Last April, all juniors were required to take a state-funded ACT test as a graduation requirement. In order to repurpose funds elsewhere, the legislature voted to drop the requirement, and instead fund the test only for schools that decide to offer it.

According to junior counselor Kelsey Milne, Park stands among the schools offering the standardized test to all juniors at no cost. The expectation remains that all juniors will take the test, though they have the ability to opt-out.

Research on 2014 graduates who took the test more than once, published on the ACT website, reveals 57 percent of students improved their composite score on their second test. For this reason, Park’s decision to provide a free test during a school day should receive support from students, parents, teachers and administrators alike.

By removing the barrier of cost, and the difficulty of driving to a testing center early on a Saturday morning, Park increases the chance of students taking the test a second time and very likely improving their score. With four testing dates taking place after the free March 15 test and the deadlines of the earliest college applications in October, the early exposure provides students plenty of time to improve and retest.

No number can represent a student as a dynamic human being, but reality dictates the standardized test holds significance for any student aspiring to go to college. By taking up the state’s offer of a free test, the school shows recognition of the importance that all students have an opportunity to reach their academic potential.

Although juniors have the option to opt-out of the test, which takes place, they should consider the incredible opportunity provided to them by the school and the state. With the test taking place at school, during a school day and at no cost to students, deciding not to take the test would make little sense.

The ACT is not everything, but as a result of Park’s decision to take up the Minnesota legislature’s offer, it is free and easily accessible for everyone.