Most MNPS 8th and 10th graders will take PreACT tests in October or November, helping them prepare for the ACT and learn about possible career interests.
Eighth graders will take the PreACT 8/9, which provides an early ACT practice experience and can help predict future scores, guide students’ steps to improve their performance, and inform high school course decisions. The test also takes an inventory of student interests that can point toward potential career choices.
Students should bring three sharpened No. 2 pencils with good erasers; a watch (but no phone) to pace themselves; and a calculator – though it isn’t required – for the math section.
Tenth graders will take the PreACT, which helps to predict how students may perform on the ACT college admissions test as high school juniors after another year of learning. The test also can identify students’ current academic readiness for college and career. Check with your child’s high school to determine if the test will be administered on a computer or on paper.
Total test time for both the PreACT 8/9 and the PreACT is two hours and 10 minutes, including 40 minutes for math and 30 minutes each for science, English, and reading. There are also approximately 60 minutes of pre-test activities.
“MNPS strives to prepare every student for the transition from middle school to high school and from high school to college and career,” said Dr. Matt Nelson, MNPS’s Executive Director of College and Career Readiness. “Results from the PreACT 8/9, PreACT, and ACT tests provide insight into a student’s academic strengths and career interests. These elements form the foundation of the path toward their college and career aspirations.”
Check with your child’s school administrators to learn the specific date of the test. A handful of MNPS high schools will administer the PreACT to 10th graders in March rather than October.
MNPS ACT Resources for Juniors and Seniors
If your student is taking the ACT test, we have subject-based webinars and resources to help them prepare, too.