Class of 2027
ACT State Testing
The Illinois School Code and ISBE Rules require public-school students to take the state’s final accountability assessment, currently the ACT with Writing, in order to receive a high school diploma. All juniors will take the ACT on Wednesday, April 22, 2026. The IL State Board of Education (ISBE) automatically registers all students for the state ACT and no payment is required. ISBE requires that the ACT be delivered digitally. Students will test on their iPads. Please ensure your student arrives with a fully charged iPad and working keyboard.
Please note, ISBE requires that students take all of the ACT sections including Science and Writing on the school day test.
The ACT State Test can be reported by the student for college admission purposes.
Students with extended time accommodations documented in an IEP or 504 Plan may be scheduled to test over two days, April 22 and April 23, depending on the specific accommodation.
Students will receive their testing room assignments via their school email prior to test day. Testing will begin promptly at 8:00 a.m on April 22. The standard ACT takes approximately 3 hours and 35 minutes, with most students dismissed between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., depending on when they complete the test. Students with approved testing accommodations may receive extended testing time and should expect a later dismissal.
Practice Tests for the State ACT
ACT National Testing
Students may choose to also take the ACT on a national test date (offered on Saturdays throughout the year). These tests are:
- Self-registered through act.org
- Paid for by the student (fee waivers are available for eligible students)
Please note: National ACT tests are managed by the individual company. Although New Trier is a host site for some national ACT tests, ACT itself oversees registration and logistics for all national tests. New Trier is unable to save or reserve registration solely for New Trier students.
Class of 2028
PreACT Secure
ISBE requires public-school sophomores to take the state’s accountability assessment, the PreACT Secure, on a school day in April. All sophomores will take the ACT on Wednesday, April 22, 2026. The IL State Board of Education (ISBE) automatically registers all students for the state PreACT Secure and no payment is required.
The PreACT Secure is an online assessment in ACT's Suite of Assessments. PreACT assessments offers 10th grade students an early opportunity with ACTs test items, provides a predicted ACT test score, and offers information to help students get the start they need to be college and career ready.
PreACT Secure and PreACT 9 Secure Resources
Class of 2029
PreACT 9
ISBE requires public-school freshmen to take the state’s accountability assessment, the PreACT 9 Secure, on a school day in April. All freshmen will take the ACT on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. The IL State Board of Education (ISBE) automatically registers all students for the state PreACT 9 Secure and no payment is required.
The PreACT 9 Secure is an online assessment in ACT's Suite of Assessments. PreACT assessments offer 9th grade students an early opportunity with ACTs test items, provides a predicted ACT test score, and offers information to help students get the start they need to be college and career ready.
PreACT Secure and PreACT 9 Secure Resources
