RAHS students, specifically Juniors, are preparing for the upcoming, annual ACT test on April 17th.
The ACTs have been implemented into many students’ minds from a young age, and with that, so has the test anxiety that involuntarily comes with it.
It is no secret that standardized tests, like the ACT, invoke stress for many students. In fact, not even just standardized tests, but also classroom tests can produce that same anxiety for lots of people.
So the real question is, how do standardized tests, like the ACT, affect those with test anxiety?
Many students have not let the ACT bother them too much. Josie Lutz (11) said, “I feel less nervous for the ACT than my normal class tests. I haven’t even studied yet, but I do plan to.”
Since Covid, many colleges have become test-optional, meaning incoming students may choose whether or not they want their ACT score submitted. This puts many students’ minds at ease, especially ones that are affected by test anxiety.
So, many students that struggle with exam stress have been relatively calm about the ACT. Marin Levin (11) said, “I don’t care too much about what I get. When I worry, my results tend to be worse.”
Despite the advantage of schools not requiring your scores, the ACT is beneficial for the chance of scholarships. Levin added, “I am definitely anxious, but overall I’m content with whatever I get on it. I do think it’s important though for potential scholarships.”
Many juniors are currently still under the weight of the upcoming test and concerningly predicting how it will affect them. However, most seniors have passed this stressful time.
Seniors are enjoying this standardized test-free year. Annika Wilkowske (12) shared, “It was overall pretty chill. I didn’t prepare that much but I am more of an English-person so I naturally did better at that.”
Regarding the worry of doing well for scholarship purposes, Wilkowske added, “I didn’t submit my score to any schools and it’s never negatively affected me. I found more productivity in studying for my AP tests instead.”
