Organizing the testing week requires extensive planning behind the scenes. 

“A lot goes into planning the ACT at ETHS, making sure all the students are assigned to their appropriate rooms and sorting out accommodations for all students,” said testing coordinator Dr. Anya Pierce. “We really focus on small details, like printing out all of the students’ testing tickets and preparing staff members, so that everything can run smoothly for students.” 

ETHS transitioned from the SAT to the ACT last year, marking a shift in the testing approach.  The two exams vary in both structure and focus. The ACT includes a science section and tends to feature more direct questions, whereas the SAT includes more evidence-based questions and problem-solving.

“Last year was our first time preparing for the ACT, and learning a whole new system can be difficult,” said Pierce.

In addition to changes in tests, standardized testing companies have also switched from paper exams to digital testing.

“Online testing is a lot easier because then I’m not managing thousands of physical tests. The switch has made our process here run faster,” said Pierce.

In preparation for testing week, teachers are trained as proctors to ensure consistency across testing rooms. 

“Over time, we have learned the best ways to inform and train teachers so everybody can know what they’re doing and stay on track,” said Pierce.

As staff focuses on planning, students face the pressure of the exams themselves. For junior Emily Kidd, timing is one of the most challenging parts of the test. 

“The biggest thing that surprised me about the testing process was the timing restraints. When I took my PreACT last year during school, I ran out of time on almost all of the sections,” said Kidd.

Kidd said preparation helped her adjust to the demands of testing, especially because she started studying well before taking the test.

“It’s manageable if you work time management into your studying,” said Kidd. “I prepared for the ACT by using a practice book and studying over the summer.” 

Even with preparation, the pressure of testing week can still be overwhelming for some students.

“I think there is too much pressure surrounding test week. For me, a lot of the pressure isn’t really the week of the test itself, but when scores come back,” said Kidd.

For some students, a strong ACT score can strengthen their college application, highlight academic strengths and even help them qualify for scholarships. As ETHS navigates testing week each year, both preparation and pressure remain defining parts of the experience.