ACT 101

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November 11, 2009  
Filed under Feature

What is the most important test you will probably take during your high school years? The ACT (or possibly the SAT).

But what exactly is this test? The ACT is a national college admissions test. However, this is not an IQ test. The test is based off the information students are taught during high school. This includes math, language arts, reading, and science, along with the optional writing portion.

The highest score a student can score is a 36. However, last year only one- tenth of one percent of all the students who took it got this score. The average score was a 21.1.

If you take it once and you are unhappy with your score, you can always take it again. You can take it up to 12 times. However, most people take it twice, once as a junior and once as a senior. Figure 1 shows how students did in comparison with their first score.

Each student has their own way of preparing for the major test, including software and study guides found off the Internet.

            One tool to prepare you for the ACT is taking the PSAT as a sophomore and/or junior. This test is very similar to the SAT and ACT. By taking it, you can gain experience in these standardized tests. You can learn what areas you are weak in and practice getting finished within the time limit. Most people think the PSAT is harder than the ACT. So if the PSAT only has a few sections you struggled with, then you can study those areas for sure success on the ACT.

            The amount of preparation varies among students. While some students study numerous hours, others simply show up the day of, ready to be tested.

 “I didn’t study simply because I didn’t have enough time,” Dylan Moore, senior, said. Those who did study used computer programs like Kaplan and study guides online to increase their knowledge, and learned strategies for the test.

            Because this is such an important test, some stress over it, while others do not see a reason to be nervous.

 “I was nervous because it helps decide on how many scholarships you get,” Felicia Froggate, senior, said.

 However, Moore does not have to same opinion as Froggate.

 “I wasn’t nervous because it is just another test. What is there to be afraid of?” he said.

ACT veterans agree that if you study hard, get a good nights sleep the night before and have a hearty breakfast, the ACT will not be quite as hard. Good Luck!

            Below are the dates you can sign up to take the ACT at OHS. It cost $32 to take the ACT without the writing portion, and $47 to take it with the writing portion.

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Chelsea Jamison

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