As the school year progresses, students will find that the ACT looks quite different.
Significant changes to the ACT have gone into effect this fall, including shorter test times, optional science, simplified math, and other adjustments aimed at helping students achieve higher scores.
The ACT is a standardized college admissions test designed to measure high school students’ readiness in English, math, reading, and science. While the science section is now optional, the ACT still helps students and colleges assess academic placement and is a factor in scholarship consideration.
Changes to the ACT were first implemented in April of this year. At select locations, students were able to begin the enhanced test online, and in September, changes came to the paper test.
The core English, Math, and Reading sections are now shorter, resulting in an overall reduction in test time. Students will have more time to answer each question, and Math now offers four answer choices instead of the previous five. The science portion is now optional and does not contribute to a student’s composite score; however, students considering a STEM field are encouraged to take the science section.
The change comes after the ACT organization sought to reduce stress and give students a fair chance to show their skills.
Students and administrators from George County have now begun taking the enhanced version of the test, hoping to get a sense of what the new format will be like.
Senior Evan Solomon, had taken the ACT before the changes were made and took the new version this month.
“Felt different and wasn’t as stressful, just overall felt better,” Solomon said.
Solomon adds that the reason for his retake was to help him get his overall score. He feels that this new version of the test is easier to take for students.
“There were a few surprises, but it was like the not enhanced version of the ACT, all surprises were good surprises,” Solomon said.
Junior Ashlyn Schaefer has taken the ACT a total of three times. Her first time taking the exam was during the summer and again in September and her last time taking the exam was this month. Her goal was to improve her overall score.
“English was easier than the first two times I had taken it, but math was just worse. I feel like the reading didn’t really change,” Schaefer said.
Schaefer had a lot of help in school and out.
“ In one of my classes we did a lot of prep for it, and I did have more in school practice, but I also had a lot at home because I practiced on the books and on the ACT website.”
Schafer gives some advice to anyone taking the next ACT .
“ Practice your math test, don’t be scared to ask your teachers for help, there is a chance that it could be on the ACT so don’t be scared to ask.”
Valerie Pierce, also the school’s test administrator, has never taken the ACT. Before she had seen practice exams and even practice questions but had never seen the test. Pierce has only ever taken the SAT for college, so when she heard about the changes made to the test she decided to take a chance and take the computer test.
“ I think I did pretty well on the math portion, but if I’m honest about the reading and English I just don’t know, I mean I feel o.k. about it, Pierce said “I’ve always been pretty good about taking tests, but it’s been a long time since I’ve done anything like that.”
Peirce advises that students start studying as soon as they can.
“ Start studying, it is better to start setting a little time aside and do it everyday instead of trying to cram studying,” Pierce said.
This new ACT shows significant change with the exam being less time, fewer questions and having an optional science exam. For many students, this will mean less pressure, more focus and a more manageable testing experience.
