The next ACT test will be given Oct. 25. Students who wish to take the college admission and placement exam must register by Sept. 19 -- the deadline for having the registration postmarked.

Late registrations, with an additional fee, will be accepted until the postmark deadline of Oct. 3.

Students can register online at www.actstudent.org, or pick up registration packets from high school counseling offices.

Cost is $31 for the traditional ACT and $46 for the ACT Plus Writing. Some colleges require or recommend ACT's optional Writing Test, so students should find out the requirements of prospective colleges before registering for the exam. ACT scores are accepted by all four-year colleges and universities in the United States.

Additional registration information is at www.actstudent.org. Students in need of financial assistance should visit their school counselor for qualification information and to apply for a fee waiver.