The components of academic advising and the educational benefits to students are outlined and ways in which the American College Testing (ACT) Assessment Program can help are examined. The ACT Assessment Program is designed for use by students planning to enter postsecondary education and provides a base of information about freshman advisees. The ACT assessment Instrument consists of four academic tests written during a timed test session, and a Student Profile Section and interest inventory that students complete at the time they register for the assessment. The academic tests cover English, mathematics, social studies, and natural sciences, while the interest inventory is designed to measure six major interest dimensions and to relate an individual's interests to those of college seniors in a variety of educational majors. The Student Profile Section collects personal information; admissions/enrollment data; and information about extracurricular achievements and interests, high school course work, academic plans, and individual educational needs. Self-reported high school grades in four general areas are also collected as part of the registration procedure. ACT Assessment results are summarized on the Student Profile Report (SPR), which ACT sends to institutions designated by each student. A detailed explanation of the SPR is presented, using a sample form. Additionally, each of eight advising concerns is keyed to sections of the SPR. Information is presented on: how to use the Map of College Majors, the World-of-Work Map, and the Job Family List. The SPR presents a comprehensive picture of a student's needs, interests, background, and abilities and is available before the student's enrollment and advising conference. (SW)