Many students at Skyline High School think that the ACT is a very important test, but studying for it can sometimes feel very stressful and overwhelming. The test covers many different subjects and requires good time management, which can make many Juniors feel nervous as test day gets closer. Even though teachers and study resources help students get prepared, many still aren’t 100% sure if they are ready enough and/or how much the test will really affect their future. For some students, the pressure comes from wanting to do well, for others it comes from not really knowing what colleges expect or how important the test really is. 

Adric Gordts, a Junior at Skyline, said he has been working hard to get ready for the exam. He said his primary study method was “Taking practice tests with realistic ACT problems to prepare myself.” Gordts says that he feels pretty good about the support he has gotten in class from teachers. “My teachers did a great job preparing me for this test,” he said. Even with preparation, he did say that some sections still make him nervous. “I am most nervous for the English section, because it is the one I struggle with the most in my practice tests,” he said.

Rye, another Junior preparing to take the ACT, touched on similar feelings about studying and stress for the test. She said that watching online resources has been helpful for her. “I personally go and watch the videos for it, and go to the ACT study classes that they offer,” she said. Rye also said that teachers have helped more than she thought they would. “Even though I don’t like to focus when they do, […] they do actually teach you,” she explained.

Both students said certain parts of the test make them especially nervous. Rye admitted that Math worries her the most and that she sometimes starts guessing when she’s not sure about an answer. “I think I’m going to do horrendous on math…I just want to have at least all of it filled out,” she said. Gordts also thought about how scores could affect college opportunities but said that many schools are becoming more flexible about test scores. “It won’t impact me that heavily, because a lot of colleges don’t look at your ACT score,” he said.

All in all, Juniors at Skyline are working hard to prepare, even though the test can feel stressful and confusing sometimes. Practice, teacher support, and confidence all play a big role in doing well in the test. As students continue studying, one statement by Gordts stands out: “Yes, my teachers did a great job preparing me for this test.”