When I walk into my 5th-hour math class on a Friday afternoon, I am excited for the typically easy Friday routine of Delta Math or a short worksheet. However, when I am met with what seems like a 5,000-page ACT prep book, my math class is ruined. 

I have noticed more this year as a junior that ACT prep has become a much bigger part of my school days than it has been in years past, and quite frankly, I don’t understand why. According to The Hechinger Report, more than 80 % of U.S. colleges and universities do not require applicants to take standardized tests like the SAT or the ACT. 

Additionally, as a student with a 504 for dyslexia, the ACT prep I do in my class is simply unrealistic compared to what my ACT will actually look like. Along with me, 16% of Kansas public school students have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or receive other special education services, which can include students with 504 plans.

Even without a 504 or IEP, I feel like I constantly hear my peers saying, “I’m just not a good test taker” or “Tests just make me so nervous that I second-guess myself and put the wrong answer.” 

 Colleges have switched over the years to test-optional, including reducing inequity, providing flexibility for students and increasing a diverse applicant pool, especially for students from underrepresented backgrounds, and for those who suffer from test anxiety. 

For our school, which provides many resources for ACT preparation, there are still times I ask the question: why is this important?

For people who are focused on ACT and their score, there are classes that BVNW provides, like ACT prep, college-level courses and practice tests. Providing these opportunities for students is an amazing resource and has resulted in many perfect scores at our high school. However, when these classes are provided, the question still begs why I am practicing ACT in my on level math class. 

 Although some students may see this as helpful, I feel like the majority of my classmates see it as pointless and overstimulating. Taking a one-hour-long class to take a practice ACT, then after having to go to an AP, honors or college class, is such a draining experience. Not to mention, when taking these tests in class, not being allowed to ask questions or have help makes the test feel pointless. Instead of learning what we can apply to the ACT, we are taking it single-handedly with no help when help could be provided. 

And for what? High school should be the time when we can learn from our classmates and teachers and become well-versed in critical thinking, problem-solving skills and team management. Sometimes, that is not simply solving a math problem in under a minute. 

This is not to say that the ACT does not apply to all professions; however, the work you do over four years in your classes that contribute to your GPA should matter more than one test because the things you learn in those classes will contribute more to your future.