The leaves are turning from green into a burning orange, falling from the trees. The air is crisp and pumpkin spice is reigning once more. ACT season is coming up, and quick. For Sophomores, who will be taking the test for the first time, the panic has set in.

The dates for 10th grade are set for October 31st, Halloween Day, and November 1st. The clock is counting down the days, and as of October 20th, students have 11 days.

“I’m really nervous about the ACT. It’s my first time, and I know it’s only my sophomore year and I can take it again next year, but it’s still a really big test,” stated Delaney Green, a sophomore facing ACT anxiety this fall.

To combat student nerves, English teachers have been “training” students, prepping them for the test’s arrival. Classes all over the school have been setting up ACT accounts, reviewing the 2023 Fall ACT Help Pamphlet, and teaching sophomores tips and tricks.

ELA teacher, Mrs. Lang, said about this prepping, “It really helps students get a general idea of what the ACT will look like. It’s very beneficial that we do this before the 31st.”

Other students are less worried about the test itself than the fact that half of the sophomores will be taking it on Halloween, a fan favorite in McCracken. “I don’t want to take a long test on Halloween. I don’t want any stress that day,” remarked 10th grader, Hannah Miller.

Although Halloween and the Sophomore ACT will intertwine, that’s not stopping holiday spirit at the school. “Next week is ribbon week, but dress up days will be Monday which is the 30th and Tuesday, which is Halloween day,” stated Mrs. Rathgeber, the Head of the Yearbook Department.

Eden Neihoff (10) exclaimed, “I’m gonna dress up as Poison Ivy and take the ACT. So what?”