The ACT test is commonly used as a benchmark for college entrance and readiness.
•  In South Dakota, 81 percent of graduating seniors took the ACT, which is high for states that don't require ACT testing for graduation.
• The state Department of Education offers South Dakota students several resources to prepare for the test, such as access to free test preparation materials available through SDMyLife.com, an online academic and career planning resource hosted by the department.
• In addition, the department collaborates with the Board of Regents to identify and assist high school students whose ACT scores indicate they will require remediation at the college and university level.
• "We have tools in place that can help assist these students in shoring up their knowledge and skills," Schopp said. "If students can get some of this remedial work done before their postsecondary education, it will save them both time and money once they make the transition."