The ACT is one of the most commonly taken tests by high school juniors. In past years test scores have been highly important regarding college admissions, scholarships, and school report cards. Due to the many difficulties the pandemic has presented, many colleges have decided to make the submission of ACT scores voluntary. 

This decision has come as a relief to many students, but according to principal Bryant Bednarek, there are many reasons students should still take the test seriously.

“I come from the mindset that anything you put your name on and anything worth doing you might as well do it to the best of your ability,” Bednarek said, “Some students think they know what they are going to do after school, and maybe the ACT doesn’t impact those plans right now. However, if in 10 or 15 years that student is offered a promotion that requires further schooling or they want to go back and add a license from a tech school, having solid ACT scores can save you time and money by exempting you from basic courses.” 

Bednarek also hopes students understand the reflection that their ACT scores have on the school in both the present regarding funding, but also in the future for their own children. 

“I also hope students realize that these ACT scores are a reflection of our school, and many of our current students will have their own children in this school before long. It will be to their advantage to have a school with a good reputation that attracts families and is adequately funded based on their test scores,” Bednarek said.

According to senior Gretchen Petraszak she has not needed to submit her ACT score for any reason up until this point.

“I have not used my ACT score for anything yet, but I have no idea if I might need to in the future,” Petraszak said.

In contrast to Petraszak, senior Samantha Shumacher says that she has chosen to submit her score in a couple of instances.

“I have submitted my score to the colleges I have applied to and I have also used it on some scholarship applications. The colleges all seem to say it is optional this year so I wouldn’t have needed to submit it but I wanted to,” Schumacher said.

In order to prepare students for the ACT, the school has presented students with multiple ways to get ready.  

“We really are offering three things. One, any student can attend the On to College prep during CIA that Mr. Willett is leading. This program has several sessions and is our most intensive prep offering,” Bednarek said, “Second, all juniors will attend an ACT Bootcamp in early February. This half day camp will consist of five stations, representing each of the five subject areas of the test. This will be a quick overview of each test section and some tips on how to succeed. Again, all juniors will participate in this,” Bednarek said.

Bednarek added that the third option students will be offered will take place during CIAs following the bootcamp. Leaders from the stations will go in more detail on their topics and students will have the option of taking as many as they would like to.

Schumacher says taking advantage of the school provided resources will set students up for success.

“I took the ACT Prep classes that the school offered in the evenings. I also took Advanced Grammar class which really helped with the English section of the ACT. Taking the pre ACT was also helpful because it helped me to know what to expect,” Schumacher said.

After taking the test there are a few important tips that Petraszak took away. 

“Taking the ACT prep class really helped me. Also, just take your time but remember to manage it well. Try to focus on the test and not anything else,” Petraszak said.