Students can take the ACT test on the campus of Middle Tennessee State University in November, December and January — including this Saturday, Nov. 14 — as part of efforts to increase access to the standardized college admissions test.

And, MTSU will allow scores from tests taken on the National ACT day on Dec. 12 to be attached to the Dec. 1 application deadline that used to award qualified incoming freshmen one of the university’s guaranteed academic scholarships.

“It’s really important to us that we are able to invest in our students,” said Laurie Witherow, associate vice provost for enrollment services. “Because it’s been tougher than usual for some to have access to an ACT, we have offered additional opportunities to take the ACT at MTSU and potentially qualify for one of our guaranteed scholarships.”

The National ACT will be offered Saturday, Dec. 12, at MTSU. The university will be hosting ACT On-Campus test events from Saturday, Nov. 7, through Jan. 19, 2021. (Photo from act.org.)

The ACT will be delivered at the MTSU campus on these dates:

• Saturday, Nov. 14.
• Tuesday, Nov. 24.
• Tuesday, Dec. 1.
• Saturday, Dec. 12.
• Tuesday, Jan. 12.
• Tuesday, Jan. 19.

All exams start at 7:30 a.m. and end at noon. Scores are normally reported to the Admissions office within one week of testing.

To register online, visit www.registerblast.com/mtsu. Registration is also available in-person in Keathley University Center Room 107 or by U.S. mail (in care of Testing Services, MTSU Box 53, Murfreesboro, TN 37132). Test takers must register and have an acceptable photo ID (such as a valid driver’s license).

Dr. Laurie Witherow

The scores on all except the Dec. 12 will be reported to MTSU only as part of the ACT On-Campus, or ACT Residual, program. Scores from ACT Residual test cannot be used to qualify for scholarships other than those at MTSU. Test takers must register and have acceptable photo ID (valid driver’s license). A basic four-function calculator may be used on the ACT Residual.

The Dec. 12 test-taking opportunity is part of ACT National and scores from that can be provided to all higher education institutions. Information regarding the ACT National is available by calling ACT at 319-337-1270 or visit www.actstudent.org.

Those registering to take the exam at MTSU will receive the on-campus building location for the test when they sign up, Witherow said. Test takers and officials will observe MTSU, state and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for COVID-19 on each of the campus test sites.

Incoming freshmen with an ACT of 23 or higher and a high school GPA of 3.5 or higher are automatically eligible for one of MTSU’s guaranteed academic scholarships — if they apply by Dec. 1.

Witherow said MTSU’s acceptance of the Dec. 12 ACT test score could allow some students a chance to improve their score and perhaps qualify for a higher scholarship amount. Those taking the test are required to wait 60 days before retaking the test.

“If you want your Dec. 12 scores to be considered by MTSU as part of your eligibility for our guaranteed scholarships, it’s OK with us,” Witherow said.

— Randy Weiler (Randy.Weiler@mtsu.edu)

*Story updated Nov. 9