Taking the ACT [American College Testing]/SAT [Scholastic Assessment Test], played a big role in hurting my mental health. I wished that I could have chosen to take the test, instead of being told to. Although this test is considered an option, students still feel the pressure from teachers and peers to participate. 

A good solution for limiting the stress that the ACT/SAT can cause, is to put yourself first. As of right now, the test is considered an option and many colleges are going test free, however that wasn’t always the case, I feel the test should be considered completely optional in the future.  With the days leading up to taking the test, I found myself staying up all hours of the night cramming for a test that I already knew I wasn’t going to get a good score on. I’m the type of person who doesn’t take tests very well, no matter what the circumstances are. Stressing about it so much caused me to forget all the other assignments that I needed to get done, not only with school but with the basics as well, ultimately causing the deterioration of my mental health. 

Another reason why this test should be considered optional is because it’s expensive.  Registering for the SAT test  costs 52 dollars and 55 dollars for the ACT. I feel this is too much to ask for, I understand that the company who is distributing the test needs to make a profit, but it is putting students at a learning disadvantage. If your family doesn’t have the profitable funds to make up the money for a one-time test, that could lead to an unfair disadvantage to those who can take more than one test. However, if you are a part of the reduced/free lunch there is an opportunity for you to get a fee waiver.  

With having a big test like the ACT/SAT play a part in determining your future, it is easy to overstress the exam and your score.  It’s not difficult to forget that it’s just a test, and doesn’t reflect on who you are as a person. I personally get wrapped up in what other people think based on my score, so making this test optional or easier could help to eliminate the personal componed and battle within yourself. 

Tying into the personal component, it also has an outwardly damaging component as well. Having peers who are all at different learning levels taking the same test is just a recipe for disaster. Pitting yourself against your peers is a commonly known thing, especially when it is putting you at an unfair disadvantage. I found that I easily compare myself with friends’ scores, so I feel that making the test optional will limit the emotional damage that can arise. 

I believe the ACT/SAT should be optional because it will limit the stress and anxiety that comes with it, saves you money and  would limit the harmful comparison against yourself and your peers. Having a huge test like the ACT/SAT, which is only important for one to two months, shouldn’t have to be a burden.