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Some students choose to take the ACT on top of the required SAT, as it is a differently structured test and can play to certain strengths the SAT does not.

Standardized testing culture jumpstarts an early start in preparations

Mia Kirkorsky ’24, Business Manager March 20, 2023

It is not uncommon at Staples to see students as young as sophomores getting tutoring for standardized testing. Test culture has changed significantly in the past 20 years. Particularly after the passing...

Staples High School has significantly higher standardized test scores compared to the rest of the country. Because of these high test scores, Staples High School is very competitive and high-achieving in academics.

Standardized testing competition must be eliminated

Audrey Kercher ’23, Breaking News Manager November 24, 2021

It’s just a normal day at school when I hear my phone start to buzz, alerting me of an email. I open it and my heart stops beating for a second.The ACT scores are out.  My phone floods with text...

Enzo Valadares ’21 is one of the many students at staples highschool who struggles with focusing while wearing a mask. Not only was the ACT challenging, but he finds school to be more difficult. Sitting through four 80-minute classes a day with few to no mask breaks is tough for him.

Standardized testing in masks places students at disadvantage

Charlotte smith ’21, Staff Writer October 26, 2020

Prior to COVID-19, taking standardized tests were every junior and senior’s worst nightmare. Whether taking the SAT or the ACT, each test is loaded with challenging content that is designed to evaluate...

Many universities have adopted new test optional policies, no longer requiring students to submit their ACT, SAT and subject test scores.

Colleges’ test-optional policies lack benefits to applicants

May 3, 2020

As News broke that many colleges are becoming test optional. While many students are celebrating the change, arguing that it will relieve pressure and increase their chances of getting into their dream...

Although standardized testing has been postponed due to these unprecedented circumstances, students still feel the impending stress of working to achieve a higher score. Students utilize textbooks to practice their skills.

Colleges become test-optional, relieving students of excess stress

Rebecca Kanfer '21, Paper Sports Editor April 20, 2020

As the 2020 college admissions year comes to a close, aspiring juniors look onward to their upcoming year of the Common Application and the College Board with one noticeable change. Standardized test scores...

An American College Testing (ACT) test preparation book. Starting in 2020, students will have the ability to retake any of the four individual sections.

ACT individual section retakes allow students to improve test scores

Tierney Kugel '22, Paper Arts Editor October 23, 2019

Many high schoolers know the feeling of suffering through a long ACT test session, only to find out weeks later that they scored lower than expected. American College Testing, or the “ACT” is a three...

ACT changed their testing policy so that students can retake individual sections of the standardized exam beginning in 2020.

ACT test change allows students to retake individual exam sections

Emily Stone '20, Business Director October 12, 2019

The ACT announced Tuesday that students will be allowed to retake individual sections of the exam starting Sept. 2020. According to USA Today News, for a fee, students will be able to retake specific...

Dozens of people arrested in alleged college admissions scam

Dozens of people arrested in alleged college admissions scam

March 13, 2019

Emily Stone '20 Over four dozen people, including actresses Lori Loughlin and Felicity Huffman, have been charged in a nationwide college admission cheating scandal based off of evidence released by...

Test scores should not define future

Test scores should not define future

Mia Daignault '20, Staff Writer November 27, 2018

2020 is the year I graduate, the year I pack up all my bags, and the year I begin my journey elsewhere. But 2018 is the year I prepare myself to choose where I want to begin that journey. This is the...

Stop shoving tests down our throats

Stop shoving tests down our throats

September 18, 2018

By Maya Brodows ’20   It’s early Saturday morning. Many people of the town remain blissfully asleep, whilst others enjoy the start to a great weekend. Some are playing with their young...

[Oct. 2016 Arts] Staples Players presents “The Music Man” for fall production

November 22, 2016

By Shaina Selvaraju ’17   This fall, Staples Players will perform the Tony Award winning musical, “The Music Man.” The musical centers on a con man named Harold Hill, played by Jacob...

Juniors left clueless about standardized testing

Juniors left clueless about standardized testing

November 11, 2016

Junior year equals the year of standardized testing and preparing for college. Basically, it equals a year of stress on top of stress on top of stress. And unless you have older siblings or particularly...

Preconceived notions manifest a stigma against junior year

Preconceived notions manifest a stigma against junior year

Emma Greenberg, Opinions editor June 10, 2016

Though junior year seems fun considering the dances, driver's licenses, class options and freedoms. I’ve heard many things contradicting the “perks” that are to come as a sophomore about to enter...

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