THE cingACT

Before high school graduation, if a student wishes to further their education, they must take a college testing exam. The American College Testing (“ACT”) is a standardized test used for undergraduate admissions for American colleges and universities. The ACT is broken up into five sections with their own score: math, science, English, reading, and writing. Those scores are then run through an algorithm to reach a composite score. The composite score ranges from 1–36. ACT scores reflect what students have learned throughout high school and furnish colleges and universities with excellent information for recruiting, advising, placement, and retention.

By Seva May

Being prepared for the ACT should be a priority of Often, students who are not planning to go to college change their minds when they see their ACT test results. There is also a career exploration component to help students identify career options.

According to act.org this is how it works:

The ACT consists of 215 questions across four sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science. There is also an optional writing section. You have two hours and 55 minutes to complete the test. Each section is given a raw score, which then is converted into a scaled score of 1-36. Finally, the four scaled scores are averaged together to create the ACT composite score. A perfect ACT score doesn’t equate to a perfect test. A student can likely miss a couple of questions and still get a perfect 36. The exact conversion between raw and scaled score will depend on the test date and the other students who took it on that date- so the exact number of questions you can miss will vary.

The national average score on the ACT is 22. In Louisiana, the average score in 2023 (so far) is 18.1. We’re lagging the national score by 3.9 points. Not so in Shreveport. At least not at one school. You could make the case that Caddo Magnet High School is way ahead on that score. With a total of 387 students scoring 25 and above out of 1,066 students (give or take a few), that’s over 36% scoring 3 points above the national average. Fifteen of those students scored a perfect 36. FIFTEEN. According to US News and World Report, (CMHS ranks #1 in the Shreveport Metro Area High Schools, #7 out of 1237 Louisiana schools putting them in the top 1% of public schools in Louisiana, #82 in Magnet High Schools across the nation and #462 in the National Rankings. Why is the ACT so important?

ACT scores play a crucial role in college admissions and scholarship opportunities. Universities often consider these scores along with grade point averages (GPAs) to determine the potential success of applicants. High ACT scores can increase the chances of being admitted into top-tier institutions, which can pave the way for various future opportunities.

To test high on the ACT, it is important to prepare in advance. This can involve studying the material that will be covered on the exam, taking practice tests, and becoming familiar with the format and structure of the test. It is also important to manage your time effectively during the exam and to stay focused and alert throughout. Additionally, getting a good night's sleep before the test and eating a healthy breakfast can help ensure that you are in the best possible condition to perform well. Finally, it can be helpful to approach the test with a positive attitude and to stay calm and confident throughout the exam. However, high ACT scores alone are not sufficient to get into college, prepare for a career path, and enjoy life after high school. According to Principal R.J. Middleton, Caddo Magnet High School strives to graduate students who are well-rounded, exhibiting a range of skills and experiences. Extra-curricular activities, community service, leadership roles, and sports can all contribute to a well-rounded profile. Caddo Magnet High excels at providing these opportunities to their students. This past year, CMHS staged “Sweeney Todd” with 77 students performing, working backstage, building sets and putting together costumes. The orchestra consisted of students from the music department with a few adults mixed in to fill out the score.

Students can engage with their peers in 64 clubs and organizations that range in interests including everything from the Ping Pong Club to the Robotics Team. There’s the usual Chess Club, Key Club, Latin Club, Yearbook, and the Student Council but Magnet offers several extraordinary interests: E-Sports gaming Club; Guitar Club; In stitches; Drama Club Mock Trial, Cyber Patriot – you get the picture. Magnet also furnishes the students with a plethora of athletic opportunities such as archery, golf, tennis, lacrosse, gymnastics and soccer to name a few. Engaging in any of these extracurricular activities demonstrates the ability to manage time effectively, work well in teams, and take on responsibilities. These skills are invaluable in the professional world and are highly sought after by potential employers.

The teachers of Caddo Magnet High School are the cream of the crop. Not only do they care deeply about their students but they work hard every day to teach from a curriculum that prepares them for the ACT. They understand that the transition from high school to college or directly into the workplace can be daunting, and students who have used their time in high school wisely are more likely to succeed. Developing strong study habits, effective time management skills, and the ability to handle pressure can make a significant difference when faced with the demands of college or a job.

Caddo Magnet High School teachers and counselors understand that achieving excellence in high school has become more crucial than ever. They encourage their students to explore different career paths and gain exposure to various industries. Internships, job shadows, and career guidance can help students make informed decisions about their future. By actively seeking out these opportunities, students can discover their passions, develop valuable skills, and enhance their resumes. This proactive approach ultimately gives them a competitive edge when entering the workforce.

Being prepared for the ACT should be a priority of every student who plans to attend college, whether they attend Caddo Magnet or any of the High Schools in Shreveport-Bossier. ACT prep books can be found at Barnes and Noble, or online.