Gretel and Hansel … or Gretel and Horrible
By: Kamille Womack
Everyone knows the original childhood story of Hansel and Gretel, but recently Orion film studios has recreated the fairytale into a dark thriller. The movie, slightly renamed Gretel and Hansel, is an hour and forty minutes long, and follows a pair of siblings as they try to find a new home. It starts with an origin story, explaining the beginning of a girl with a pink hat, who later comes into play later in the story. However, contrary to the original story, the children are left homeless after their single mother threatens to “chop them to little pieces” with an axe if they stayed.
They embark on the normal routine, searching in the woods, but instead of being abandoned by their father, they’ve been sent to find refuge with woodsmen. They eventually stumble upon the witch's cabin, which is made of dark wood instead of candies. Around this point, the movie forks into multiple storylines.
In the beginning, the movie is set up with the potential to have a good storyline, while also being a good thriller. Although it has good jump scares, the storyline actually just went all over the place. They tried to make the witch satanic but basically forgot the concept somewhere along the way. There were also multiple shots of hanging shoes, carved pentagrams, and the silhouette of The Girl With The Pink Hat.
None of these scenes are ever explained, and it seems that a lot of the time they were just added in to make the movie seem scarier. It just made the audience question those scenes because they were never given an explanation.
The movie could be compared to ones in the 70s, just kind of slow and uneventful. There were times when Hansel would disappear for hours, and towards the end of the movie, he was gone for almost two days without explanation. The movie had many scenes that were never explained and eventually just tried to wrap up the story by abruptly ending the character's problems.
If you were to watch this movie as a random thriller, it would be a good choice, but the longer almost every scene is contemplated, it’s obvious that not a lot of thought was put into the storyline of this movie. There were multiple characters that were never explained and mostly everything was played off as just a spell or the witches’ doing.
Overall it wasn't a good movie. The jump scares were good, but when asked about the plot, Charlotte Dunlap (‘21) said, “Honestly… it was horrible.”
By: Kamille Womack
Everyone knows the original childhood story of Hansel and Gretel, but recently Orion film studios has recreated the fairytale into a dark thriller. The movie, slightly renamed Gretel and Hansel, is an hour and forty minutes long, and follows a pair of siblings as they try to find a new home. It starts with an origin story, explaining the beginning of a girl with a pink hat, who later comes into play later in the story. However, contrary to the original story, the children are left homeless after their single mother threatens to “chop them to little pieces” with an axe if they stayed.
They embark on the normal routine, searching in the woods, but instead of being abandoned by their father, they’ve been sent to find refuge with woodsmen. They eventually stumble upon the witch's cabin, which is made of dark wood instead of candies. Around this point, the movie forks into multiple storylines.
In the beginning, the movie is set up with the potential to have a good storyline, while also being a good thriller. Although it has good jump scares, the storyline actually just went all over the place. They tried to make the witch satanic but basically forgot the concept somewhere along the way. There were also multiple shots of hanging shoes, carved pentagrams, and the silhouette of The Girl With The Pink Hat.
None of these scenes are ever explained, and it seems that a lot of the time they were just added in to make the movie seem scarier. It just made the audience question those scenes because they were never given an explanation.
The movie could be compared to ones in the 70s, just kind of slow and uneventful. There were times when Hansel would disappear for hours, and towards the end of the movie, he was gone for almost two days without explanation. The movie had many scenes that were never explained and eventually just tried to wrap up the story by abruptly ending the character's problems.
If you were to watch this movie as a random thriller, it would be a good choice, but the longer almost every scene is contemplated, it’s obvious that not a lot of thought was put into the storyline of this movie. There were multiple characters that were never explained and mostly everything was played off as just a spell or the witches’ doing.
Overall it wasn't a good movie. The jump scares were good, but when asked about the plot, Charlotte Dunlap (‘21) said, “Honestly… it was horrible.”
