The state recently made a switch to the ACT, causing some upsets within the LZHS student body. Many juniors have been doing practice problems for the SAT, whether in class or with practice tests, for a long while in preparation. Due to the recent switch, these students may not have as much time to prepare for the ACT as they would like. However, there is still time to prepare. Practice programs, both in and outside of school, are very useful to students, according to Larissa Salituro, junior.
“I would always love more practice [for standardized tests], because I think it helps me prepare for the actual test,” Salituro said. “Although I think it’s moderately disappointing that we’ve taken all this practice for SAT and now we’re switching.”
According to the official ACT website, practice is a large part of studying for college tests is practice, and part of it is getting an idea of what the test is. The College board states that the SAT is two hours while the traditional ACT is three hours. Along with that, the SAT does not have a science section while the SAT does, but the ACTs online science section is optional. Preparing for either test can differ greatly, and schools providing consistent practice tests can help students feel ready for the final test.
“I had taken a number of practice SAT tests through the school, and that made me feel prepared,” Salituro said. “I could see visual improvement of my scores. And as of now, I’ve only taken one PACT, and I won’t take as many PACTs as I will PSATs.”
Another option to consider for students is taking the SAT on their own time. Self-studying can help improve scores and, for juniors. As mentioned earlier, studying can help improve the score for either test or can be important according to Khan Academy, partner of College Board. if someone plans to take the SAT in their own time. In the end, each student’s personal choice of what to do or if to study.
“I plan on taking the SAT sometime this year on my own time,” Salituro said, “so I will have to study for that closer to the actual date, and I think for the PACT, since I’m not used to it, I will study for that throughout the year to better prepare myself.”
Switching to the ACT, as mentioned earlier, was not just at LZHS. This went into effect last school year during May but was not common knowledge until recently. According to Horizon Education, the SAT stopped being required on June 30, 2024. Many students did not pay much mind to this, however, as it was at the end of the school year and the beginning of summer when this happened. Rhyver Steeves, junior, comments on the statewide switch and its effects on Lake Zurich.
“I’m honestly more focused on what’s happening at our school,” Steeves said, “because for other schools, that’s their business, though, it is comforting to hear that it is a statewide thing.”
Another factor that’s taken into account is college applications. Some colleges are non-test optional, meaning it is mandatory to submit ACT/SAT test scores to apply. A switch to the ACT makes some juniors uncertain, as they have not had as much time to practice the ACT as the SAT.
“I don’t know what scores I should submit to colleges, because now I have so many test scores that I could possibly send,” Steeves said. “I’m applying to colleges that are test mandatory, so I’m worried that I’m not going to have good enough scores.”
Overall, Salituro and Steeves both agree that upperclassmen are more worried about their future with the tests being taken, and what they can do to get the best possible scores. Whether it is the SAT, ACT, or college applications, this statewide change will take time to adjust to. However, juniors are trying their best to plan ahead for their futures.
“I wouldn’t say [my plans have changed],” Steeves said. “I’m just more anxious about my future going into college.”
