ACT + Writing

When you register to take the ACT at a National Test site you have the choice to take the corresponding ACT Writing test.

Some colleges recommend or require an ACT Writing Score for admission purposes.

The search engine below will help you decide whether or not you should take the ACT or the ACT + Writing: https://actapps.act.org/writPrefRM/

Students who plan to become K-12 Teachers should take the ACT + Writing, regardless of the college the student chooses to attend. An ACT Composite Score of 22 or higher on the ACT + Writing AND a minimum score of 6 on the Writing component will waive a student's requirement to take the Test of Academic Proficiency (TAP).  

The TAP is a test required for admission to any Illinois Teacher Education Preparation program (the application to a teacher education program is submitted according to specific guidelines set forth by that program, and is usually submitted after the completion of 30 college semester credit hours, or at the end of the freshman year/ beginning of the sophomore year of college). Scores must be sent to the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) from ACT using code 3001. This form contains additional information: ISBE Guidelines