- Kamille Womack (‘22) is a staff writer for The Viking Vault
A Perfect Valentine’s Day: Thoughts Live
By: Kamille Womack
Valentine’s Day is often portrayed with gestures of love. From giant teddy bears to candy baskets, it can be a time of happiness for many people. However, this can often cause unrealistic expectations from people, and cause people to end up disappointed. We asked Northridge students Max Burton (21’), Kenzie Shaw (21’), Aidan Cupp (20’), Austin Gin (21’), Clarissa Yutzy (22’), and Peyton Berling (22’), and former Northridge graduate Desiree Ecleo (‘18) what their perfect Valentine’s Day would look like.
Many responses were the same or close to it. A simple date with their loved ones or spending the day with their significant others. Aidan Cupp said on a perfect date, he would “Probably go out with my girlfriend somewhere... probably go out to eat. Anything like that.”
Meanwhile, others said that they’d rather spend the day at home, watching Netflix, and eating chocolates. Kenzie Shaw said, “My Valentine’s Day is probably going to be me… in my bed, eating chocolate and watching Netflix.” Clarissa Yutzy said “I’d probably just spend the day playing with my cats.”
Regardless of their answers, everyone had a pretty realistic Valentine’s Day envisioned for themselves whether it was hiking, going on a date, or binging shows. Check out their thoughts on the video.
- Kamille Womack (22’) is a staff member for the Viking Vault
[email protected]
A glimpse at the 2020-2021 Academic Calendar
By: Darian Dick
NORTHRIDGE - The 2020-2021 Academic Calendar was recently released, and there are a few differences from previous years with some of the dates. Superintendent Scott Schmidt made a survey to create the calendar using feedback from parents to make changes.
During the 2019-2020 school year, the first day was August 20th, but next year, the first day won’t be until the 25th. According to Schmidt, “That is really due to natural shifts in the calendar from year to year and not a deliberate later start. We are always aware of the dates for the Hartford Fair and strive to give our students time to recover from their hard work at the fair before starting school.”
Sara Vaughan (‘23) shows several animals at Fair and says, “Even though the start is only five days later, I’m looking forward to getting off an extra week after Fair to relax before I have to go back to school.”
In the upcoming year, Graduation is also going to be slightly moved back as well as the last day of school. This year's graduation for the class of 2020 will take place on May 24th and the last day for students (besides seniors) will be on May 28th. However, Graduation for 2021 will take place on May 30th, and the last day for other students will be on June 3rd.
Clayton Laslo (‘21) who will be graduating next year says, “By the time April comes around, I’m ready to leave for the summer so the fact that we have to stay even a few days longer is … inconvenient.”
By: Darian Dick
NORTHRIDGE - The 2020-2021 Academic Calendar was recently released, and there are a few differences from previous years with some of the dates. Superintendent Scott Schmidt made a survey to create the calendar using feedback from parents to make changes.
During the 2019-2020 school year, the first day was August 20th, but next year, the first day won’t be until the 25th. According to Schmidt, “That is really due to natural shifts in the calendar from year to year and not a deliberate later start. We are always aware of the dates for the Hartford Fair and strive to give our students time to recover from their hard work at the fair before starting school.”
Sara Vaughan (‘23) shows several animals at Fair and says, “Even though the start is only five days later, I’m looking forward to getting off an extra week after Fair to relax before I have to go back to school.”
In the upcoming year, Graduation is also going to be slightly moved back as well as the last day of school. This year's graduation for the class of 2020 will take place on May 24th and the last day for students (besides seniors) will be on May 28th. However, Graduation for 2021 will take place on May 30th, and the last day for other students will be on June 3rd.
Clayton Laslo (‘21) who will be graduating next year says, “By the time April comes around, I’m ready to leave for the summer so the fact that we have to stay even a few days longer is … inconvenient.”
