Preparation for the American College Test (ACT ) is like having another class in their schedule, students say.
A survey by The Southfield Jay reveals that one-third of Southfield High School students do more than just eat a healthy breakfast and show up on time on test day.
One-third of SHS students who take the ACT rely on either ACT computer programs, flash cards, study guide books, preparation courses, practice tests and/or test retakes as resources for preparation.
The Jay survey of 192 seniors found that the most common form of preparation is an ACT prep course. “I took the ACT prep course and used a CD-Rom study program,” said senior Vonnita Jones, who will attend The University of Michigan in the fall. “It improved my score by three points the second time.”
A few students who responded to the survey said that they plan to use multiple stategies to prepare for the ACT. “I plan to go on the ACT website, buy an ACT prep book, and take the course,” said junior Dara Phillips. She also plans to retake the test to boost her score:
“I plan on taking the test three times before my junior year is over. My goal is at least a 30, but I’m going toward a 36,”said Phillips.
While one-third of SHS students prepare for the test in some way, nationally, the statistics are higher. More than half of those taking the ACT nationally prepare for the test in some way, according to a Chance Magazine article published in 2001.
Chance reported that preparing for the test does seem to improve student scores on the second attempt at taking the test. The Chance survey found that 8 percent of students enrolled in a preparation course, 40 percent studied with books, and 7 percent made use of a private tutor.
Preparation is the key to achieving the top score of 36 on the ACT, according to Ginny Borowski, Southfield High’s career development faciliator.
Borowski, who has held her position for seven years, said, “Any students who do prepare for the ACT raise their chances of get