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As more students choose Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) for the ACT National online test, one of the biggest “last-mile” barriers we hear from counselors is surprisingly consistent: device readiness—especially when a student plans to test on a school-managed device that requires staff permissions to install testing applications. (Note: Gateway is NOT used for ACT online State and/or District Testing.)
To make support easier (and prevent avoidable test-day surprises), ACT now has two clear, step-by-step web resources you can share—one written directly for students and one designed for schools/test centers supporting device setup.
Resource #1 (Students): ACT Gateway – Student Resources
If you share only one link with students who are testing online BYOD, make it this one:
It walks students through the essentials in plain language:
- What ACT Gateway is (the secure testing application for the National online test) and why it matters.
- Which computers are supported and what isn’t (including clear guidance that students may use a personal or school‑managed computer, and that some device types are not supported).
- How to install ACT Gateway (including the expectation that students using school-managed devices should work with their school’s IT staff for installation support).
- How to perform device checks by logging in with MyACT credentials—and the key reminder that device readiness must be completed by the posted deadline.
- A straightforward warning counselors often wish students saw earlier: device checks must be completed before the device readiness deadline or the registration may be canceled.
Counselor tip: the “school-managed device” conversation
If a student plans to test on a school-managed Chromebook or laptop, encourage them to reach out early. ACT’s student page is explicit that school-managed devices often require school support for installation.
Recommended counselor script (copy/paste to students):
“If you’re testing BYOD on a school-managed device, contact our IT team right away so they have time to install ACT Gateway. After it’s installed, you’ll still need to log in and complete your device check before the deadline.”
Resource #2 (Schools/Test Centers): ACT Gateway – Test Center Resources
For the technical “how do we support this?” side—especially for students who request to test on a school-managed device—share this page with your IT team or test center staff:
This resource is useful even for schools that aren’t a test center, because it provides clear direction for preparing school-managed devices students may need help with (and it reinforces who does what in the readiness process).
Highlights include:
- A plain explanation that ACT Gateway is the secure testing browser used for the National online test.
- Clear installation pathways for school-managed devices (including Chromebook admin-console installation guidance and app store installation guidance for other supported platforms).
- A reminder that device readiness checks are required ahead of each administration, and that sites are responsible for readiness checks on devices they provide.
- A key BYOD support line schools will appreciate: test centers may get requests from students who need help installing ACT Gateway on school‑managed devices—and staff should be prepared to assist.
- An important distinction that reduces confusion: students are responsible for completing the final device check after installation, using their own credentials, by the deadline.
Counselor tip: define roles up front
In counselor outreach, the smoothest BYOD experiences happen when everyone knows the handoff:
- School/IT: helps with installation on school-managed devices (permissions, deployment).
- Student: completes the device check in ACT Gateway by the deadline using their MyACT login.
A quick “Device Readiness” checklist counselors can share
Share with students (BYOD):
- Confirm you’re using a supported computer (personal or school-managed).
- Install ACT Gateway (ask school IT for help if it’s school-managed).
- Log in with MyACT credentials and complete the device check before the deadline.
Share with school IT / test coordinators:
- Use the Test Center Resources page for installation and readiness guidance.
- Be prepared to assist students with school-managed device installs.
- Remind students they must complete the final device check using their own credentials.
