NEVC now a testing site for ACT

Students preparing for college are prime candidates for the ACT test, which is used by many colleges and universities to determine a students eligibility for admission. Now students at Northeast Vernon County High School don't have to travel to take the test as they have in the past, the school has become a testing site for the ACT.

The next testing date is April 10 and students are urged to register by March 5. For students registering after that and until registration ends a late fee will be assessed. There are two tests available, the ACT itself and the ACT plus writing. The registration fee is $32 for the ACT alone and $47 for the ACT plus writing.

According to Nevada High School counselor Patty Murray some students qualify for two free tests during their high school years.

"There are certain income guidelines and anyone wishing to know more can contact me," Murray said.

Murray said she was surprised that NEVC would be chosen for a testing site, not even Nevada High School is a testing site.

"I'm surprised they're having it there," Murray said. "We don't test here, our students go to Cottey for the test."

According to Murray the writing portion of the test wasn't pushed as many colleges don't require it.

"I don't always recommend the writing part, there are only two colleges in Missouri that use the writing test," Murray said. "Some east coast and Ivy League schools have added the writing test in the last five or six years but many colleges don't use it.

Murray said the test was structured to be very rigid and students are often advised to take it several times.

"You can take it as many times as you like," Murray said. "It is given six times during the school year; September, October, December, February, April and June."

Murray said in the past the Nevada students who took the test in June would have to travel to schools in Joplin for the test because Cottey didn't put it on.

"Cottey doesn't do it in June, the students are all gone and the staff isn't working so the students go to Joplin," Murray said. "I guess some of them can go the Walker now."

Students who want to get their tests done to be eligible for scholarships should plan to take the test by February, the deadline for many scholarship entries is right after the February test, Murray said.