The American College Testing program began in 1959. Over 2 million students took the ACT in the 2001-2002 school year; it is accepted by over 85% of all colleges/universities across the United States. The four tests administered in English, Reading, Mathematics and Science give students a composite or average score between 1 and 36. Each test is weighted equally. Average scores are between 17 and 23; in fact nearly 70% of all scores each year fall into this range. All colleges/universities in Michigan accept the ACT as an entrance exam, and these exams including writing are required as part of the Michigan Merit Exam given in March during 11th grade. Students may re-test as many times as they wish; the State of Michigan pays for one re-test if the student doesn't meet State of Michigan standards on one of the nine tests. For students who do retest, 77% scored at or above their previous score; 24% scored 1 point higher, 22% scored exactly the same, 18% scored 2 points higher, 15% scored 3 or more points higher, 13% scored 1 point lower, 6% scored 2 points lover and 2% scored 3 or more points lower. The PLAN is a practice test for the ACT and is generally given to 10th grade students; it was formerly called the P-ACT. Students who take the PLAN test in the State of Michigan score 1.8 points higher on the ACT Composite than non-PLAN test takers. National Ranks for ACT
