<p>I really want to take the ACT test in september for various reasons. However, as many of you know, it will not be given in NY and some other states, so I am planning on taking the Amtrak train from NY to Philadelphia so that I can take the test ASAP. Driving is not an option because I don't have a car and couldn't find anyone to take me there. After I arrive at the 30th street station in philly, I have to find a way to get to temple university( the test center). Does anyone here know the best way to get there--is there any bus or train going in that direction? And is there a nearer test center to the 30th street location? I did not want to take a taxi to temple university since the cost of the trip would be too high(about $120 plus the act fee). But I can do that if it is my only resort. </p>
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<li>ALso, what is the best time to arrive in order to take the test? Does the act start at 8:00 like the sat?</li>
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<li><p>You can take a SEPTA train from 30th St. to Temple (3 stops). It is about a 10 minute trip, and there should be a train at least every 15-20 minutes on Saturday mornings (usually it's under 5 minutes). Five or six lines will take you directly; you should go to the SEPTA ticket window at 30th St. Station and ask them which train to get where. It will cost about $3. There will be several blocks' walk from the Temple SEPTA station to wherever you are going, though; the station is a long block from the side of the campus where nothing is.</p></li>
<li><p>You can walk across the street from 30th St. Station and get on the Market-Frankford El (Blue Line) going towards Frankford, then transfer (at the next stop, 15th St.) to the Broad Street Subway (Orange Line) going north. This will take you right to the main area of Temple within a block or two from wherever you are going (which will probably be on Broad St. or close to it). It will cost $2.25. It shouldn't take you more than 30-40 minutes (and probably a lot less).</p></li>
<li><p>Instead of taking Amtrak, you can take NJ Transit to Trenton and switch to a SEPTA train there (same track, co-ordinated schedules). Total cost is about $38 round trip (i.e., less than half of Amtrak). You can get off the SEPTA train at Temple and walk the several blocks from there. The first train would get you there by 8 (leaving Penn Station about 5:00). </p></li>
<li><p>You can take the illegal Chinatown bus for $10 one-way Chinatown-Chinatown, then walk two blocks to Broad Street and take the Orange Line north. I don't know how long this takes -- probably similar to the NJT/SEPTA train -- or what the schedules are like.</p></li>
<li><p>A cab from 30th St. to Temple shouldn't cost you more than $15 bucks with tip, and 15 minutes max. If you're at all nervous, you could do that one way, and take the subways back to save money.</p></li>
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<p>Thank you JHS, have you taken the act or are you going to take it by any chance? </p>
<p>these are wonderful directions, all that are needed. I am thinking about taking the amtrak for its the convinience and I will probably take a cab to get to the university because I have to take a subway to arrive at penn station in NYC anyways and I don't want to overwhelm myself with worries before the exam. then I will take the bus back to 30th.</p>
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<li>Does anyone know what time the act starts? If everything works well, I should arrive at philadelphia at about 6-7 am after leaving at about 4 am. Then the train back leaves at 5pm, so I have to find something to do in the meantime.</li>
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<p>Oh, can anyone tell me If a school ID should suffice to be able to administer the exam? My passport is with my mother in another state.</p>
<p>Sure it is a lot of stress for an exam, but the deadline for the school i am applying is oct 1, and I really need to make up for my average~low sat score.</p>
<p>I'd suggest you not take any chances and look on act.org for info about ID and times. Given the stress of the day and that public transportation can get confusing you may just want to go for a taxi.</p>
<p>regarding the ACT -- make sure you are there early, bring any ID you have and the name and contact information of the person at ACT that told you that it would be enough (sometimes one person says one thing -- and the test administrators have another idea).</p>
<p>for transportation -- whatever you plan, also know an alternate route to get there. If you will be taking a cab, also know the subway or bus line. Know the alternate for the Amtrak train.</p>
<p>Have everything written out neatly with contact phone numbers, address, etc. on it. This is ease your stress no matter what happens. you need to be calm, cool and collected to do well on the ACT.</p>
<p>Study well and get plenty of sleep and eat well the days before the test -- good luck!</p>