CAMP POINT, Ill. (WGEM) – After nearly a decade of SAT testing, high school students in Illinois looking to go to college in the Prairie State are now preparing to take the ACT as its primary standardized test.
The SAT consisted of two parts; a combined reading and writing section as well as a math portion. The ACT splits reading and writing into two separate sections, and also includes math as well as a science section.
Students have less time to answer each question on the ACT. It consists of 215 questions over the span of 2 hours and 55 minutes. That means those taking the exam have just a shade over one minute to answer, requiring quick thinking skills.
Emily Obert is a science teacher at Central High School in Camp Point. She also helps students with ACT prep.
According to Obert, the questions on the ACT are considered more rigid and straightforward versus the SAT. That was more analysis-based.
She explained how the state’s switch from SAT to ACT testing upset students.
“For the past couple of years, we’ve been training for the SAT, starting freshman year and they take it as juniors. And then, all of a sudden, it’s the ACT. So, students feel like all the training they did freshman and sophomore year is kind of useless now. And so, kids are frustrated by it,” Obert said.
Obert noted another difficult aspect of the testing swap is analyzing the scoring system.
Since 2017; students, staff and parents were adjusting to the SAT’s 400-1600 point grading scale. The ACT is scored from 0-36. That could create headaches for those trying to gauge their scores compared to what they were previously practicing for.
Adding to students’ stress about a new standardized test is the mental health strain that comes with it.
While the ACT is new for students, there is one piece of advice from SAT testing that remains true and may help students feel ready to take the new exam.
“Get a good breakfast, good night’s sleep and really just try and prepare yourself well in advance for it,” said Central High School counselor Jan Mast.
Prepping for the ACT not only includes self-care, but getting ready for the quicker nature of the test.
“I would definitely suggest practicing. Definitely practicing, getting used to the types of questions, getting used to reading all the answer choices, taking timed tests, getting used to the pace it takes to get through it,” Obert said. “Students used to have a little bit more time to look at and mull over a question, it’s more rapid-paced now.”
High school students are set to take their ACT tests next month.
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