Cut Down On The Water ...

My first time taking the ACT, I came into the test with frazzled nerves. Even though I had studied for many hours before the exam, I still felt unprepared.

That day, I had brought a water bottle following my sister’s advice to stay hydrated while taking the test. As I drove up to the ACT designated school, I had already begun drinking the water because I felt agitated. I approached the school feeling scared. I finished the first water bottle before even walking into the building, so I filled it up again. As more and more people arrived, I waited patiently, drinking even more water.

I finished another two bottles worth before walking into the exam room. I calmed down walking into the assigned room, as I saw plenty more people who looked more nervous than I was. As we sat down by our assigned desks, the teacher began handing out tests and scantrons. I still felt nervous; however, I also found myself calmer, as I held the test in my hand and looked down on the packet. When the teacher began reading the rules of the test, I had a terrible realization—I had to pee!

We began the English Section of the test and the urge to use the bathroom only increased. Throughout the test, all the studying I had done went out of the window! All I could think about was rushing to the restroom! I couldn’t focus anymore; I began watching the clock as we approached our break. I rushed through the first section and ran to the restroom. Afterward, I felt much calmer then realized that all my nervousness had gone away. I sat and took the remainder of the test. Sure enough, the English section score had the lowest score. Fortunately, I managed to score very well in all the other sections.

On my second time taking the ACT, I was no longer nervous and stayed calm throughout the entire test. I did much better on this test on all the sections and ended with a 34 on the second ACT. It’s okay to be nervous when you take the test, but try to relax! It doesn’t matter how much studying you do if you are nervous; it can all go away in an instant.

Get plenty of sleep, eat a good breakfast, but please don’t be like me. Cut down on the water.