ACT & Pre-College Testing

Pre-college tests like the college entrance exams (ACT or SAT) can help you get into college, earn scholarships and get a better sense of your academic strengths.

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SOUTH DAKOTA’S ACT INITIATIVE

Beginning in spring 2026, all South Dakota public school juniors will take the ACT during the school day at no cost. The ACT now serves as both South Dakota’s required junior assessment and a nationally recognized college and career readiness exam.

South Dakota adopted the ACT to provide a more meaningful assessment for students and families. Rather than taking a state accountability test and then separately taking a college entrance exam, students now complete one test that serves both purposes.

Your ACT score can help you:

Explore college and career options
Qualify for scholarships
Prepare for college coursework
Learn about your academic strengths
Connect with colleges and universities
Make informed decisions about your future

One Test. Multiple Opportunities.

Prepare for the ACT Explore Your Future

What is the ACT?

The ACT is a nationally recognized assessment that helps students understand their college and career readiness.

Colleges and universities may use ACT scores for admissions, scholarships, course placement, and academic advising. In South Dakota, all public school juniors take the ACT during the school day as the statewide assessment.

No matter what your plans are after high school, the ACT can help you identify your strengths, explore opportunities, and make informed decisions about your future.

Did you know?

A 24 ACT Score Could Be Worth Thousands.

South Dakota’s Opportunity Scholarship—the state’s largest merit-based scholarship program—requires a minimum ACT Composite score of 24 (or equivalent superscore) along with additional eligibility requirements.

For many students, one or two additional ACT points can make a significant difference.

Learn About the South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship

Build Your ACT Game Plan

Preparing for the ACT doesn’t happen overnight. Start early, practice consistently, and focus on improving one section at a time.

Summer Before Junior Year (Recommended)

Consider taking a national ACT test during the summer before your junior year.

Think of it as a practice run.

Experience the testing environment before the statewide ACT.
Reduce test-day nerves.
Identify your strengths and areas for improvement.
Gain a better understanding of what to study before spring testing.
Begin exploring colleges, scholarships, and future opportunities.

Many students find that taking the ACT before the statewide administration helps them feel more confident and prepared when they take it again as juniors.

3–6 Months Before the ACT

Build ACT preparation into your routine.

Create a free MyACT account.
Complete the ACT Question of the Day.
Take short practice quizzes using ACT QuizMe.
Explore Methodize ACT Prep through SDMyLife.
Review one subject area each week.
Learn about ACT timing and pacing.
Familiarize yourself with approved calculator policies.
Begin thinking about your ACT score goals.

Small, consistent practice over time is often more effective than cramming the week before the test.

8–12 Weeks Before the ACT

Start preparing more intentionally.

Take a full-length practice test under timed conditions.
Create a study schedule.
Identify your strongest and weakest subjects.
Review your mistakes and look for patterns.
Set a target score based on your goals.
Research scholarship opportunities, including the South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship (minimum ACT Composite score of 24).

Remember: For many South Dakota students, one or two additional ACT points can make a significant difference.

4–8 Weeks Before the ACT

Focus on improving your performance.

Complete timed practice questions.
Focus on your lowest-scoring areas.
Practice using your calculator.
Take an additional full-length practice test.
Practice pacing and time management.
Review testing policies and approved materials.
Confirm your testing location and reporting instructions.

By now, you should be feeling more comfortable with both the content and the pace of the ACT.

Week of the ACT

Prepare for test day.

Get plenty of sleep.
Pack approved materials.
Eat breakfast.
Arrive early.
Avoid trying to learn entirely new material.
Review your test-taking strategies.
Stay confident and trust your preparation.

Remember: The ACT is just one part of your story. Do your best, learn from the experience, and use your results to help plan your next steps.

BONUS STEP: AFTER YOU RECEIVE YOUR SCORES

The journey doesn’t end after you take the test.

Review your score report and identify your strengths.
Explore scholarship opportunities.
Research colleges and degree programs that align with your interests.
Determine whether retesting may help you achieve your goals.
Use your scores to help guide your college and career planning.

The ACT isn’t the finish line—it’s a tool that can help you explore opportunities and prepare for your future.

Free ACT Preparation Resources

South Dakota students have access to several free ACT preparation resources designed to help them build confidence and improve their scores. Whether you’re looking for practice tests, subject-specific review, or study strategies, these tools can help you prepare.

Methodize ACT Prep

Official ACT Practice Tests

ACT QuizMe

ACT Testing Tips

Calculator Tutorials

ACT Study Guides

Commonly Asked Questions About ACT

1. Do I need a MyACT account?

2. Can my student take the ACT more than once?

3. Does my student need to take the Writing section?

4. What score should my student aim for?

5. Do colleges automatically receive ACT scores?

6. Is the ACT required for admission to South Dakota public colleges and universities?

7. Can ACT scores help with dual enrollment?

8. When will students receive their scores?

9. Does my student need to take the optional Science section for the South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship?

Continue Exploring Your Future

The ACT is just one step in your college and career journey. Explore additional ACT resources to help you plan for life after high school.

ACT College & Career Readiness Hub

Student Interest Inventory

Applying to College

Choosing a College

Career Planning Resources

ACT Navigator

Find ACT Score Scholarships

¿Busca recursos en español?

Looking for Spanish-language resources?

ACT ofrece una colección de recursos en español para estudiantes y familias, incluyendo información sobre exámenes, planificación universitaria y exploración de carreras.

Ver Recursos en Español

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