Benefits of taking Course Preparing for ACT
BY JUAN RODRIGUEZ
STAFF WRITER
As the semester comes to an end, students will have the choice to elect a class they would like to take as they register for classes. As a list of classes is usually provided by the counselors, students at West High will be able to make the choice to take the Course Preparing for ACT. Sophomores and juniors are highly encouraged to take this class. Getting into the college of one’s choice can be challenging, and even more if the ACT composite score is higher. Many students are just a point away or two from getting into the college of their dream, but sometimes the missing point or two is what exempts the student from being enrolled.
In the course of the class, the ACT test subjects are divided into two parts with Mr. King, math teacher at West High, and Mrs. Lane, English teacher at West High. Lane and King only have one semester to try and input strategies to students that will help them improve their ACT scores. Practice ACT sub parts are given to students to take each day, and most of these parts are timed to allow the student to get prepared prior to the actual ACT.
Lane said, “This class is especially helpful for juniors as they prepare to take the ACT and seniors as they prepare to retake the ACT and meet their goals.” Lane’s second block class is varied with sophomores, juniors, and seniors. King responded to what the main objective is for each one of his students by saying, “My theme with this class is one more. While I would like for each student to improve their ACT score by multiple points, I emphasize trying to get one more point.”
King also said, “Any student who is serious about raising their ACT score would be a welcome addition to the class. In particular, I would recommend it for any student trying to reach benchmark.” King teaches the Math and Science part of the ACT and gives helpful tactics to gain as many points in the ACT. King focuses on the Math part and spends time with his students on Pre-algebra, Algebra I, and Geometry topics. As a whole class they center their attention on a variety of math skills.
Gracie Smith, junior at West High, said, “I recommend this class to any student who is intensively focused to increase their score by a point or two. Take the class, and you will not regret it. You are not just taking the class to earn a credit, but to help gain beneficial techniques that could be life changing upon receiving your ACT score.”
Mackenzie Gibbs, junior at West High, also said,” This class has helped me so much. Each time we take a sub part of a test, I end up gaining a point or two, but sometimes I go down. I have managed to manage my time, and eliminate answer choices.” Julio Chavez, Senior at West High, has improved his score by six points! “Several students have thanked Mr. King and I for our work in this class, but it’s really about the hard work of the students,” said Lane.
“Each student has his or her unique goals. Meeting benchmarks, working towards a scholarship goal, achieving a perfect score, completing each section, or just getting a few more questions correct,” states Lane. Taking the class can help many students advance a point or two. Getting into the college of one’s dream can be challenging, but is not impossible. Do not overthink your decision, and take into consideration of taking this class.