Taking the ACT

Maclay’s Freshman Switch to the PreACT

Photo by Nguyen Dang Hoang Nhu on Unsplash

Preparing for standardized tests has been a key aspect of the curriculum at Maclay. With new classes and yearly practice tests, Maclay has always been involved in standardized tests. This year, Maclay has introduced a change to its testing. Rather than take the PSAT 8/9, freshmen took a PreACT. This change was rather surprising, as in prior years, Maclay had always favored the SAT over the ACT.

“We wanted 9th grade students to experience the format and structure of the Pre-ACT,” Upper School Director Charles Beamer said. “They (students) are highly encouraged to take both the ACT and SAT during their high school years.”

Allowing 9th graders the opportunity to take and practice the ACT gives them the chance to decide which standardized test they want to take later in high school, which seems to be the goal Maclay had in mind for this change.