The ACT is a test that causes stress and worry every year for students across the country, but students at Stillwater Area High School need not to feel these emotions, because they have the knowledge that their school’s scores have been steadily improving each year since 2009.

The ACT test scores for juniors have steadily inclined each year from 2009 to 2014 and are significantly higher than the Minnesota state average of 22.9 in 2014.

“Slowly over the last few years we have been climbing up in our ACT composite score… so this year we’re at a 24.5,” said acting Assistant Principal and testing coordinator Dan Ralston, “Most of that is based on the juniors that took it last year, the seniors that took it as well but most of that is the junior class. In 2013 it was 24.1.”

The reason behind these scores lies within the every day curriculum. The school offers over 15 Advanced Placement classes and 78 percent of students taking these classes got a three or above on their AP exams in 2014. In 2010 this was at 72 percent, and the 6 percent increase displays the overall improvement of scores in not only the ACT test, but other tests as well.

“We have more AP classes than most schools offer,” Ralston said. “Even in our core curriculum the rigor is there.”

Students can not just trust the school to give them the materials they need for these scores, however. They must push themselves by studying hard for the tests. Classes to help students learn the best way study are also offered through the school this fall once a week from Oct. 30 to Nov. 20 and Oct. 28 to Dec. 2 at a price of $120. Yet, the most important thing to prepare is to stay healthy and get enough sleep.

“I’ll sleep a lot and get a good breakfast,” junior Courtney Stedman said about her plans for preparing.
“It is also smart to meet with a junior or senior who has taken the test and ask for studying suggestions.”

“I recommend just mentally preparing yourself,” said senior Emily Bertrand who has already taken the ACT, “All the cliche things like get sleep and eat well so you can focus.”

Students, however, are generally well prepared and hard working. With 92 percent of students graduating, it is clear that students and their hard work is a major contributing factor as well.

“We have kids well prepared,” said Ralston. “I mean you are studying, it’s part of the junior high system too. You’re studying and doing things at a higher level than a lot of students. You guys take tests well. So I think you are very prepared students that are successful academically.”