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ACT test for US university admissions goes digital in Hong Kong to prevent questions being leaked

Popular exam provider says it will now be able to offer more test sessions in the city, with results being announced more quickly than before

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The Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority in Lai King, where candidates will be able to sit the ACT exam. Photo: Xiaomei Chen

Candidates in Hong Kong planning to sit the ACT admissions test for US universities will from next month do the exam on a computer instead of writing down their answers, as the test administrator moves to reduce incidents of questions being leaked.

The change will come with a higher price tag – test takers will pay between US$150 (HK$1,177) and US$166.50 (HK$1,307), an increase of US$46.50 (HK$365) – but the test administrator said it also meant results would be announced more quickly and that people would now be allowed to take the test six times a year, up from five previously.

They can also register for the test closer to the time – seven days in advance as opposed to five weeks previously.

ACT chief commercial officer Suzana Delanghe told reporters in the city last week: “The [scores for the multiple choice question sections] will be delivered as quickly as two days after the test is taken … [and] the writing section will be released within two weeks after the test.

(on screen): ACT lead marketing manager, Josie Neumann (left) and ACT chief commercial officer Suzana Delanghe (right) speak to Hong Kong press via Skype at the HKEAA Lai King Assessment Centre in Lai King. Photo: Xiaomei Chen
(on screen): ACT lead marketing manager, Josie Neumann (left) and ACT chief commercial officer Suzana Delanghe (right) speak to Hong Kong press via Skype at the HKEAA Lai King Assessment Centre in Lai King. Photo: Xiaomei Chen

“This will help students who like to apply for US universities with early decisions.”

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