Title: I Took the ACT, now what?

This past weekend marked the first of the ACT test dates of this academic year.  Now, thousands of students are in the 2 ½ week waiting stage to find out how they did.  Likely, many students are anxious about what the number they see on the screen will mean for them the rest of this academic year.  Here are some tips to keep in mind in this interim wait, and for after you receive your scores.

1.       Many, many students take the test more than one time.

If your score is less than you expected, consider this test your practice run in a real testing environment.  Remember that if you take the test more than once, you can determine the set of scores that you wish to forward on to your college of choice.  According to actstudent.org, the majority of students to retake their ACT raise their Composite Score—this gives you time and opportunity to analyze and reflect on the portions of the test that were more complicated and seek assistance in boosting those skills.  Keep in mind that there are ACT fee waivers if financial situations are making you concerned about the ability to retake your ACT.

2.       You don’t need to share your number with your friends.
It’s definitely tempting, as college is on the front and center to your conversations with your friends.  However, this may really place extra stress on you—each person is unique both in their skill sets of knowledge that they bring to the test and in personal ability to adjust to the testing environment and perform.  Many variables can impact this testing day—maybe you have a sporting event on your mind, maybe you had a disagreement with a family member….regardless, knowledge of yourself in how you did is your personal information.  You can always respond with a generic, “Well, I was not quite expecting the score I received, but now I know where to improve” or “I was overall pretty happy, so I’m going to wait it out and decide what to do from here…”  What ultimately matters is if the score you’ve received is adequate to get you to your goal—the university you wish to attend.  Which brings us to our next point….

3.       Your score is not who you are.
Preparing for college often causes a major focus on this score.  However, remember, your GPA and having taken Advanced Placement course will also weigh in as colleges are making cuts for next year’s freshman class.  Granted, the ACT is a standardized test that presents a more objective view than what a GPA may mean from high school to high school, but it is not the only factor.  Did you participate in multiple activities in your high school career?  Take part in community charitable events?  Don’t forget that these attributes matter, too.    Know yourself and know that you are not walking around with a “22” (or whatever number) emblazoned on your shirt for everyone to see—you have gifts to offer at whichever college you will be attending.

4.       Getting a better score takes time.
There are many crash-courses out there that will promise better results on the ACT.  At My Math Teacher, we know that true learning doesn’t happen that way.  Having a solid foundation in understanding of Science, Social Studies, English and, of course, Math, is the best preparation.  Early preparation and expert tutoring in specific strands where your skills may be weaker will influence your performance in the most positive way.  Just as important, approaching the test with confidence and reduced anxiety on those tough areas will help boost your score.

If you were one of the approximately 1.3 million students who will be taking the ACT over the course of this academic year, we hope your scores are what you hoped they would be.  If not, check out our website www.mymathteacher.net or give us a call to learn more about the supportive help we provide in ACT test preparation. 

--Mrs. B

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