The Importance of the ACT

There are few things that bring stress to a high school student more than taking the ACT. Getting that personal goal score is like finding the golden ticket in a Willie Wonka chocolate bar! Strong results on the ACT can be the key to getting an acceptance to the college of your choice, while also leading to financial scholarships. The worry and anxiety before achieving this can be a heavy weight to bear. It all begins with knowing what score will be needed when applying to the student’s choice of colleges.

Princeton Review compiles The Best Colleges book each year. I have found this to be very informative in comparing profiles of different colleges across the country. The data for each freshman class is given, including the ACT range of scores they accepted. For example, the ACT range acceptance scores of a few TN freshman classes for this fall are: University of Tennessee 25-31, Rhodes College 28-32, and Vanderbilt 34-35.

ACT scores are of course not the only factor in receiving an acceptance to a particular college, but not having the right score greatly lowers the possibilities of a positive outcome with any application. I always suggest applying to a variety of schools in three groups:

• Safe – Greater than 70% chance of college acceptance. Good School.
• Match – At least 40% chance of acceptance. Great Fit.
• Reach – Less than 15% chance of acceptance. Dream School.

Unless your student is applying for Early Decision to one institution, they should apply to 5-8 colleges on average. Learn the range of ACT scores each school is looking for and then set a plan for reaching your goal score.

The Bowie ACT personalized program centers around the combination of practice and support. Students take a practice test at home prior to each session. ACT tutors then assess the test to determine which strategies might best help each student. Often the tutor is helping with a plan to improve time managements skills and the process of elimination for multiple choice answers. Each missed question is broken down and discussed for understanding, to avoid future errors. Session after session we’re building confidence, strengthening academic skills, and moving the student closer to their target number!

What a joy to hear where our students will be going to college and knowing we played an important role in helping them get there!