The Bluffer - Red Bluff, CA
Issue link: http://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/797667
Testing Information Excessive Testing Invokes Stress in Students • SAT: $45 - $57, unless qualified for fee waivers. Can register online (collegeboard.org) or by mail. Test days for 2017 are March 11, May 6, June 3, and Au- gust 26. • ACT: $42.50 - $58.50, unless qualified for fee waiv- ers. Can register online (act.org). Test dates for 2017 are April 8 and June 10. • AP Tests: $93, unless qualified for fee waivers. Can get registration forms in the Student Store. Tests dates vary for each subject. No 31% Yes 69% Freshmen and Sophomores stressed from having to take tests: *Taken from Ms. Wagner and Ms. Kerr's 3rd period clases. No 33% Yes 67% Juniors and Seniors stressed from having to take tests: *Taken from Mr. Dais's 4th period and Mr. Ackley's 3rd period clases. Cartoon by Amanda Waugh A s all high school students are aware, tests are apart of the high school life. Standardized tests, class tests, finals, even vocabulary tests can bring up major stress in a student's life. These are definitely prevalent for the upperclassmen. Dax Wagner and Nichole Valdez are both juniors that are preparing to take major tests, and have already taken some. "I'm not very stressed," said Wagner, referring to taking tests like the ACT. "I probably feel stressed only a half hour before the test, but I feel fine." Valdez also expressed her stress levels about tests. "I'm not really stressed out because I'm going to get what I'm going to get, if I know the material or not," she said. Gabe Fregoso and Kenzie Colgate are both seniors who have taken a majority of their high school tests, and they felt differently about their testing experiences. "Yes, I feel stressed about testing because it's too long of a time to stay focused," said Fregoso. Colgate felt similar. "The pressure of just taking a test is just too much," she expressed. All four students had helpful advice as well. Wagner said, "When taking a test, don't be afraid going back to question because you don't want to spend all your time on one question. Also, don't panic and try not to get too stressed." Valdez said that practice tests are a great way to feel more comfortable for the real test. "Definitely take the ACT Aspire and the PSAT so you have an idea of the test. It's good to have that experience," she said. Both seniors expressed the importance of customizing their study habits. Fregoso said to figure out what works for you. "Learn how to study and know what's best for you," Colgate said. Major stress-inducing tests are a part of high school, but there are ways to be prepared, and help minimize the amount of stress.