ACT
There are two distinct ways to take the ACT--the ACT National Test and the ACT On-Campus Test. For more information, visit the ACT website: www.act.org
ACT National
The National ACT is the same test given in many high schools. This test provides scores that are valid nationally, at any school that accepts ACT as an admission exam. It is available approximately 7 times yearly—always on Saturdays (many high schools participate in only 2 or 3 of the 5 dates). Students must register through ACT (online or by phone) approximately 5 weeks in advance of the test date.
- Cost: $68.00 (Plus Writing: $93.00)
- Where: Generally administered in the Engineering Building, not in the weekday Professional Testing Center office (check your admission ticket for details)
- Register: at the ACT website (www.actstudent.org)
- Scores: Are available for viewing online within 2 weeks after the exam, and a mailed copy will arrive 3 to 8 weeks after test date.
- Note: May be taken each time it is given.
- When: Upcoming National ACT dates are listed below. Please note that USU will administer the National ACT only on the double-starred (**) dates.
- September 9, 2023 **
- October 28, 2023 **
- December 9, 2023
- February 10, 2024 **
- April 13, 2024
- June 8, 2024 **
- July 13, 2024 **
ACT On-Campus (formerly Residual ACT)
The On-Campus ACT is exactly like the National ACT except that scores are valid only at the college or university where the test is actually taken. On-Campus ACTs taken at USU provide scores valid for USU purposes only--a student cannot take the On-Campus ACT at USU and use scores for other schools. Also, On-Campus ACT scores are not valid for NCAA Clearinghouse purposes.
- Cost: $90.00
- Where: Administered at USU's Professional Testing Center, University Inn 115
- When: Wednesday mornings, approx once per month, at 9:00 a.m., by appointment only
- Register: Find available dates and register at www.registerblast.com/usu/exam
- Scores: Scores are available approximately 2 to 3 days after the test and will be emailed from the Professional Testing Center directly to the test candidate at the address he or she provided during the registration process
- Notes:
- On-Campus ACT may not be retaken within 60 days (at USU or any other school).
- October is a "dead-month" for On-Campus ACT, and ACT does not allow the exam to be given during this month.
- Be aware that there may be occasional exceptions to the above appointment dates and times.
- Testing schedules often fill to capacity, so an advance appointment is required to ensure a seat. Walk-in testing is allowed but will not guarantee a spot.
GED (General Educational Development Test)
The GED, the high school equivalency exam, is a test of basic skills in Science, Social Studies, Mathematical Reasoning, and Reasoning through Language Arts. Successfully completing the GED exam gives the examinee a "Utah High School Completion Diploma," which allows students to apply for admission at university, college, trade and tech school programs, and to apply for employment where a high school diploma or its equivalent is required.
State GED website: Utah GED
National GED website: www.ged.com
- Cost: $36.00 per test. There are 4 tests to complete the GED, for a total fee of $120.00. Each test may be taken on a separate day if preferred
- Where: USU Professional Testing Center, University Inn 115
- When: Mondays through Fridays, starting as early as 9:00 a.m., by appointment. The registration site, www.ged.com will not allow candidates to make appointments which will extend beyond closing time, 5:00 p.m. Many days will fill in advance, so make your appointments well before you hope to test
- Register: www.ged.com You will be required to set up an account with an email address and password and input your biographical information (name, birth date, address, etc.)
- Scores: Can be accessed through candidate's MYGED account online approximately 3 hours after completion of the exam. The account history may be accessed through the www.ged.com website. Official credentials (score report and diploma) will be sent to the test taker within a week of completing the final exam
- Notes: Must be 16 or older to test. Those who are still of high school age are required to meet with an adult education counselor before registering for the exam. More information on this policy available on the GED website
HESI A2 (Health Education Systems, Inc. Admissions Assessment)
The HESI A2, a nursing entrance exam, is a test of basic academic skills in English language, math, & science, as well as an assessment of learning and personality styles. A five hour, computer-based exam, it is currently the preferred entrance exam for USU's Bachelor of Nursing Program.
- Cost: Total cost is $88.00, $58 of which is paid to the HESI company, Elsevier, on the day of the test, and $30 of which is paid to USU in advance, at the time the appointment is scheduled. Any retest requires the same testing fees.
- Where: USU Professional Testing Center, University Inn 115.
- Register: Register online at www.registerblast.com/usu/exam.
- Scores: Scores are viewable at the end of the exam and become part of your Elsevier record. They are accessible and viewable to you after the day of the test as well. USU will receive a copy of scores automatically.
- Notes: Be sure to bring a debit or credit card on the test day to pay the Elsevier portion of the fee. A calculator app is embedded in the test software and is avaibable for your use. Do not bring any outside calculator. The retest policy requires that candidates wait at least 2 weeks before retesting.
- When: HESI A2 may be taken weekdays between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (exam must be finished by 4:00).
SAT
The SAT is an undergraduate admissions exam like the ACT which is accepted by most institutions and even required by some. While most Utah schools and many institutions in the western United States look first for ACT scores, the SAT is more commonly required by schools in California and the eastern part of the country.
- Cost: $60
- Fee Waiver: Fee waivers are available for those who meet qualifying income eligibility requirements. See the fee waiver webpage for more information.
- Where: Generally administered in the Engineering Building, not in the weekday Professional Testing Center office (check your admission ticket for details)
- Register: Online at www.collegeboard.com/sat
- Scores: Available for viewing online approximately 2 weeks after the exam, and mailed out to individuals and institutions approximately 3 to 4 weeks after the exam
- When: Upcoming SAT dates: (Please note that USU will administer the SAT only on the starred dates below)
- August 26, 2023 **
- October 7, 2023 **
- November 4, 2023
- December 2, 2023
- March 9, 2024
- May 4, 2024
- June 1, 2024
TEAS (ATI's Test of Essential Skills for Nursing Entrance)
The ATI TEAS is a test of basic academic skills used to determine if a candidate is academically prepared for entrance into select nursing programs. As of Fall 2020 semester, the TEAS is no longer the preferred entrance exam for USU's nursing program. Candidates who are applying to nursing programs at other colleges or universities may still take the TEAS at our center. However, USU students now take the HESI A2 for admission.
- Cost: $95 (this includes $65 (plus tax) to ATI, and $30 to USU Professional Testing Center
- Where: USU Professional Testing Center, University Inn 115
- Register: Contact us at 435-797-1004 or eric.wj@usu.edu for information on scheduling.
- Scores: Candidates will see unofficial scores at the end of their exam. ATI forwards scores to schools shortly thereafter.
- Notes: The retest policy requires that candidates wait at least 2 weeks before retesting.
- When: TEAS may be taken weekdays between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (exam must be finished by 4:00).
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
A test of basic English language reading, writing, speaking, and comprehension skills used as an admission criterion (undergraduate and graduate) for those whose native language is other than English. Website: www.toefl.org.
- Cost: $255.00
- Where: USU Professional Testing Center, University Inn 115
- Scores: available for viewing online approximately 10 days after the exam. Print copies are mailed to individuals and to schools and will arrive approximately 3 weeks after exam. See full score policy at: TOEFL Scores webpage
- When: Approximately 30 dates per year, predetermined by the test company. USU participates in approximately half of the test dates. See the TOEFL website for details.
- Register: at the TOEFL website www.ets.org/toefl/ibt/register
- Note: current PASSPORT REQUIRED as identification if examinee is not a US citizen. See this page for more information. Advance appointment required.