One fateful morning each March, Lake juniors swarm the halls, all marching toward a single doom: the ACT. A comprehensive test that aims to measure college readiness in students, the ACT is a key step of one’s high school journey and is often used by colleges and universities as a way to assess applicants. It is often dreaded, whether for its length (3 hours) or its difficulty, leaving many students frustrated or anxious. However, by preparing properly for the ACT, students can confidently set themselves up for success. 

As March grows closer, district librarian Mrs. Peterson has been meeting with junior classes to introduce them to library resources. While ACT preparation resources are typically costly for students to purchase, LMHS provides many free ones for students, including one of the library databases. Labeled TERC on the For Researchers page of the school website, this database houses extensive preparation materials for numerous standardized tests, including the ACT. 

When asked about the database, Mrs. Peterson provided some key advice and information. Firstly, she recommended students use their personal emails to create an account, so their information will be saved for future reference. For those taking the ACT, she explained, the database provides pre-assessments in specific subjects for them to target problem areas, and lessons to help them patch any weak spots in their knowledge. Furthermore, there are three complete practice tests made available to users. Students can take them as timed tests in order to get a feel for the pacing of the exam, which is a common obstacle on test day. If that wasn’t enough, the site also includes an e-book which contains further information and written tests. Above all, Mrs. Peterson expressed the importance of reading about test-taking strategies and the specific exam format, as understanding the ACT will help students hoping to earn higher scores. With such a helpful site at their disposal, students can be confident in their ability to succeed on the ACT.

Many students may be reluctant to spend extra time preparing, but as a free exam administered by the school, and with the comprehensive resources made available to study, the junior year ACT is a valuable opportunity that students should take advantage of. If students put in the work to achieve their preferred score the first time, they will likely spare themselves having to retake it in the future, and at a much higher cost. “How important is it?” Mrs. Peterson pondered the value of preparing, “I guess, how important is it that you don’t want to take it again?”