Bogus "doesn't count" test on June 10 ACT--what was that?

Colleges & Universities A-Z University of Notre Dame
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<p>Did anyone else experience the "doesn't count" extra test given at the ACT yesterday, June 10? Apparently, after completing the four subject areas, the ACT people announced there would be an additional test, used for their own purposes, with scores neither kept nor recorded. It was a science test in this case, given on the heels of the other science test. </p>

<p>I was just wondering if they were doing this in selected locations,or was this something that was being done nationally. Nothing someone who has slogged through the entirety of the ACT, only to be handed another test, with a score that doesn't count--for what? To do these people a favor? </p>

<p>Maybe they were trying to see the patterns of kids who don't try, versus the patterns of ones who do. Cuz I have a hunch, once those kids knew this unexpected test was not going to count in the score, they didn't exactly go at with gusto... Don't blame them.</p>

<p>Still, seems a silly thing to throw at kids who have been preparing a long time, based on specific information, timetables, etc. to know what to expect. It's like a pop quiz! </p>

<p>Alas, I have an axe to grind with ACT anyway. I am dumbfounded not only by the power they have, but the staggering amounts of cash they garner from kids who take the test three, four and more times. In my own home state, there is talk of using the ACT exam as achievement testing for all public school students from 9-12. </p>

<p>Meanwhile, the SAT is scoring papers wrong, losing records, and pretty much tripping over their left foot evey time they've taken a step lately. </p>

<p>This makes ACT even more powerful. Am I just old and cynical, or am I right to be curious as to who is at the top of this money trail--and why can't I find a way to get a piece of it! :) </p>

<p>Seriously, with the bushels of money these people college, you'd think they could do what other companies do to pilot new products--pay them for their time!</p>

<p>Here's to lots of finger-crossing that the angst of the past few weeks will bear fruit in score results!</p>

<p>I'm curiuos what any of the others think?</p>

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<p>My daughter took the ACT June 10 in NY and did not mention an extra section. It was the science section she had the most difficulty with not because the info was hard it was the time constraint and the presentation of the question I was home saying the roasry and invoking St Joseph Coopertino (not sure how to spell his last name) the patron of test takers. My daughter has a 4.0 in the top five out of 200 . Timed tests are not her thing. It is frustrating that so much weight is placed on a number. Good luck</p>

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<p>They do these experimental sections quite often. On my GRE I will have to take three sections but only two count, and I don't know which two :(. I hate it, but I guess they have to standardize their questions somehow! It is better than using untested questions, but it still stinks!</p>

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<p>My daughter said she had an English section they added that didn't count. Good luck on the 20th.</p>

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<p>I don't think the science section is difficult as long as you read the answer carefully and refer to the charts and tables the question mentions. Most people loose concentration at the end of the test.</p>