Dear Timpview Juniors and Parents/Guardians:

This year our ACT test date for all Juniors is Tuesday, March 9.

In previous years, the ACT test was done with paper/pencil. However, due to the uncertainties created by Covid this year, Provo School District elected to move to the online version of the ACT.

We recognize that taking a paper/pencil test versus an online version of the same test presents some different challenges, and we are working hard to prepare for the best experience possible.

To help you navigate this process, we hope the following FAQs section will be helpful.

1. Why did PCSD elect to move to an online ACT test? Due to the uncertainties created by Covid-19 for the 2020-21 school year, Provo City School District moved forward with the recommendation from the Utah State Board of Education to offer the ACT online. In addition, the school district felt the move would be supported by the students’ experience taking the Aspire test in 9th grade. An online version of ACT has been available for some time now. In fact, Nebo School District has been administering the online ACT for the past 3 years.

2. Does Timpview have the infrastructure for online testing? Yes. Our district IT department is confident we have the capabilities of performing an online ACT test without disruption. As a safety measure, we will be conducting a network login test prior to test day to make sure everything is running properly.

3. What if I have a problem with my Chromebook? Please go to room U22 after school from 11:30 – 12:30 for help with your Chromebook. A few extra Chromebooks will be available on test day.

4. What if I’m worried my Chromebook won’t stay charged for the whole ACT? If your Chromebook does not hold a charge for 3 hours, please go to room U22 between 11:30 – 12:30 for assistance. In addition, students can bring their charging cord on test day. We will have additional outlets available in the classrooms.

5. Do I have to register for the online ACT test? Yes, registration needs to be completed before arriving on March 9. Junior English teachers will help students create their MyACT account and complete the non-testing information portion between Feb 22 – Mar 4. E-School and Home Study students will complete this process March 2 and 3 in the Timpview library from 12:30 – 2:30.

6. How do I prepare for the online version of the ACT? The ACT questions used in both the online and paper format are the same. Students who have participated in any type of ACT preparation will still benefit from their efforts. ACT also provides an online practice test that can be taken on their Chromebooks when they launch the TestNav App. Please, see the attachment for directions. Timpview will help students complete the online practice ACT at school on Thursday, March 4 in the cafeteria from 12:30 – 2:30.

7. What if I’m worried about my score because we moved to the online ACT? Students can elect not to send their score from this online test to universities when they complete the non-testing portion of the ACT in their English classes. If it turns out they are satisfied with their score, they can send it at a later date for a small fee. Students can also contact the school registrar to have their ACT score removed from the transcript.

8. If the test is online, do I still need to bring a pencil? Yes. scratch paper will be provided for working math problems, so bring something to write with.

9. What else do I need to bring with me on test day? Besides pencils, please bring an ACT approved calculator and your photo ID. See the ACT calculator policy found in the attachment.

10. What are the other grades doing on March 9? Students in grades 9, 10, and 12 will not attend school and should stay home.