Preparing a high school student for a college entrance exam can pose a challenge to parents and to the student as well. The ACT test is a test that a student will take that will have a major impact on the colleges and universities he or she is able to gain entrance to. In addition to gaining entrance to college, scoring extremely well on an ACT test can give a student many opportunities to obtain college scholarships. Scholarships can offset the high expense of tuition fees, dorm fees, and textbook expenses as a student continues his or her education.Some parents will hire tutors for their high school students in order to give the student the best chance possible of doing well on the ACT and to retain as much pertinent information on primary subjects as possible. ACT practice tests can show a student, the parents, and the tutor in what areas the student needs the most help. This can narrow the focus of the studies and increase the individual's chance of scoring higher when he or she takes the real ACT test.An ACT practice test can provide students with an idea of what kind of subjects will be primarily covered when they take the main ACT test. This knowledge and experience of test taking can prove to be a solid experience that can help the student to adjust to taking such an intense test and it can also give mentors, parents, and tutors suggestions on how to help the student improve his or her test scores for the main ACT test.Online tests are available for a student to take. These tests may be downloaded with just a click of a mouse and the student can take timed tests, or he or she can take the test at leisure simply to get a good feel for what areas should be concentrated on. ACT practice tests may also be ordered and taken at home, and they can also be taken at local community centers and educational centers for additional practice.