Free ACT prep offered
Classes aim for success
December 4, 2015
Career and college coordinator Kara Mueller’s community service assistant junior Sofia Jacobsson helps pass ACT information out to her peers. However, when it came time for her to start thinking about the test, she didn’t know where to start.
“I was worried about the ACT, so I told Ms. Mueller and she told me to come to the preparatory classes held at the high school,” Jacobsson said.
According to Jacobsson, the class is based on a program run by Minnesota Career Information Systems (MCIS), an interactive study guide, that can help students with their specific testing goals.
“The first session you have to take mini-quizzes to see what you need to improve,” Jacobsson said, “You take mini quizzes in math, writing, reading and science and you can see what you did good and bad on. Then, they set up a program for you focused on what you need to study.”
According to Mueller, the software does not deal only with the ACT.
“Not only does MCIS do ACT prep, they also do SAT prep, PSAT prep, and several other standardized tests,” Mueller said.
Mueller said she recommends the class for students because it keeps them focused and provides a simple way to study.
“What I tell my students is that it makes you coordinate your time and puts you in a mindset where you can tell yourself, ‘let’s just work on ACT prep one night a week,’ so you’re not cramming a week or month before,” Mueller said.
Senior Mario Colacci took the ACT last year and said he found it surprisingly easy, but still believes that practice is helpful.
“If someone thinks that they’re in trouble or unprepared, I think I would recommend taking the classes in order to prepare,” Colacci said.
Mueller said while standardized test results form only one part of the college admissions process, good scores help make college more affordable.
“The reality is, ACT scores are one of the criteria for admissions into college. If you do well it helps you with acceptance and financial aid,” Mueller said.
Jacobsson said she likes the class because it keeps her on track to improve.
“I want to study but it’s hard to get motivated unless I’m on a schedule, so this keeps me on track,” Jacobsson said.
According to Mueller, any junior or sophomore interested in the classes can attend one of the sessions held from 3:15-4:30 p.m. Tuesdays in B225.
