Across the United States, thousands of students annually prepare to take the ACT – a test heavily influential in the college admission process. As each bubble is carefully colored in, most students are consciously aware of the large effect that these small led marks could play in their future. While each individual student is responsible for their own personal success, some school districts hold the administration responsible as well  – ensuring that students have been provided the skills and knowledge needing to succeed. Buffalo Island Central is one school that invests time into preparing for this college based test, and have obtained beneficial results.

“We feel it is a guide as to how prepared students are for college. Since we want our students to achieve at the highest level, we try to help them reach that goal,” said math teacher, Mrs. Ellen Cable.

Within surrounding areas, the school is considerably small in comparison. Even so, the average composite score of the required test taken by juniors in March of the previous school year ranked as the second highest. Directly beneath Valley View, a classified 5A district, the junior class of Buffalo Island Central averaged a composite score of 19.55 in the 2016 school year.

Prior to the test, Wednesdays afternoons were dedicated to preparing for its unique structure. After lunch, high school students would report to their weekly assigned subject and spend time learning the basic structure of the test, along with tips for each section.

A large majority of the students and faculty feel that this designated time played a vital role in an overall better composite score.

“It allows different learning styles to be approached. I feel that our scores show that even though we don’t have a large number of students, teachers, or money available, we still get the job done,” said counselor, Mrs. Mandy Mcfall.

Though this allotted time during the week contributed to success in the juniors’ scores, raw preparation initially takes place within the classroom on a daily basis.

“I think we have a good balance between direct ACT preparation and classroom instruction. Some schools only focus on one or the other, but both are important to succeeding on a test like that. You can take practice tests all long, but if you aren’t immersed in an engaged learning environment, it only goes so far,” said English teacher, Mrs. Molly Delp.

Avery Uthoff is among some of the students who experienced the ACT for the first time during the required test for juniors.

“I studied really hard and tried my best. It was a lot harder than I expected it to be. I think the preparation classes helped with making everyone familiar with the feel of the test. I feel really happy that we are one of the highest ranking schools in our area. It shows how dedicated we are as students and as a school,” said Uthoff.