Dozens of area students have ACT test answers 'lost in transit'

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) – Dozens of area high school students had their ACT test answers lost, according to ACT.

The testing agency said the answers of students who took the ACT test at Millikin University on Sept. 14 never made it to their intended destination. As a result, no scores will be possible.

In a letter from ACT to impacted students obtained by WAND News, ACT said of the lost answers, “Despite our best efforts to locate the contents, with help from the test coordinator, and our shipping provider, it has not been found and has been deemed missing.”

In the letter, ACT said it was sorry and called the situation “unfortunate and rare.” The company has not identified the carrier responsible for delivering the test answers.

In a statement to WAND News, ACT said 37 students had their answers lost.

“ACT and our partners have decades of experience securely administering and handling millions of student exam forms,” said ACT Spokeswoman Allie Ciaramella. “We understand the stress and imposition this loss puts on these students, and we will continue to examine our processes to consider how we can further minimize this unusual situation.”

Impacted students had their registration and other fees refunded. Students were also automatically enrolled in another testing opportunity on Oct. 26 at Millikin University. If students already enrolled in that test their fees would also be refunded. Students have the option of locating other testing dates without a fee.

ACT also provided a form letter students could send to colleges and universities detailing this mishap with the testing answers.

Millikin University said it only served as a host site for administration of the test.

"Millikin University served as a testing location for the administration of the ACT,” said university spokesman Matthew Flaten. “Millikin was unaware of the issue that some test takers have had with missing tests, and we recommend that those affected test takers and parents contact ACT for further information and next steps."

Some university and college admissions require ACT scores from prospective students.

ACT said if the test answers are found and there are no signs of tampering, they will be scored and results given to the students.