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The ACT is a No Brainer

The ACT is a No Brainer

Every year, millions of high school students participate in the standardized testing process. The question is, which test should you take? Let me tell you, if you aren’t taking the ACT, you’re wasting your time.

Josh Moskovitz ’15 says,  “I think that [the ACT] better suits people who can work fast and are more math and science oriented.”

Last year, the ACT overtook the SAT as the most popular standardized test according to ACT Inc. That shouldn’t come as much of a surprise if you take a close look.

The ACT is known more as an achievement test than an aptitude test. In other words, the ACT will test you on what you have learned in school. The SAT is going to ask more questions that force the student to problem-solve and use general reasoning. I for one think that the best barometer of a student’s intelligence is their ability to display skills learned in school.

Another main difference between the two tests is the strategy for guessing. On the ACT, students without a even a clue in the world may bubble in any answer without fear of retribution. On the other hand, students taking the SAT face a ¼ point penalty for wrong answers, so guessing is discouraged. In no circumstance should students be afraid to answer a question, and the SAT is doing just that. The ACT provides students the opportunity to narrow down their choices and make an educated guess.

Look, I know standardized testing sucks across the board, but if it means anything at all, the ACT is a much more enjoyable test (if that’s even possible). The ACT (without the optional essay) is only two hours and 55 minutes long, while the SAT clocks in at a whopping three hours and 45 minutes. Think about it! That’s an extra 50 minutes you could use to sleep, watch some television, or take another practice ACT!

I realize that the SAT is “the original standardized test,” but today, the ACT is a very viable option. Next time you are sitting in a classroom on a Saturday morning scribbling away on your latest SAT essay, remember my advice. It’s ACT or bust kiddo.

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Adam Kaufman, Web Multimedia Editor
Adam Kaufman is a very kind and outgoing person who often puts others before himself. Adam was born in Dallas, Texas where he spent the first two years of his life. He then moved to Stamford, Connecticut and later to Westport when he was five. Adam attended Greens Farms Academy and transferred into Staples High School as a freshman. He is currently a senior and is a precedent to younger students. Since he transferred, Adam has been very active throughout the school and is involved in numerous clubs and organizations. He is on the executive board for both the Service League of Boys and Safe Rides where he dedicates his time to helping others. Last year, his determination and outgoing personality allowed him to excel at journalism and earn a key position within Inklings. Adam is the Web Multimedia Editor, where he creates animated GIFs for the bar at the top of the website for Inklings. He is a leader within the journalistic community at Staples, and often encourages younger students to be active for Inklings. He said, “Be as active and outgoing as possible in order to get the stories you want. It will make the writing more enjoyable and will improve your writing skills as a journalist.” Adam enjoys writing sports articles for the web because the articles are, “quick short deadlines and is often up to date. The revision process isn’t as long for the web as it is detailed and concise.” Adam played baseball for Varsity last year, but has decided to take the year off to focus on senior year and dedicate more time to the college process. Although Adam enjoys journalism as a passion, he views it more as a hobby rather than a career he would want to pursue as a profession.  

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