- Darian Dick (‘20) is a senior spotlight editor for The Viking Vault
Fashion ins and outs for 2020
By: Hadley Stermer
NORTHRIDGE - Everyday, students at Northridge dress however they feel. Whether that's dressing nice for a game day, sweatpants for a lazy day, or just a sweatshirt and jeans. Many students use what they wear to express themselves either at school or on the weekends. Although, there are many new trends in 2020 that are seen throughout the halls.
There are many types of styles that people wear, some questionable and some trendy, but what do people really think about them?
Right now, for girls, you see a lot of 90s fashion coming back, such as mom jeans, flannels, jean jackets, scrunchies, Birkenstocks, and many more things. A lot of the current trends with teenage girls are from the 80s and 90s. Gabi Smith (‘22) said, “I really like that this style is coming back mainly because I really love mom jeans.” Likewise Sara Vaughan (‘23) said, “I love this style and mom jeans are my favorite.”
As for guys, piercing your ears has become very popular over the past few months at Northridge. Isaiah Hartman (‘22) said, “I actually like this one and think that guys piercing their ears will last a while.” On the flip side Lauren Aamodt (‘21) said, “I don’t think this trend is going to stick around. I think it’s just a phase and it’s already slowed down. It was a big thing after football season but not so much anymore.”
Another popular clothing item for both guys and girls are flannels. Aamodt (‘21) said, “ I like flannels. I like seeing everyone's different color combos and styles when they wear them. Even throughout our school, daily I see so many people wearing them in all different colors, and using them in different ways.”
Overall, most students agree with the style trends happening at Northridge right now.
By: Hadley Stermer
NORTHRIDGE - Everyday, students at Northridge dress however they feel. Whether that's dressing nice for a game day, sweatpants for a lazy day, or just a sweatshirt and jeans. Many students use what they wear to express themselves either at school or on the weekends. Although, there are many new trends in 2020 that are seen throughout the halls.
There are many types of styles that people wear, some questionable and some trendy, but what do people really think about them?
Right now, for girls, you see a lot of 90s fashion coming back, such as mom jeans, flannels, jean jackets, scrunchies, Birkenstocks, and many more things. A lot of the current trends with teenage girls are from the 80s and 90s. Gabi Smith (‘22) said, “I really like that this style is coming back mainly because I really love mom jeans.” Likewise Sara Vaughan (‘23) said, “I love this style and mom jeans are my favorite.”
As for guys, piercing your ears has become very popular over the past few months at Northridge. Isaiah Hartman (‘22) said, “I actually like this one and think that guys piercing their ears will last a while.” On the flip side Lauren Aamodt (‘21) said, “I don’t think this trend is going to stick around. I think it’s just a phase and it’s already slowed down. It was a big thing after football season but not so much anymore.”
Another popular clothing item for both guys and girls are flannels. Aamodt (‘21) said, “ I like flannels. I like seeing everyone's different color combos and styles when they wear them. Even throughout our school, daily I see so many people wearing them in all different colors, and using them in different ways.”
Overall, most students agree with the style trends happening at Northridge right now.
- Hadley Stermer (‘21) is a staff writer for The Viking Vault
What to get your special someone for Valentine’s
By: Claire Wasem
NORTHRIDGE - It’s a new year, and Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. What are you doing for your special someone?
Bekah Kalas (‘20) is celebrating Valentine’s Day this year with her boyfriend, Matthew. “This will be the first Valentine’s Day since we started dating,” says Bekah. Bekah has been thinking a lot about what she should get Matthew and notes, “I’ve been using Pinterest to get some ideas. I think I have a couple now.”
While on Pinterest, Bekah has found ideas such as, “putting a bunch of his favorite snacks in a cute decorated basket, making him some chocolate covered strawberries, or getting a cute picture of them framed.” She continues to say, “I like all of these ideas because not only are they cute and from the heart, they are great for someone with a low budget!”
