New updates diminish the value of ACT
By Anna Kronthal, Opinions Editor
November 13, 2019
Every year, we seem to be catering to an increasingly apathetic student body. First was the elimination of high school exams. Then, a localized failed but notable attempt at a “no zero grading policy.” Now, an ACT that allows students to complete their test in multiple sittings-- because it is simply...
ACT’s new updates are beneficial students
By Emma Chen, Observations Editor
November 13, 2019
On any given Saturday from 8-12 AM, certain high schools are packed with students taking standardized tests. However, soon this entirely too long process can become a lot shorter for many students. The new change to the ACT, which will allow students to take sections of the test individually starting...
SAT/ACT pushes students past their limits
By Emily Zhang, News Editor
June 4, 2019
Attending countless tutoring sessions, spending a fortune on prep books, taking the SAT/ACT over and over again to get the best score possible—sound familiar? Students, especially at WCHS, put a lot of pressure on themselves to do well on standardized tests such as the SAT or ACT. However, tests s...
Standardized testing may not be the best way for colleges to see who you are
By Emily Zhang, News Editor
May 10, 2019
Attending countless tutoring sessions, spending a fortune on prep books, taking the SAT/ACT over and over again to get the best score possible—sound familiar? Students, especially at WCHS, put a lot of pressure on themselves to do well on standardized tests such as the SAT or ACT. However, tests s...
MCPS supplies free ACT, SAT vouchers to students
By Brandon Li, Online News Editor
February 8, 2018
MCPS is now offering a free SAT or ACT voucher for every junior. In order to receive the free voucher, students must apply through the Counseling Department or the College/Career Center. Students complete a form, including a photo, and return it to the College/Career Center. The voucher only ...
Test change will not live up to expectations
By Fiona Asbury, Opinions Editor
April 21, 2014
The HSA, the MSA, the SAT, the ACT and now the PARCC. The lives of students at CHS are cluttered with the acronyms of standardized testing. With the alphabet soup comes the inevitable doubt: How much is too much? Test after test, students’ patience is wearing thin. In a generation obsessed with gat...
ACT test to be offered online starting in 2015
By Dana Harris, Features Editor
February 27, 2014
Beginning in 2015, the ACT will be offered through a computer-based program in states that offer the ACT on a school day to fulfill the requirements of their district, state or school assessment programs. Students will be able to take the online version of the ACT on tablets, computers or laptops. ...
New SAT, ACT security oversteps boundaries
By Lara Fu, News Editor
May 2, 2012
For most students, standardized testing is not the ideal way to spend a weekend morning. Nearly anything is better than sitting in a small classroom taking a four-hour exam on reading, math and writing. However, no student can be exempt from standardized testing if he or she wishes to attend elite c...