WHY SKIP THE "TRIAL ACT"

Don't let the first ACT obscure your true potential to succeed in college.

Taking a "trial" ACT just to see "how I might do on the real test" is putting the cart before the horse.  The ACT and SAT are supposed to predict readiness for college, and although you might be intellectually prepared for everything a university curriculum might challenge you with, a "pop quiz" effort is not likely to present a realistic portrait of your talents.
  
Taking any test without knowing how to respond to the
unique parameters (content, format, structure, allotted time) is like  trying to take a typing test on a manual typewriter without ever having seen a QWERTY keyboard.  You will be slow.  You won't know how much pressure is needed to make those keys hit the paper. Your fingers will accidentally hit wrong keys.  Mistakes
generated by lack of practice will obscure your true ability to type.  Don't let your first ACT obscure your true potential for success in college.

According to the publishers of the ACT, the practice of retaking the exam has gained popularity over the years.  In 2009, 41% of the tested students took more than one administration; by 2015, the number had increased to 45%.  Although 57% of the multiple-testers improved the score, 27% went down!  Of the retesters, an average increase of only 2.9 points was earned and only by sitting up to 10 times!!  Based on statistical analysis, ACT predicts that simply taking the test a second time will earn an average of only 1.1 composite points. 

To achieve a noticeable elevation in score requires identifying
     -- a clear baseline of existing knowledge,
     -- gaps in comprehension AND application, and
     -- suggested alternative strategies.

The first ACT experience should be untimed and given over a period of days so that each section receives "fresh eyes."

Analysis of the results should differentiate between concepts the student already knows and can be exploited, as well as principles that require a revised approach or additional study.

The test, taken in a stress-free environment, should pinpoint the student's natural pace in order to predict the need for timing mitigations to be instituted after sufficient mastery of concepts has been proven.

And the results should be presented as input for the sole purpose of designing an efficient, effective study program, not an intimidating appraisal of the student's intelligence.

Sitting for the ACT or SAT (in either a national administration or a "mock" setting) without sufficient preparation doesn't give a fair reading of the student's true potential on the exam.  So skip those options and find a program that focuses on a workable analysis that will inform your personal study plan.

Work smarter, not just longer or harder.