Abigail Beyer (‘21) also has some ideas for Valentine’s Day. “Jake [Reese] (‘20) and I have been dating for over two years now, so this is not our first Valentine’s Day together,” Abby explains. “We don't go all out for the holiday like some couples,” Beyer says. “It’s not about how much money you spend, it’s about showing the other person you care.” Although Abby has not yet gone shopping for Jake, she thinks she will, “Probably get him some sort of candy that he likes, and maybe make him something with pictures of memories they have made together.”
No matter who your Valentine is this February, remember that there isn't just one way to show how much you care for them!
By: Claire Wasem
NORTHRIDGE - It’s a new year, and Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. What are you doing for your special someone?
Bekah Kalas (‘20) is celebrating Valentine’s Day this year with her boyfriend, Matthew. “This will be the first Valentine’s Day since we started dating,” says Bekah. Bekah has been thinking a lot about what she should get Matthew and notes, “I’ve been using Pinterest to get some ideas. I think I have a couple now.”
While on Pinterest, Bekah has found ideas such as, “putting a bunch of his favorite snacks in a cute decorated basket, making him some chocolate covered strawberries, or getting a cute picture of them framed.” She continues to say, “I like all of these ideas because not only are they cute and from the heart, they are great for someone with a low budget!”
Abigail Beyer (‘21) also has some ideas for Valentine’s Day. “Jake [Reese] (‘20) and I have been dating for over two years now, so this is not our first Valentine’s Day together,” Abby explains. “We don't go all out for the holiday like some couples,” Beyer says. “It’s not about how much money you spend, it’s about showing the other person you care.” Although Abby has not yet gone shopping for Jake, she thinks she will, “Probably get him some sort of candy that he likes, and maybe make him something with pictures of memories they have made together.”
No matter who your Valentine is this February, remember that there isn't just one way to show how much you care for them!
- Claire Wasem (‘20) is assistant print editor of the Viking Vault.
He said/ She said:
Being single on Valentine’s Day
She Said:
By: Sarah Phillips
So Valentine’s Day is here … Again. There’s a good chance that you’re single, maybe snapchatting someone, but going out with them on Valentine’s Day would just make it too awkward because you haven’t even really discussed if you’re “talking” or even what you guys are … you’re really just “texting all day everyday, flirting a little bit, you kind of get excited when you see their name pop up on your phone, but not catching feelings AT all, because again… not talking.”
So you’re already dreading seeing all the cute pictures and Tik Toks of all the couples and “how much they love each other.” BUT this doesn’t mean you have to hang out by yourself this Valentine’s Day. Hopefully you have at least one single friend, so get each other the typical Valentine’s gifts: candy, flowers, etc. You don’t need a boy for that, and it’ll mean just as much coming from your best friend! Then put on a cute outfit, make yourself feel good about yourself, go out with your friends and do something fun and Instagram worthy. After you’ve had the time of your life, DO NOT go home by yourself. We don’t want any chances for you to make the mistake of watching The Notebook and eating a pint of ice cream by yourself crying about how, “no one loves me, I’ll never find that love.”
So have a sleepover and then watch The Notebook and eat a pint of ice cream; I mean if you’re going to do those things, at least cry with your best friends about it.
-Sarah Phillips (‘20) is the Entertainment Editor for the Viking Vault
He Said:
By: Alex Hook
Gentlemen, Valentine’s Day is upon us, and that means if you are spending this day without a special someone you need to fill that void in your heart by comforting yourself. You might be wondering to yourself how might someone fill that hole in your heart without a lady friend? Well, one way to compensate for that is to spend the day with the boys.
