Students’ anxiety skyrockets. The big test is here, causing nerves and doubts to rise. With a calculator, a photo identification and multiple number two pencils, students walk into the testing center for the ACT.

The first ACT test of the school year was held Saturday at 8 a.m. Both Hays High and Fort Hays State University served as testing centers for the local and nearby students.

A timed test, the ACT has four sections – English (75 questions), math (60 questions), reading (40 questions) and science (40 questions). Respectively, the times for each test section are 45 minutes, 60 minutes, 35 minutes and 35 minutes.

“The worst part is trying to answer everything on time,” senior Josh Adcock said. “It is pretty easy for me to pace my time. I try not to worry about the time and I never look at the clock.”

Senior Reagan Kaiser has taken the test three times.

“For me, the worst part is not knowing how you did, then having to wait weeks to find out,” Kaiser said. “The best part, I think, is getting the score back and being proud and knowing that your hard work will result in scholarships in your future.”

Test results take three to eight weeks to receive and a number of issues can delay the results.

There is also an additional writing portion available for students who wish to take it.

“In the writing portion, you are given one question over a simple but yet controversial issue, where they want you to choose a side and support your opinion,” Kaiser said.

To take the non-writing portion, the test costs $36.50 while the writing portion costs $52.50. Registration for testing is done online, as are payment procedures.

There are many tips as to how to go about taking the test. In addition, practice test books can be purchased which give you an example as to what the test will be like.

“Always narrow your choices down and cancel out the two least possible answers if you can,” Adcock said. “Read for detail, not speed, and make sure you understand what the question is asking. It is better to take an extra 10 seconds reading the problem than to spend an extra minute trying to solve it.”

14awalters@usd489.com