For many high school students, taking the ACT is one of the most stressful academic milestones they face. The test plays a major role in college admissions and can shape the path students take after graduation. For Brooke Bishop, completing the exam brought a mix of nerves, determination, and ultimately relief.

Like many students preparing for the ACT, Bishop spent weeks studying in order to feel as ready as possible for test day. She used a combination of study resources to strengthen her understanding of the material and to become more comfortable with the format of the exam.

“I studied for a few weeks before the test using practice books and online practice tests,” Bishop said. “I also reviewed my weaker subjects and tried to time myself so I could get used to the pacing.”

Preparing for the ACT is not only about knowing the material but also about learning how to manage time during the exam. With strict time limits on each section, students often feel pressure to move quickly while still answering questions carefully. 

Practicing under timed conditions helped Bishop feel more prepared when the actual test day arrived. Other students tended to agree with her. 

“Even just using the practice tests got me used to answering questions fast that way when I took the actual test, the timing wasn’t as much of a worry,” says junior Justin Taylor.

Despite the preparation, the night before the exam still brought some anxiety. Many students experience a mix of nervousness and anticipation leading up to an important test like the ACT, and Bishop was no exception.

“I was pretty nervous but also kind of excited to just get it over with,” Bishop said. “I tried to go to bed early, but it was hard to stop thinking about it.”

Once the test began, Bishop focused on staying calm and managing her time carefully. During the exam, she reminded herself to take things one question at a time rather than worrying too much about the overall test.

“During the test, I kept thinking about the time and whether I was going too slow,” Bishop explained. “I also reminded myself to stay calm and just focus on one question at a time.”

When it came to the individual sections of the test, Bishop felt that some areas played more to her strengths than others. She felt especially confident in the math section, which she says has always been one of her stronger subjects. 

The English section, however, proved to be more challenging because of the number of passages students must read and analyze in a limited amount of time.

Although the ACT measures academic skills like reading, math, and grammar, Bishop believes that standardized tests cannot fully capture every aspect of a student’s abilities.

“I think it reflects some of my strengths,” Bishop said. “But I don’t think it fully shows everything I can do, especially things like creativity or class participation.”

After hours of testing, the moment students finally walk out of the room can bring a huge sense of relief. For Bishop, finishing the exam felt like a major weight had been lifted.

“I felt relieved more than anything,” Bishop said. “I wasn’t sure how I did, but I was glad it was over.”

Now that the test is complete, Bishop is looking ahead to the next steps in her academic journey. Her ACT score will play a role in deciding where she applies to college, and depending on the results, she may consider expanding her list of potential schools.

In the meantime, Bishop plans to stay focused on her classes while beginning the college application process. She is also considering retaking the ACT if she feels it could help improve her score.

Looking ahead to senior year, Bishop hopes to balance hard work with enjoying the final year of high school. Staying organized and avoiding procrastination are key goals she has set for herself as she prepares for the transition to college.

For Bishop and many other students, the ACT represents more than just a test, it is a step toward the future and the opportunities that lie ahead.