This past Tuesday, juniors spent the day taking the ACT, a standardized test that is a key component to college admissions.

For most juniors, this was their first time taking the test, and something completely different than any other standardized test they’ve taken before.

Junior Caroline Middendorf said, “My experience taking the ACT was one that I won't forget, it was probably the longest and most stressful test I have ever taken.”

Some juniors didn’t feel this way about the ACT they took on Tuesday. One of those juniors was Mark Holderbach.

He said, “I think the test wasn't as bad as I expected it to be.”

The sheer volume and length of the test is enough to wear students down.

Junior Chad Ruther said, “At the beginning I felt very strong and ready. But each test that went by I got weaker and my focus was decreasing.”

Much of the stress of this exam comes from the weeks of preparation spent for just a three hour test. Students spend this time in preparations in hopes that their practice will be reflected in their scores.

Middendorf said, “I prepared for the ACT through a Torch Prep course. During the span of four weeks, I was able to learn different test taking strategies as well as taking a practice test at the end of each week. The progress I have made to increase my score has boosted my confidence in my skills.”

Both Holderbach and Ruther said they prepared by taking practice ACTs and learning different test strategies.

One reason stress has been alleviated this year is that many schools have begun to adopt a test-optional policy. This gives applicants the choice to not submit their ACT/SAT scores to the schools in which they are applying to.

Ruther said, “Kids will realize that they don't necessarily get a 28 just to go to the college they want.”

However, depending on the program you are applying for, the test-optional policy might not be valid. That is the case with Caroline Middendorf.

She said, “[The test-optional policies] would mean more for me if I had a different major. For example, last year at Xavier, the university was test optional but the college of nursing at XU was not.”

Students will receive the results of their test in four to eight weeks.