Kansas State University

MANHATTAN — The number of Kansas high school students opting not to send their ACT test scores to any colleges or universities has increased from 19 percent in 2004 to 47 percent in 2014, according to a recent report by ACT. The study shows that this increase is consistent with national trends, as 48 percent of U.S. high school students withhold ACT scores.

However, both ACT and universities urge students to rethink this trend. Reporting ACT scores not only signals a student's genuine interest in his or her school of choice, but also can lead to more personalized and focused information being sent from a college or university.

"It's beneficial for students to let universities in which they're interested know that they are taking the ACT," said Emily Lehning, assistant vice president of New Student Services at Kansas State University. "Making that initial connection allows students to receive helpful information and may help identify opportunities that match their interests and goals."

When students register for the ACT, they have the option to choose up to four colleges to which ACT will send their scores. Reporting scores at test time is free for students, but reporting at a later date may incur additional fees.

Most scores are typically ready to report within two weeks after the test date. While colleges use these scores in a variety of ways, they are not the only criteria for admission to a university or college.

According to ACT, scores may be used in the following ways, among others:

• To help admissions officials identify applicants who can benefit most from particular programs.

• To inform academic advisors when considering a need for academic assistance or to help with course placement recommendations.

• To aid some scholarship programs that may use ACT test results and other information to identify qualified candidates.

Students can take the ACT multiple times. According to Lehning, sending scores for each test is the best way to ensure that students share the most information with the college and universities they are considering.

When making an admission or scholarship decision, Lehning said Kansas State University will always consider your highest test scores. For more information about the ACT, visit http://www.actstudent.org. To learn more about admission to Kansas State University, visit http://www.k-state.edu/admissions/apply.