The ACT is a common test taken by high schoolers in the central states either late junior year or early senior year. However, some juniors at Spring Hill High School have decided to get a jump on this high-stress test and take it this upcoming weekend. Sammie LeBlanc, 11, and Loren Reed, 11, will be participating in this fast-approaching test date.

“I’m pretty nervous because I’ve been told on multiple occasions that ACT scores are huge when it comes to getting scholarships for college,” said LeBlanc, “ I’ve been preparing by taking practice ACTs and a PSAT this year to give me an idea of what kinds of questions I will see and what areas I need to work on.”

The ACT can be extremely stressful, but some of our students are fully prepared for this challenge. “Honestly, I’m ready to take it. I took ACT prep through the school, have learned strategies and taken several retired tests. Better now than never,” said Reed.

First time test takers often use this first test as a baseline. “Since this is my first time taking the real ACT, I haven’t focused on studying as much as I probably should,” LeBlanc said. “I really just want to see what level I am at now so I know how much more work I need to do.”

This high-stakes test is very important for college-bound students. It provides a baseline for knowledge and understanding of basic high school curriculum. Taking it as a junior with almost a year and a half of curriculum to learn left is stressful, but doable. These select students at Spring Hill High School are taking steps now for their college career.