Recently, many Bishop Kenny students were either delighted or deeply saddened and frustrated when the February ACT scores came out on Wednesday. A huge congratulations to all those who reached their desired score out of a 36 for the ACT, but far too many students feel hopeless after receiving their standardized test scores back. A poor SAT or ACT score is simply not the end of any student’s life. Here is why:

     The score is only a number. Yes, it is a number that will likely be sent to colleges, but each college differs in how much the standardized test scores matter. Some colleges are very focused on the high school transcript, some are very interested in test scores, and others are more holistic and view the student as more than a number. If a student feels that their score will keep them out of the college of their choice, then perhaps the school just is not a place where the student’s potential will be valued.

     Additionally, the SAT and ACT can be retaken and superscored. While a bad score on either test may be discouraging, it is not an all or nothing case. Students typically reschedule a test after viewing their score if they would like to improve, but some discouraged students may not consider it worth their time. There are always aids and practices floating throughout the country that typically allow a student to raise their score on either test with perseverance.

      Lastly, some incredibly bright students simply do not test well. Whether it is the stress, the time given, or both, a student at the top of their class can still receive a poor score as they are not able to test within the time allotted or the nerves become too great during testing.

     A poor score does not deem a student “stupid.” Luckily for students, score reports come along with the actual score, and a student can clearly see areas in which they struggle, whether it is mathematics, science, or reading. Practice makes perfect, but the score is just a number.