April 8th, the day all Juniors have been preparing, for weeks, months and for some, even years. The Tuesday in the second week of April is the day all juniors around the state of Wyoming have to take the ACT. The ACT is arguably the most important test that high school students around the country ever have to take.

The rest of all of the grade levels at each high school have to either take the day off or be elsewhere for the day because of fear of interference with the test. With the test being as important as it is, the question has to be asked, what really is the ACT?

Often compared to the very similar test that most other high schools around the country take, the SAT, the ACT is slightly different. The SAT focuses more on critical thinking and problem solving while the ACT is more broad. The ACT also has a significant science section that the SAT does not. Other small things like being able to use a Desmos calculator, a shorter testing period, and a different scoring system are what also separate the two. 

While some kids are stressed and maybe unprepared for the big day, others who have spent countless hours studying are more than ready to take it and more importantly, to get a good score.

“I feel pretty nervous for the ACT but I have a feeling I will do well. I have done a good amount of studying over spring break and I think it has really helped. The only thing I am worried about is the time limit we get for each section,” said junior Micah Stoner.

Stoner has consistently taken honors and AP classes throughout his high school career. Being on the Honors track for math since his freshman year has been critical and will definitely help him in the math section of the test. 

For some students the ACT is a very big deal, and with a specific score in mind, they have done multiple practice tests to prepare themselves. Ryan Whitley has been studying all year for the test and is feeling confident about it.

“I am feeling pretty good going into the act tomorrow. I have studied a lot for it scoring pretty high on my practice tests, my highest being a 30. I think the act is very different from the sat because there is two more sections, reading and science. Compared to the SAT that just has reading and math. I think both tests are challenging but I think the ACT is a little harder.” The ACT is scored from 1-36, so a 30 on a pretest is pretty good.

Overall the ACT is very important and after lots of studying and preparation, along with planning from the district and school administration, students of Kelly Walsh are ready to bring the state, district and school averages up on Tuesday, April 8th.