For many high school students the ACT is a source of stress, pressure, and rising fear for the future. The ACT can seem intimidating, but students have found ways to make it seem like an opportunity rather than a fear.
The American College Testing (ACT) isn’t just another standardized test, it plays a major role in college admissions, course placement, and scholarships. With so much riding on just one test, students may panic, not knowing how to go about the test. Knowing how to prepare and study can make all the difference.
The test covers a multitude of topics including, math, english, reading, science, and the optional essay portion. While many colleges no longer require the ACT scores for admission, they still take them in consideration for scholarships. Fair Grove High School Counselor, Tonya Peck explained, “…it is very important for students to be as prepared as possible to give them the best chance at receiving scholarships.”
Darci Friberg, the Fair Grove High School ACT Prep teacher, emphasized that preparation should be strategic rather than stressful. Instead of cramming the night before, Friberg recommends taking a full practice test ahead of time.
Friberg advised, “Determine weak areas and work on those over a span of several weeks or months.” This allows students to focus their energy where it matters most rather than studying everything at once.
Time management is another common obstacle. Peck explained that strict time limits can make students feel rushed, even if they understand the material.
Leila Huff (12) touched on this topic as well, mentioning slower test takers may struggle to answer all the questions in time. Taking timed practice tests before the real exam can help students become more comfortable with the pacing. Learning when to move on from a question instead of getting stuck is a very important skill as well.
Huff, who has taken the ACT three times, stated repetition helped her improve with each test, “Studying topics you haven’t gone over since freshman or sophomore year is really beneficial.” She added that different math formulas and grammar rules are especially important to review.
The ACT often causes stress in a student. Brenna Boatwright (12) shared, “Don’t stress about it. Make sure every answer is filled in, even if you run out of time.” She added that the end of the test is often the hardest due to exhaustion, highlighting the importance of building endurance through practice.
Beyond academics, physical preparation also matters. Huff recommended getting enough sleep and eating well before the test day. Being well rested can help students think more clearly and manage stress during the exam.
The ACT is a high pressure test, but with the right preparation and mindset, it doesn’t have to be so overwhelming for students.