Hanging out with your bros is an easy way to forget that you are lonely on Valentine’s Day. Some things you can do with your friends is go bowling, go to Topgolf, or even go watch a movie. Any way that you can keep your mind busy this Valentine’s Day, is going to be a good option. Bachelor Logan Ullom (‘21) says that he will be very single this Valentine’s Day. He said that he will be spoiling himself on this upcoming day of romance, to ease the pain. Ullom said, “First, I am going to order myself a bouquet of flowers sent to the school, that say ‘from a Special Someone,’ that way everyone thinks I have a secret admirer.” After school, Ullom says, “I am going to spoil myself with a fancy dinner at McDonalds, where I will bring in a table cloth and light a candle to set the mood for the rest of the night.” Ullom later said, “I will cap off the night by eating a whole pint of Rocky Road ice cream, while watching The Notebook in my basement. It will be perfect.”
While you may not take the same approach as Ullom on Valentine’s Day, there are plenty of options to keep yourself busy.
Being single on Valentine’s Day
She Said:
By: Sarah Phillips
So Valentine’s Day is here … Again. There’s a good chance that you’re single, maybe snapchatting someone, but going out with them on Valentine’s Day would just make it too awkward because you haven’t even really discussed if you’re “talking” or even what you guys are … you’re really just “texting all day everyday, flirting a little bit, you kind of get excited when you see their name pop up on your phone, but not catching feelings AT all, because again… not talking.”
So you’re already dreading seeing all the cute pictures and Tik Toks of all the couples and “how much they love each other.” BUT this doesn’t mean you have to hang out by yourself this Valentine’s Day. Hopefully you have at least one single friend, so get each other the typical Valentine’s gifts: candy, flowers, etc. You don’t need a boy for that, and it’ll mean just as much coming from your best friend! Then put on a cute outfit, make yourself feel good about yourself, go out with your friends and do something fun and Instagram worthy. After you’ve had the time of your life, DO NOT go home by yourself. We don’t want any chances for you to make the mistake of watching The Notebook and eating a pint of ice cream by yourself crying about how, “no one loves me, I’ll never find that love.”
So have a sleepover and then watch The Notebook and eat a pint of ice cream; I mean if you’re going to do those things, at least cry with your best friends about it.
-Sarah Phillips (‘20) is the Entertainment Editor for the Viking Vault
He Said:
By: Alex Hook
Gentlemen, Valentine’s Day is upon us, and that means if you are spending this day without a special someone you need to fill that void in your heart by comforting yourself. You might be wondering to yourself how might someone fill that hole in your heart without a lady friend? Well, one way to compensate for that is to spend the day with the boys.
Hanging out with your bros is an easy way to forget that you are lonely on Valentine’s Day. Some things you can do with your friends is go bowling, go to Topgolf, or even go watch a movie. Any way that you can keep your mind busy this Valentine’s Day, is going to be a good option. Bachelor Logan Ullom (‘21) says that he will be very single this Valentine’s Day. He said that he will be spoiling himself on this upcoming day of romance, to ease the pain. Ullom said, “First, I am going to order myself a bouquet of flowers sent to the school, that say ‘from a Special Someone,’ that way everyone thinks I have a secret admirer.” After school, Ullom says, “I am going to spoil myself with a fancy dinner at McDonalds, where I will bring in a table cloth and light a candle to set the mood for the rest of the night.” Ullom later said, “I will cap off the night by eating a whole pint of Rocky Road ice cream, while watching The Notebook in my basement. It will be perfect.”
While you may not take the same approach as Ullom on Valentine’s Day, there are plenty of options to keep yourself busy.
- Alex Hook (‘20) is a Sports Editor for The Viking Vault [email protected]
Vlogging the Memories
By Shelby Yorde
NORTHRIDGE - This year’s girls basketball seniors have decided to do something very special. They have decided to vlog their very last season together from beginning to end.
The idea started with Megan Payne (‘20). “I really just wanted to remember this season because I had a feeling it was gonna be a good one.” She says all team members are included in the vlog, not just the seniors.
Lauren Aamodt (‘21) says, “We vlog after every game and if there is a time where we aren’t playing we will just do an update about where we are at in the season.”
