American College Testing to extend test modules to Tier-2, Tier-3 cities

Bengaluru: Students from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities can now get trained for American College Testing (ACT), a standardised test that helps ascertain college-readiness of high school students. ACT Inc, the non-profit organisation which is the developer and administrator of the test, has partnered with MeritTrac, a subsidiary of Manipal Global Education Services (MaGE), to extend their reach to Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities to provide computer-based modules for aspirants.

At the launch of the programme here, Mr Simmy Zivel, vice-president - Global Business Development, ACT, said the Testing is suited for Indian students to get into any undergraduate programme in the US as it measures academic skills and knowledge rather than abstract information.

"We consider India as a 'broadway' and to achieve the online delivery of the high-stakes test, we have teamed up with an Indian company that has global recognition, trust and quality," he said.

ACT is a computer-based test with the first batch of Indian students already appearing for the test this week. "We are helping students by expanding our test centre network and increasing the availability of high-quality ACT test preparation materials and opportunities. This will benefit Indian test-takers and allow them to access resources available to those in the US and other countries," he said.

MeritTrac CEO Gopal Devanahalli said that the team is working on bringing more test centres closer to test-takers from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.

The data on ACT scores reveal that Indian graduates have outshone their US counterparts across all five categories of Testing. Last year, on an average, US high school graduates scored 20.7 in ACT Mathematics, while Indian high school students recorded 29.7. The least difference in average score of 4.6 was noted in ACT reading, where the US students managed 21.4 as against 26 by Indian candidates.