Local Students Take On The ACT

Spring is the time of year when local high school students take the ACT, a college entrance exam essential to being admitted to colleges across the country. The ACT is a big deal for high school juniors and many of them took the test on Saturday, April 13, at schools around the area.

It’s widely regarded as a difficult test. Students often struggle on the math and science portions.

“I think that I should be worried, but I’m really not. I don’t really stress about things like this,” junior Kylie Just said.

The test consists of four subjects – math, science, reading and English – and there is an optional writing portion. The highest score one can receive is a 36.

“I would like to get around a 26 or higher so I can get into good colleges,” commented junior Shelby Schold. “I took a prep course and I feel a little more prepared for it.”

Prep courses are a popular way to get ready for the ACT. They teach valuable test-taking skills that can help students focus and perform better on the test – something they might not achieve if they take the ACT without the prior guidance of a prep course.

Many juniors find themselves intimidated by the ACT. They stress over what score they might get and for some, it’s a scary experience. Seniors that have taken the test often offer advice to juniors who might be nervous about the test.

“The science section is all about graph reading, so make sure to really focus during the science part of the test,” senior Joanna Mohr said. “You just have to focus.”

Scores take about a month to be processed and sent to students. Best of luck to all juniors who took or are taking the ACT in the near future!