The ACT/SAT is a standardized test that is used to assess your knowledge of math, English, reading, and science. Some colleges accept these scores and take them into consideration when deciding who will gain admittance into their university.
The ACT is a test that most high school students have to endure during their high school career. It can either set you up for college or be a burden on you during your college admissions process; luckily there is an option for test-optional schools. A benefit though that is seen by a lot of students that is worth the stress is the ability to earn scholarship money from it. “I took the ACT because you can get a lot of scholarship money,” Shiek said.
The majority of students who take the ACT or SAT take them during their junior year, but it can be taken sophomore year or senior year as well. You can take this test as many times as you would like to receive the score that you desire. Junior year is notoriously hard for high-school students: grades, extracurriculars, and college tours are a couple of the focuses during this difficult year. The ACT/SAT adds stress to this already stressful year. “I definitely think it did add stress to my year. I mean, the tutoring was extra classes to take on the weekends, plus the homework to be done over the week. And then, you know, studying for the exam itself, definitely added stress,” junior Camila Nava said.
I definitely think it did add stress to my year. I mean, the tutoring was extra classes to take on the weekends, plus the homework to be done over the week. And then, you know, studying for the exam itself, definitely added stress.”
— Camila Nava
Students strive to do their best and achieve a “good” score, so one way of increasing this chance is to get a tutor; these tutors are generally very expensive. Also, on top of school work, tutors can be overwhelming to have during the school year. During a busy year, if you have time, there are options for tutoring. “BSM provides free tutoring to every student through Naviance and I encourage every student to take advantage of it,” guidance and college counselor Amanda Anderson said.
High school students are encouraged to take this assessment because it gives colleges insight into how you are as a test taker. The downside is that your score might not match your academic achievements and GPA. This is also why some students may not take it and only apply to test-optional schools. “I like that [some colleges are] test-optional, because I feel like it’s not necessarily the most fair and best representation of everyone’s academic achievements,” senior Makayla Shiek said.