Beginning in 2008, students must score at least 18 on the ACT and graduate with a 2.0 point average or higher to enter a West Virginia college.

Currently they have to score a 17 on the ACT or have a 2.0 average, not both.

West Virginia's acting higher education chancellor wants to design a way for students who don't meet the higher standards to enter colleges on a provisional basis.

Additionally, high school students will have to complete more foreign language, science and math courses before they can enter a four-year institution.

West Virginia University and Marshall University already require a score of 19 or higher on the ACT.