For the third year in a row an exciting opportunity has presented itself for De Soto juniors in the spring. Come March, juniors will once again be given the opportunity to take the ACT for free at De Soto High School. 

Normally, students interested in taking the test had to enroll for the test themselves and scope out a testing site as well as paying a $68 fee. Now, the process has been simplified. All current juniors have been enrolled in the college entrance exam that will take place on March 2 and 3. 

Students with last names ending in A-K will take the exam on the March 2 while L-Z will take it on March 3. ACT prep teacher Philip Kaul is excited that students are being given this opportunity. 

“I think it is great that DHS is offering students a free opportunity to take the ACT,” Kaul said. “It is convenient for students because they are automatically signed up and can take the test on a day they will already be at school, rather than having to find a weekend and go through the work of scheduling on their own.” 

Students feel similarly to Kaul.

“I think it’s a good opportunity for people who maybe wouldn’t be able to afford it to take it,” junior Lily Werner said. 

The ACT was able to be offered at no cost due to the fact that it is being funded by the state of Kansas. 

“It’s also convenient and students won’t have to worry about not fitting into their schedule,” Werner added.  

Although if students wish to remove themselves from this opportunity, they may contact Associate Principal LeahVomhof to do so. As for students who may be quarantined or ill during their test date, they will be able to make up the ACT in April

Preparing for the test can be a difficult test but Kaul recommends students, 

“Take a practice test beforehand, preferably at least a couple weeks out (more if there is time). You can find several on the ACT website. When you take the practice test, try to replicate the testing conditions as much as possible (timing, quiet atmosphere, etc.) so you know what to expect on the day of,” Kaul said. 

Present seniors who were given this opportunity as juniors are also appreciative of it. 

“I recommend that all juniors take advantage of the opportunity because you can take the ACT multiple times so if you utilize the free one, then it can save you money in the long run,” senior Riley Chambers said. 

Even if a student plans on attending a university that does not require an ACT score, it can still come in handy when applying for scholarships and there is no harm in taking the exam.