College readiness benchmarks are minimum ACT scores that students must achieve to expect a high-probability of success in credit bearing courses during their initial semesters in English, Algebra and Biology.

According to ACT Inc. "students who meet a Benchmark on the ACT or COMPASS have approximately a 50 percent chance of earning a B or better and approximately a 75 percent chance of earning a C or better in the corresponding college course or courses..."

The ACT is a national college admission and placement examination. It is designed to test skill levels in english, math, reading, and science (the writing test is optional).

It is a generally accepted entrance exam by four-years colleges and public universities (including Ivy League schools).

The ACT is curriculum-based, it is not an aptitude or an IQ test. Instead, the questions on the ACT are directly related to what students have learned in high school courses in english, mathematics, and science (this differs from the SAT, which measure critical thinking / reasoning skills).

The test is managed by ACT Inc., (formerly The American College Testing Program, Inc.), an independent, not-for-profit organization that provides more than a hundred assessment,research, information, and program management services in the broad areas of education and workforce development.