Local students and anyone looking to take an ACT test have a chance to get a practice run in before the real experience.
Greenville Renaissance Scholars is getting ready to host ACT Prep, which is two practice ACT exams, one this Saturday, Jan. 25, and the next on Feb. 1 at E.E. Bass Cultural Arts Center, 323 S. Main St. Test times are from 9 a.m. to noon on both dates.
GRS board member Jon Delperdang said the tests are free to all high school students and adults without a four-year college degree.
“The tests are free thanks to our partnership with Delta Educational Opportunity Center,” he said, noting a $10 donation is appreciated by anyone else who wants to take the practice exam.
There are several benefits to taking the practice exam, Delperdang said.
“ACT Prep greatly benefits participants by providing them with the opportunity to get extra help in studying for the test and to learn from someone in the community well versed in the subject matter,” he said.
Students who go through the two ACT Prep sessions typically grow around 3 points on the ACT, Delperdang said.
“Three points is significant and can be the deciding factor for a student to get into college or to get a scholarship. During the sessions, we provide additional practice questions for students to use on their own and go over answers to help students think through each question carefully,” he said.
GRS executive director Andrea Fisher said there is no need to sign up early for the exams. For more information, call 662-771-1067 or email jon@gvillescholars.org.
“All they have to do is come, everyone is welcome,” she said.
Fisher said she encourages students to start taking the ACT exam earlier rather than waiting until it’s almost time to graduate.
“Children need to take the ACT test earlier, like in eighth grade,” she said, noting she has seven students in 7th grade score as high as 26 on the test.
“People are afraid of the ACT test and they shouldn’t be,” she said.
Some of the benefits of a high score on the ACT include:
* More financial aid for tuition and housing, as well as scholarships and grants;
* Acceptance to the desired college or university; and
* Avoiding remedial coursework in college.
“The ACT shows how much a student learns in high school,” Fisher said, noting having a good ACT score sets children up to be more eligible for financial aid, scholarships and grants.
