Changing role of the ACT
Ashlyn Cowin-Young
Embedded Files
Photo Courtesy of Wikipedia
High School seniors have taken the ACT and SAT less over the past few years
Every fall, sophomores across the state of Utah, sit down to take the Pre-ACT. The practice exam is designed to prepare students for the ACT during their junior year. At Riverton High, the tradition is no different. While the standardized testing continues to change, such as the removal of the science section, many students and teachers are beginning to question whether these tests still matter as much as they used to.
The Pre-ACT is meant to offer students a low-pressure preview of the ACT. It mirrors the timing, question style, and structure of the real test, helping sophomores identify their strengths and weaknesses early. For many, it serves as a valuable confidence-builder. Students get familiar with pacing, learn which subjects they need to improve and gain a sense of what the real exam environment feels like, without the high stakes.
When students become juniors, the ACT becomes far more significant. Traditionally, ACT scores have played a major role in college admissions and scholarships. The test measures skills in English, reading, math, and science and is meant to show how prepared a student is for college-level work. Supporters of the ACT argue that it gives colleges a single, standardized way to compare students from different schools, curriculums, and backgrounds. In that sense, it can be an equalizer. But not everyone agrees. Brett Nelson, a Language Arts teacher, shared his perspective. “The ACT is a waste of time. It stresses students that one grade, and one score, determines all of their school years.” His opinion reflects a growing sentiment across the country. Many students feel that the ACT does not reflect their true abilities or potential. A single test taken on a single day, especially under pressure, may not capture creativity, work ethic, or long-term academic growth.
Colleges are beginning to agree.
Since 2020, a large number of colleges and universities have gone test-optional, meaning students can choose whether or not to submit ACT or SAT scores. Some institutions have even become test-free, refusing to consider test scores at all. These schools argue that grades, coursework difficulty, personal statements, and extracurricular involvement provide a more accurate picture of a student’s capability than standardized tests.
However, the ACT is not entirely irrelevant. Many colleges still accept and consider ACT scores, and some competitive programs or scholarships continue to require them. For students who test well, a strong ACT score can open doors to merit aid or admission advantages. Because of this, the test still carries weight, even if less than it once did. So where does that leave the Pre-ACT and ACT today?
For sophomores, the Pre-ACT remains a useful tool for preparation. The Pre-ACT day helps reduce anxiety by giving students a sense of familiarity before taking the real test. As the importance of the ACT shifts nationally, students may feel less pressure knowing that their futures are not defined by one score. The role of the ACT is evolving but, for now, it continues to exist, no longer the deciding factor it once was.
Page updated
Report abuse