As the juniors are now finding out, ACT time is a very stressful period. It feels like so much of our college search depends on what we get on the ACT. Schools will definitely notice a higher or lower score on this test, which can be either good or bad, depending on your score. So yes, obviously it can be quite scary. However, while the ACT does deserve some time and thought, stressing over it will not help come test day.
The most important thing to do is to keep calm. If you are a good test taker, you should not have much to worry about. The ACT is geared towards people who have done well on tests like the MAP testing exams. If you have done well on previous exams, you can expect a similar result from the ACT as long as you keep up your average exam routine.
This also leaves the question of what to study. Honestly, it can be very hard to know what to study. The ACT focuses on topics that we have learned throughout middle and high school. For the extra-advanced people who are juniors and already in Calculus, you will not find derivatives, limits or integrals on the ACT. It is about assessing the knowledge of students up to the level that every student should be at as a Junior. So studying up on the advanced techniques of math, english, science and reading will not help out. That being said, do not expect the ACT to be easy. A perfect score comes from the mastery of subjects that you have learned throughout your high school career. Studying these is harder to do, seeing as how you apply these skills is just as important as knowing the skills themselves. Try taking a few of the ACT practice tests online if that is what you are worried about.
If you do not consider yourself a good test taker, do not worry. There are plenty of people who would agree with you and end up doing very well on the ACT. More than anything, remember that you can retake the ACT as many times as you need to. Just like the retake policy at Tosa East, it does not come down to a single opportunity to prove your learning. Try to keep that in mind and stay relaxed during the test. If you can keep yourself in a good mindset throughout the test, your full abilities will most likely be shown. A short time later, if you find that the score you got does not meet your standards, remember that this is not an ultimatum. There is plenty of time to change that score.
Another quick piece of advice that really helps is one that was given by Mr. White. In any situation where you have no clue what the answer is, or you are short on time and have to give a random guess, have a go-to answer. Studies have shown that the letters “B” and “C” have a slightly higher chance of being correct than “A” and “D” so consider making one of those two letters your go-to. Make sure to be consistent as well. Some people try scattering their answers, and choosing a different letter each time. Do not do that. It is much smarter statistically to go with one letter over and over again instead of trying to guess. We all know that feeling when we write the same letter four times in a row—that anxiety of thinking that they would not do one letter four times in a row. Do not worry about that. Go with your gut in those situations.
This should go without saying, but do not cheat or do anything stupid. This is a very orderly test, and they will not hesitate to nullify your score if you do something against protocol. Do not bring in cheat sheets—that is just a bad idea in general. Do not have someone take the ACT for you. Do not put memes on social media about the test—sure, they could be pretty funny, but I sincerely hope that one small joke is not worth getting your ACT score taken away.
Finally, put yourself in a good position when you are going to take the test. Eat healthy, get to bed early, be in a good state of mind. It is surprising how much a good breakfast or a good night of sleep can affect your test score. Sure, you should not be stressing yourself out over this test, but make sure to understand the significance of a good ACT score, too. I can tell you from personal experience that taking this test seriously pays off in the end.
And one last piece advice for afterwards: understand that this is one test, and nothing more. If you get a good score, good for you, but do not act like you are better than other people if you do. Same thing goes for if you do not do so well—the ACT might not be your strong suit, and nothing more. No matter what happens on the ACT, you will still go to college, get a job or whatever else you plan on doing. Life does not revolve around the ACT.