Gwinnett students continue to outperform their peers in the state and across the nation on the ACT Assessment, a college-entrance exam that assesses high school students’ general educational development and their ability to successfully complete college-level work. The ACT covers four skill areas— English, mathematics, reading, and science— with multiple-choice tests. An optional writing test measures skill in planning and writing a short essay.
In Gwinnett, last year’s test-takers posted an average composite score of 22.4 out of a possible 36, compared to 21.4 for the state and 20.7 for the nation. This past year, 4,557 students took the test.
A review of local school results show that six Gwinnett schools increased average composite scores between 2017–18 and 2018–19: Central Gwinnett; Discovery; Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology (GSMST); Mountain View; Shiloh; and South Gwinnett. In addition, ACT scores at Meadowcreek HS remained unchanged even as the number of participants increased. Other schools seeing increases in participation included Dacula, Discovery, GSMST, Gwinnett Online Campus, North Gwinnett, and Phoenix.
The ACT is a test used by colleges and universities to predict how well students will perform at the postsecondary level. Students are encouraged to take the ACT as well as the SAT college-admission exam to provide a broad range of information for admissions counselors.
Gwinnett students have several opportunities to take the ACT this school year, with the next testing dates set for Dec. 14 and Feb. 8. Registrationdeadlines for the two dates are Nov. 8 and Jan. 10, respectively. Test-takers can find an ACT Test overview online with a study guide, sample questions via their MyACT account, and testing tips.