Feb. 27 was the day all juniors were dreading.  Each year, all juniors are required to take the ACT, a standardized test used for college admissions.  Each student is tested on their knowledge in four different sections including; english, reading, mathematics and science.  

After these four different sections are completed, an essay prompt is given in which the students respond to test their writing skills.  The main question is, ‘Do we really need to prepare for it?’ The answer is no.

Why spend so much time worrying about a few math problems and a reading passage when no one knows what is on the test?  If you aren’t prepared to write an essay, answer some math problems or read a passage after almost twelve years of school, then there is a problem.  

In order to take an ACT prep class, students have to sign up due to the limited spaces that are offered.  Even if a student really desires to take the class and prepare for the test, they better be on top of their game because the spots will fill quickly.  

When taking the ACT, each student is only allowed a certain period of time to complete each section.  When preparing, students are given the luxury to take their time in asking teachers questions and working through the different math/reading problems.

Last time I checked, there was no teacher ready to explain the problems on the test and there certainly was not enough time to work through the lengthier questions.  Although the ACT/SAT courses do provide timed reading, it just is not necessary.

Although studying for any test seems quite logical, taking prep classes for the ACT is without a doubt, useless.  What happens to the kids that have afternoon sports, religious activities, family emergencies, and more? They are not given an equal opportunity to prepare like other students.  

Now there is nothing wrong with studying and preparing, but the main focus of the ACT prep sessions are on math and reading.  Where is the preparation for the science and writing portion. If there is going to be a session to prepare for this test, it should at least focus on all sections, not just two.

Another huge part in preparation is purchasing the ACT prep book that can be ridiculously expensive.  Parents are spending money on a book that their child is going to look at for 10 minutes the night before the test, then close up and never look at again.  Who in their right mind would waste money on something like that? Not me.

Also as an athlete who practices every day of the week for two and a half hours, I do not have time to sign up and take a course.  In the morning I also have Career Center which clearly means I cannot take the prep course before school starts. Therefore, my time is limited, preparation is not easily available and ACT prep is worthless.

After taking the ACT for myself and not prepping, other than taking common core classes for twelve years, I am very confident about my scores.  Of course I had to crunch and quickly read through questions due to limited time, but I was still able to finish each question from all four sections.

“Coming from someone who is not a great test taker, I feel good about my performance even without partaking in the ACT prep,” said junior Christin Slate.