This year at De Soto High School, freshman and sophomore students are required to take the Pre-ACT.

The new test was put in place to give underclassmen a chance to prepare and see what the ACT will look like.

“The pre ACT gives students the experience of the ACT test, like the format, time factor and filling in the bubbles because up to this point a lot of them have not done that,” English teacher Donna Rhodes said.

Many students who take the ACT go into the test with little knowledge of what to expect.

“The questions [on the pre-ACT] are formatted like the ACT so it gives them [the students] that exposure,” Rhodes said. “It helps their brain think in that fashion”

Upperclassmen who missed out on this opportunity have positive thoughts towards the switch.

“I think the Pre-ACT would have given me a good image of what the test layout would be,” senior Loren Hinkle said.

Agreeing to Hinkle’s comment, senior Kaitlyn Bell said “It would have helped me manage my time I spent on each question [when actually taking the ACT].”  

Although it was a long test, many students enjoyed this opportunity.

“I like how it’s one test overall, rather than taking multiple long test per subject,” sophomore Avery Karlin said.

The test includes complex questions that make students apply multiple skills within one subject. Karlin said she “likes that it doesn’t waste as much time” as the other required test like state assessments and MAP tests take multiple class periods.

With many in favor of taking the Pre-ACT, DHS hopes to continue to offer the test in order for future students to have experience.