As a basketball senior myself, I am very excited to see the video when it’s finished. We have planned to include funny videos caught of team members throughout the season, along with major accomplishments that were caught on film.
Aspen Conley (‘23) says, “I love the idea, and it is definitely something I want to do for my senior year as well.”
The video will be shown at the basketball banquet at the end of the season with the team and their family members. The video will also be featured exclusively in The Vault.
Hannah Aamodt (‘23) says, “I am really excited to see how it turns out.”
By Shelby Yorde
NORTHRIDGE - This year’s girls basketball seniors have decided to do something very special. They have decided to vlog their very last season together from beginning to end.
The idea started with Megan Payne (‘20). “I really just wanted to remember this season because I had a feeling it was gonna be a good one.” She says all team members are included in the vlog, not just the seniors.
Lauren Aamodt (‘21) says, “We vlog after every game and if there is a time where we aren’t playing we will just do an update about where we are at in the season.”
As a basketball senior myself, I am very excited to see the video when it’s finished. We have planned to include funny videos caught of team members throughout the season, along with major accomplishments that were caught on film.
Aspen Conley (‘23) says, “I love the idea, and it is definitely something I want to do for my senior year as well.”
The video will be shown at the basketball banquet at the end of the season with the team and their family members. The video will also be featured exclusively in The Vault.
Hannah Aamodt (‘23) says, “I am really excited to see how it turns out.”
- Shelby Yorde is the chief print editor for the Viking Vault. [email protected]
Valentine’s Day was a “group” project in 60s and 70s
By: Halleigh Carter
I’ve been listening to romantic plans couples are making for Valentine’s this month: gifts of candies, chocolates, and flowers, and dinner dates. Pretty normal stuff. But then, when I was talking to my grandparents, I started to realize that “normal” depends on which decade (or century) you’re in.
My grandparents, Steve and Julie Atwood, were high school sweethearts in the 1960s. Their Valentine’s Day traditions were similar in some ways but different in others. “He always got me candy,” my grandma remembers, but for them and for couples in the 60s, the thing they most looked forward to about the holiday was a school dance with all their friends.
NHS Aide Mrs. McConnell graduated from here in 1979, and she, too, talked about dances. “Disco dancing? Absolutely. ‘Stayin’ Alive’ was a good one,” she recalls.
Dances at the school were often informal and very frequent, both of them said. McConnell said there was always a dance on Friday nights after home football or basketball games, from 10:30 to midnight. “Everyone went to all the dances,” she said.
My grandma said she used to put some effort in decorating for Proms, which included bowling and ping pong in the gym.
McConnell also enjoyed drive-in movies, watching from the opened back of a Volkswagen, or roller skating. My grandparents echoed that; they loved skating and drive-in movies and feel like couples might have just as much fun doing those activities in 2020. Of course, back then, my grandma said it was $2.75 to get into a movie rather than a $25 night.
“We also could eat a burger for 35 cents at Burger Boy Foodarama,” Grandma said.
So, it seems like the major difference between then and now is both the cost of a night out and whether you are spending it with only your sweetheart or, in fact, with your sweetheart and the rest of the school.
By: Halleigh Carter
I’ve been listening to romantic plans couples are making for Valentine’s this month: gifts of candies, chocolates, and flowers, and dinner dates. Pretty normal stuff. But then, when I was talking to my grandparents, I started to realize that “normal” depends on which decade (or century) you’re in.
My grandparents, Steve and Julie Atwood, were high school sweethearts in the 1960s. Their Valentine’s Day traditions were similar in some ways but different in others. “He always got me candy,” my grandma remembers, but for them and for couples in the 60s, the thing they most looked forward to about the holiday was a school dance with all their friends.
NHS Aide Mrs. McConnell graduated from here in 1979, and she, too, talked about dances. “Disco dancing? Absolutely. ‘Stayin’ Alive’ was a good one,” she recalls.
