Earlier this week, South High Juniors participated in the statewide American College Test (ACT) as well as the ACT WorkKeys test. While 9th, 10th, and 12th graders had a two day vacation, 11th graders were working hard in school answering questions on English, Math, Reading, Writing, and Science. Juniors spent several weeks preparing for the ACT using Method Test Prep provided on Career Cruising. Students had to take 4-5 tests each with 5-15 questions. Many Juniors had mixed emotions about this form of preparation. In a survey, 54% of Juniors believed that Method Test Prep benefitted their test scores. Junior Caitlyn Cobb believed that the Test Prep did help her. When asked what advice she had for underclassmen, she replied, “My advice would be to just take a small amount of time each day to do a couple of practice problems, because it really does help in the long run”. Although some students are content with how prepared they were, some, feel the opposite. “The questions are usually not what was close to what was on the test”. Senior Tatum Spevacek stated in regards to Method Test Prep. Students often find it challenging to prepare for the ACT because the test is unpredictable. There is no definite list of what is on the test and what is not. Students may feel overwhelmed which may affect their test scores. The ACT, this week, was many of the Junior’s first encounter with the test. In a survey, only about 12.5% of the Junior class has taken the ACT prior to the one administered at school. The ACT tests were paid for by the school district as opposed to students paying the regular price of $33-$42. After the test on Tuesday, 48% of the Junior Class plan on taking it again. In addition to the ACT, the Junior Class took part in the WorkKeys examination. A test in which students are tested on locating information and applying knowledge to a situation. WorkKeys is generally used by employers in regards to students wishing to join the workforce right after graduation. Many students that that the test was simple and straightforward. “It was relatively easy, and was a lot of information locating,” Junior Zachary Kaffine stated in regard to WorkKeys examining. In addition to employers seeking these test scores, colleges are starting to look at these scores due locating information and the ability WorkKeys measures that the ACT does not. Many underclassmen got to enjoy a two day vacation from school, but in two years it will be their turn to endure the Junior tasks. Many freshmen have started thinking of the ACT and already planning for what is to come. Freshmen Austin Yang, has already taken actions into planning his future, and looks to the upperclassmen for guidance. “I’m going to prepare for testing by asking upperclassmen how it was and then being mentally prepared”. With the testing in the past, Juniors can take a breath of relief and start planning college visits, or prepping for a job after graduation. The road to graduation is in sight for Juniors now, and there will be even more piled onto their plate for the months to come. Junior Kylie Mallmann, had a lot of advice to give to underclassmen when their time comes to test. “Don’t stress yourself out. You can always take it more than once, so just relax and you might actually do better than you think you will”.