By Joseph McGregor ’25
It feels like it was just last year that I was in the juniors’ shoes, coming in to take the ACT when everyone else got to sleep in and do e-learning, probably because it was just last year.
On Tuesday, April 8, Brother Rice juniors took the ACT and had to be at school bright and early while everyone else had e-learning.
The ACT is the most dreaded test for high school students, or at least it was for me. Weeks of preparation all for one test that never leaves anybody satisfied, and I’m not the only one who thinks that way.
Junior Landon Gilbert said, “It’s so stressful. I’ve been studying for what feels like ages and still don’t know if I’m ready.”
The ACT truly can bring out the worst in people, whether it be the kids who try to cheat their way to a good score or those who try their hardest but fail to meet their own expectations. It brings on loads of stress.
Unless you’re anything like me, the first time I took the ACT, I completely forgot I had signed up for it. It wasn’t until two in the morning the night before that I realized I had to be up and taking a test at eight the next day.
That test was a disaster; I had eaten nothing, done no preparation, and didn’t even have my test ticket printed out. However, that did not stop me from putting up a valiant 23 while half asleep.
However, I’m not the only person to struggle staying awake during such a long test.
Senior Kyle Fehsel said, “I think I fell asleep for half of the reading section of the test. I ended up guessing like 20 of the questions.”
However, not everyone has the same experience with the ACT. There are many students who like taking the test and look forward to their preparation paying off.
Whether it be taking ACT prep classes throughout the school year to prepare or getting a tutor, students are constantly preparing to maximize their score on the ACT.
Senior Carlos Mendez said, “I enjoyed taking the ACT. I spent about two months preparing for it, so I knew I was ready and confident.¨
The ACT can be hated by many but cherished by some. Whether it be falling asleep during the test or finishing a section with 10 minutes to spare, almost everyone can agree that they would rather be in their bed sleeping instead.