Dances at the school were often informal and very frequent, both of them said. McConnell said there was always a dance on Friday nights after home football or basketball games, from 10:30 to midnight. “Everyone went to all the dances,” she said.
My grandma said she used to put some effort in decorating for Proms, which included bowling and ping pong in the gym.
McConnell also enjoyed drive-in movies, watching from the opened back of a Volkswagen, or roller skating. My grandparents echoed that; they loved skating and drive-in movies and feel like couples might have just as much fun doing those activities in 2020. Of course, back then, my grandma said it was $2.75 to get into a movie rather than a $25 night.
“We also could eat a burger for 35 cents at Burger Boy Foodarama,” Grandma said.
So, it seems like the major difference between then and now is both the cost of a night out and whether you are spending it with only your sweetheart or, in fact, with your sweetheart and the rest of the school.
- Halleigh Carter (‘22) is a staff writer for The Viking Vault.
ACT updated in big way
By: Cole Fox
In high school, there will be hundreds of tests you’ll take over the four-year stretch. However, there is one test in particular that you’ll take that will help decide your future: the ACT. The ACT is a standardized test given by high schools depending on where you go (some schools use SAT scores as well). Ohio has all eleventh graders take it for free at their schools. It consists of four sub-sections: English, Math, Science, and Reading.
Over the last few years, educators and officials have been discussing and having meetings over how to change the test to be more representative of the student. According to statements from ACT, research has shown that “superscoring” is more indicative of a student’s success in college.
Starting in the year 2020, students will be able to retake sections of the test in sections instead of being required to take the test in its entirety. The sections will still be timed and still have the same amount of questions. This will mostly impact this year’s eleventh graders, not the Class of 2020.
When asked how he felt about the new layout of the test, Aidan Isler (‘21) stated, “I’m excited about the new changes! I think being able to take the test in sections is going to provide us with some major stress relief, rather than worrying about remembering every tip for every section on one test day.”
Logan Ullom (‘21) said, “I’m worried about these changes affecting my chances of getting a higher merit scholarship. With everyone being able to take the test by section, average scores are going to become higher and make it way more competitive.”
Matt Pileski (‘20) commented, “I’m glad to be graduating when I am because I don’t know how well my scores would fit into the higher averages that the next few graduating classes will have. I’m not saying I couldn’t boost my scores because I truly believe you can do anything you put your mind to, but it would be hard work.”
By: Cole Fox
In high school, there will be hundreds of tests you’ll take over the four-year stretch. However, there is one test in particular that you’ll take that will help decide your future: the ACT. The ACT is a standardized test given by high schools depending on where you go (some schools use SAT scores as well). Ohio has all eleventh graders take it for free at their schools. It consists of four sub-sections: English, Math, Science, and Reading.
Over the last few years, educators and officials have been discussing and having meetings over how to change the test to be more representative of the student. According to statements from ACT, research has shown that “superscoring” is more indicative of a student’s success in college.
Starting in the year 2020, students will be able to retake sections of the test in sections instead of being required to take the test in its entirety. The sections will still be timed and still have the same amount of questions. This will mostly impact this year’s eleventh graders, not the Class of 2020.
When asked how he felt about the new layout of the test, Aidan Isler (‘21) stated, “I’m excited about the new changes! I think being able to take the test in sections is going to provide us with some major stress relief, rather than worrying about remembering every tip for every section on one test day.”
Logan Ullom (‘21) said, “I’m worried about these changes affecting my chances of getting a higher merit scholarship. With everyone being able to take the test by section, average scores are going to become higher and make it way more competitive.”
Matt Pileski (‘20) commented, “I’m glad to be graduating when I am because I don’t know how well my scores would fit into the higher averages that the next few graduating classes will have. I’m not saying I couldn’t boost my scores because I truly believe you can do anything you put your mind to, but it would be hard work.”
- Cole Fox (‘20) is the sports editor for The Viking Vault