GHS offers students many ways to prepare for the ACT

The ACT is coming up at the end of the month, and there are various ways for students to prepare for the exam. There are classes at GHS during Resource and after school that students can take to help them get the best score possible.

One of the things students can do to prepare is take a class through the Park and Rec department. Classes started this past Monday and run through Monday February 26th, with no class on Monday, February 19th. Classes are on Mondays and Wednesdays after school from 3:15-4:15 in room 118.

English teach David Freitag teaches the English, Reading, and Writing sections, and science teacher Julie Hahm will be teaching the Math and Science sections.

Over the course of the class the students will complete a full ACT test.

“Every class session there is a focus on a different part of the test. After taking each section of the test, we take a look at the most challenging questions and deconstruct how to answer them correctly,” Freitag said. “In addition to taking a practice test throughout the course of the class, they will also learn strategies for completing each section (and the test as a whole) successfully, in addition to receiving lots of extra resources (handouts, presentations) to help them train up their skills and do well on the test.”

English teacher Kate Wagner teaches one of the classes held during resource.

“We go through English and Reading tests and present tips and tricks, plus talk through wrong answers. Learning more about the English section is the easiest way for students to increase their scores,” Wagner said. “The test covers some weird rules and sometimes has awkward phrasing, so after looking at sample tests, students usually perform better. It also alleviates anxiety with test taking because students feel more prepared.”

The class just started this past Tuesday and will last for two weeks.

“I took this class because it will help me to do well on the ACT,” junior Asalah Jamaleddin said.

Like Jamaleddin, junior Nicole Martin also took this class to get used to the format of the tests.

“I took the class to help me get more prepared and know what to expect on the ACT. I also feel like it will help me get more comfortable with the test format,” she said.

So far the students are enjoying the class and it’s going really well.

“The class is really good, we do practice problems and packets and it’s a good preparation for the ACT,” Jamaleddin said.

Freitag recommends students to take one of these classes.

“This class will help you improve your ACT score. If you have a good ACT score, you have a better chance of getting into the two or four-year colleges you want to attend. Additionally, getting a good ACT score can make you eligible for extra benefits like scholarships and honors degree programs,” he said.