This past week the seniors in Knox County took the ACT, a test that will shape their futures. Like the final boss at the end of your favorite video game, seniors worry if they will score high enough on the ACT to get into their dream schools or the next level of the game.
The act is a standardized college admissions test consisting of four main sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science, with an optional Writing section, Designed to measure academic achievement in these subjects.
“The act makes me scared for my future because it will determine which college I get into, and what programs I take,” Natalie Wankerl said.
Natalie feels scared about her results on the ACT because her future in college and life depend on achieving good scores on the test. Natalie’s dream school is University of Tennessee Knoxville, which has a minimum score of 24 for guaranteed admission.
“Most colleges don’t focus on the ACT score when looking at college applications,” Lakia McMahon said.
While some students feel that the ACT defines their future, others students like Lakia feel that they can still do amazing things without worrying about testing.
“Because of the path I’m taking, I don’t need the ACT, but I feel like it is a very dumb test,” Zoie James said.
Zoie is enlisted in the Army and plans to achieve higher education after her time of service is up. She feels that the ACT just causes students unnecessary stress.
Seniors express their growing anxiety about the ACT, they feel that their college options become limited based on if they achieve specific scores. The pressure they feel shows how testing can impact students’ futures and opportunities.
