Class of 2023 preparing for the ACT 

By Delayah Arreola          Published on February 9th, 2022

Each year juniors have to take the ACT,  which is taking place on Mar.01, a test they started preparing for at the beginning of the year with the help of their teachers. Three juniors Jaqueline Roa, Jenice Perusquia, Yaretzi Olivares, and Mrs.Kean-Walsh shared what they are doing in preparation for the ACT. Also, the scores they want and how they feel about the test. 

      “I am doing warm-up activities centered around the English portion and reading portion of the test. Students are currently working on English grammar boot camps related to the tests,” answered Mrs.Kean-Walsh on preparing her students.  Roa, who has Mrs. Kean-Walsh, said she also gives them quizzes. Perusquia stated that her teachers only made her do the Cert test for practice. Olivarez says her teachers are helpful.

    “Mrs.Kennard has done a great job preparing my class for the ACT by going over key concepts and doing reflections in class. Mrs.Rango is also very helpful; we do practice quizzes,” shared Olivares. The juniors also explained what they are doing to prepare. Two of them said they would study the material while Olivares explained multiple things she plans to do. 

     “I’ve been watching helpful videos online, created mind maps and planning to make a Quizlet for the English section of the ACT,” she explained.  Furthermore, there is an ACT Bootcamp provided at school that Mrs.Kean-Walsh would recommend since they provide practice tests, ways to deal with test anxiety etc.

    “You can ask direct questions on materials or question stems you may not understand.” The juniors shared their feelings about the ACT coming up. They’re scared, feel stressed and worried since it's important for college.

      Perusquia stated, “I’m feeling anxious and scared about the act. I feel like I won’t do well.” Moreover, Mrs.Kean-Walsh believes students would want to score between 24-30 depending on the colleges they wish to attend. Also, Olivarez is aiming for a composite score of 30. Perusquia is aiming for 18. 

     “To get into college, the required ACT score is 20 or higher and also depending on the college too,” Perusquia explained.  The week before the ACT, Perusquia plans to gather the materials required, plus bring a calculator the day of the test. Roa gave a shortlist on what she plans to do.  

      Roa listed, “Relax, get more rest, and think more positively.” 

     Lastly, Mrs.Kean-Walsh shared advice she gives to her students. The suggestion was to look over things they have done and relax. “Take a deep breath, take a walk, and enjoy life....on a serious note, I just tell my students to look at some of the materials, boot camps, and practice tests that are in their notebooks.”