The popularity of the ACT among public high schools in Alabama has increased in recent years.
Information released by ACT last week showed 30,949 students in Alabama public high schools took the test during the 2009-2010 academic year.
This is an increase of almost 2,000 students from the previous year.
The ACT is a standardized test that focuses on English, math, reading and science, with an optional writing portion.
Scott Gomer, ACT media relations representative, said more students are taking the test now because a strengthening in high school curricula led to the content being more familiar.
"Going to school and studying hard is the best thing you can do," Gomer said.
The freshman class size and average ACT score for Auburn University this year were 4,200 and 26, respectively.
"This will be our strongest class academically and possibly our largest," said Cindy Singley, director of recruitment.
A high ACT score not only demonstrates a student is ready for college courses, but also opens up scholarship opportunities.
Anne Graham, public information specialist for the Alabama Department of Education, said the population of students who take the ACT has become more diverse.
Students in minority groups are scoring much higher on the test, Graham said.
"There is more across-the-board encouragement from counselors and parents for students to take the test," she said.
ACT takes a curriculum survey and speaks with students and faculty at schools every four years to make sure students are getting what they need to succeed during the transition into college.
Some students and parents may stray away from taking the ACT because of the cost, Graham said.
It costs $33 to take the basic ACT and $48 to add the writing portion.
Many students take the test multiple times to receive a higher score, and the cost can occasionally add up.
The Alabama Department of Education hopes to someday use state funds to pay for every student to take the ACT at least once, Graham said.
Graham said in addition to taking the ACT, Advanced Placement classes also help prepare high school students for college.
AP classes can be taken and used toward credit for some future college courses if the student passes an exam on the material covered in class at the end of the course.
AP exams cost $87, but that is less than the cost of an average college course.
"AP classes are being pushed because they are a time- and money-saver," Graham said.
More AP classes are available now, and some funding is offered to try to help parents pay for the classes.
AP is a nationwide program and receives grant money from companies such as Exxon Mobil Corp.
ACT also released a list of the top 11 majors and top five college choices for 2010 Alabama ACT takers.
Auburn University was ranked No. 2 on the list following The University of Alabama.
The No. 1 first-year major choice was Health Sciences and Allied Health Fields.
"The choice of field may relate to the choice of school," Graham said.
The top five major choices included Health Sciences, Business and Engineering.
These are three of Auburn's most well-renowned programs of study.
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
