<p>To begin I am using this thread as a medium to vent my opinion, although I might sound whiney, I need to get other peoples' feedback.</p>
<p>I try 110% on everything, I study extensively for tests, and I let my perfectionism drive me when I am writing an essay ( which takes me 15 hours for like 2 pages, my friends can start writing after me and still finish before me, but I still do beat them in regards to the grade that we receive for the paper). Although writing is this tedious for me, I am willing to put hard work in for a good grade. However this type of relation does not carry over for tests, especially the ACT. I can study forever, but still get beat by a someone that "yolos it." Now, do not get me wrong I am naturally talented (far beyond comprehension) in computer programming (it is frustrating to be this good, because I get pissed off when other people write shitty code and do not understand topic). I am just trying to say what is the point of trying in an unfair game? If I was a kid and I was playing in a sandbox, what is the point of playing in a sandbox that I am not welcome. Should I just follow my own path, go to a mediocre college (where I learn computer science), and then either work for a mediocre company (enjoying my life) or start my own company? Or should I still compete in a world where people that "yolo" it can score a 31 on the ACT and I ( being a slow reader and having trouble with test taking) get a 23. </p>
<p>I know I should ignorant, I just want to voice my opinion. It may not be right. I just want to see what others have to say.</p>
<p>People have different skills. No good will come of comparing yourself to others. I think you have several different things going on here. </p>
<p>I totally understand perfectionism. You have to learn to decide when something is good enough. You only have so many hours in a day, and a lifetime. Sometimes, you have to let things go.</p>
<p>Many people are not naturally talented test takers. Dyslexics, for instance, have slow processing speeds so tests like the SAT and ACT can be a struggle, but they are still extremely smart people. If you’re documented as having a processing issue, you can request extra time. You could also try the SAT. It may be a better test for you. If you have time to retake the tests, spend some time studying test taking techniques. But don’t be discouraged. I think these tests are good for measuring how well you take these tests and not much else.</p>
<p>If you don’t score well enough on standardized tests to get into schools like MIT, find a college (maybe your state school if finances are tight) that has a good program. Or go to a community college and transfer into a 4-year college as a junior when only your college grades, not your ACT score, will matter. Most scholarships are only available to freshmen, so if you need financial aid, investigate the stickies on top of the financial aid thread to see if any colleges offer aid for your stats. And don’t assume not scoring well will lead to a mediocre college and life. Your natural talent will help you succeed. There aren’t any standardized tests in most careers, you know. Advancement is based on your skill set and who you know. Just aim high and do your best.</p>
<p>@austinmshauri</p>
<p>I appreciate your advice I could be less of a perfectionist. Also, I think I was not articulate enough, I meant that I would be happy going to a state school such as U Mass Amherst. I should have mentioned I did not prep for the ACT and that could explain the score. I have been feeling much better since I wrote this and saw how ridiculous I sounded 
</p>
<p>If you didn’t prep for the ACT, you did not “study forever” and you have nothing to complain about there :P</p>
<p>True, but I was talking about in general, I study </p>
<p>“but I still do beat them in regards to the grade that we receive for the paper”</p>
<p>And when you study, you do fine, apparently. It’s on standardized tests, according to your first post, that you study and are beaten by other people–except you didn’t study. So, really…study for your next ACT. Don’t know what else you want to be told.</p>