ID. You must be at the test center before 7:45 a.m. |
Questions about registering for the ACT?
Please check with your Ramp-Up advisor or your MNOHS counselor.
Click here to download a PDF version of the above information, with usable checklist: https://mnohs.org/images/students/ACT_Plus_Writing_Checklist_2023.pdf
Eligible for benefits and need an ACT fee waiver form?
Please contact Adrianna Black Bull at a.blackbull@mail.mnohs.org
