ACT Review!!

Ruby Lemley, rl123@uakron.edu

With our juniors having taken the ACT almost three weeks ago, right before spring break, tension and stress have been consistently high during the time meant for our relaxation. However, scores were just recently released, leaving opinions and emotions split. Though not all colleges and universities require ACT scores in their applications, this exam remains a substantial part of our high school experience and an evaluation of overall academic knowledge that can greatly improve or reduce self-esteem and feelings of academic achievement. 

Immediately after taking the ACT, the spirits of many juniors were low. Though opinions were very mixed, students generally felt as if they did not perform well, and were dreading their results. A particular trend was that the math section felt exceptionally hard, requiring specific knowledge about ellipticals, matrices, and formulas, rather than elaborations on general topics such as algebra and geometry. Some students also struggled with time, feeling rushed during their tests and sometimes unable to finish a section. An additional complaint was that the highlighting function of the reading section would be deleted after moving to another passage and returning, though this could be from either mechanical or user error. Several students expressed difficulty finding online resources and believed this may have impacted their test scores, as many of our study resources were on paper, while our test was taken online. 

Scores for the ACT were released during spring break, and the sudden and unexpected news caused immediate outrage, with some teachers even getting in on the drama. Overall, scores were extremely varied, to the point where I cannot pinpoint an exact average. I would estimate it to be in the score range of 22-24, though I cannot be certain with my limited knowledge. Students generally performed slightly better on reading and English than on math and science. I believe that time constraints may be the main factor in this difference, as math and science usually have more difficult questions that require more time. Fortunately, the ACT has undergone recent changes that allow for more time for fewer questions, though this has mainly benefited the few students who had taken the ACT early and had practiced the former version.. With the post-test depression, the bar was low, leading to many scores being a pleasant surprise, and students’ scores sometimes even exceeded their expectations. Despite this, the average rating of the March 2026 ACT among this year’s juniors landed at a humble 3.5/5 stars. “Would not take again” - anonymous junior