<p>Ok, this is just ridiculous. Nothing like this has ever happened to me before. I was doing really well on the test. The first two sections went by so easily. Then, on the Reading section, I am 100% positive I got a 36. I was feeling so good. </p>
<p>Then, 5 minutes into the science section, the fire alarm went off. We all looked up at the proctor and she just looked at us with this really puzzled face and had no idea what to do. Some people were still working on their tests, but most were just looking around at each other in disbelief. The proctor left the room and came back in a minute to tell us to keep working. She said we would get 10 extra minutes on the section. But, as I continued working, my brain was just not able to focus, and the questions seemed impossible (I got 35, 36 on practice exams, and they seemed easy). Now, I am so worried that this will screw up my score. I don't know what to do.</p>
<p>If I call ACT, all the scores could be canceled right? Can I call them after I receive my score if my science score is terrible? I just don't know what to do. I studied a lot of this test, and I just can't believe this would happen. </p>
<p>well see how your scores are. you only have to send colleges the scores you want from the act's, so if you do well, then that's good, but if you don't, no one has to know</p>
<p>Ok, the major problem I see, is that I spent $50 to take this test, and i prepared to do well on it. Then, something like this happens, and I may have to take it again, and spend another $50. It just seems really unfair. Is it possible to call ACT if i see the score is bad and tell them to give me a refund?</p>
<p>Don't listen to these people. No offense, but you guys have no idea what you're talking about. It's misinformation like this that screws people over. If you don't have any knowledge of these matters, don't comment for the sake of the OP.</p>
<p>I highly advise you to file a report with ACT, Inc because this is considered a testing disturbance and that disturbance may have skewed your performance on the ACTs. I took the ACTs a long time ago, so I don't remember if there is a way to file the report online or if it has to be done via the phone. Make sure you do it right away, so they can investigate the incident and determine if the scores should be cancelled. If they decide that the scores are invalid due to the disturbance, you have the option of retaking it again for free or get your money back. Also, if you know of any people who took the test with you, encourage them to file a report also. The more reports filed, the better.</p>
<p>I know this because a similar incident happened to me and I informed one of my high school teachers and he told me I should have done this, but it was too late. (He was a proctor once for the ACTs). This was about 2 years ago.</p>
<p>Dont listen to smurfgirl. If u file a compalint, all that they coudl possibly do is cancel ur test and maybe let u retake for free. Since u dont need to send the score if its bad, y not just wait untill the 19th and if ur not happy retake. U still might have done well.</p>
<p>I actually had somehting happen during my test that i woudl consider much, much worse and im just gunna retake in september (unless i still somehow pulled a 35 lol)</p>
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If u file a compalint, all that they coudl possibly do is cancel ur test and maybe let u retake for free. Since u dont need to send the score if its bad, y not just wait untill the 19th and if ur not happy retake. U still might have done well.
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<p>First off, did you read the OP's other post? He/she doesn't want to spend another 50 dollars. </p>
<p>Second, have you talked to a representative of ACT Inc., or a Kaplan ACT instructor like I have?</p>
<p>Third, have you talked to a high school teacher who has proctored the exam numerous times?</p>
<p>If the last two questions do not apply to you, shut your trap. </p>
<p>To the OP: if they did cancel your test and you retook it for free, what do you have to lose? It sounded like that situation possibly hindered your ability to perform your best on that exam. It's a TESTING DISTURBANCE and your proctor should've reported it. Proctors have strict rules to follow, and your proctor didn't follow procedure by not reporting it in the first place. As an examinee, you have THE RIGHT to take the exam in an environment free of any distractions (false fire alarm, flashing lights, etc.).</p>
<p>If you honestly feel that the situation had an negative effect on your test taking ability, then by all means, file a report. No one can tell you to file one or not, since no one knows your thoughts and feelings during the exam. </p>
<p>Don't listen to the ignorant poster above me who thinks he/she knows everything about standardized test taking. YOU'RE WRONG! The poster above me probably had no idea that a complaint could even be filed. I've been there, done that.</p>
<p>smurfgirl, I thank you for the advice. You see, I am really not sure how it affected my score. I scored a 34-35 on the practice exams in science, and there really is a thin line between getting a 35 and getting a 30. maybe i was lucky and didn't miss more than 1 or 2, or maybe I really was distracted and missed more. I really am not sure. </p>
<p>I am not sure what to do, because the rest of the test seemed really easy to me, and I felt like I was on my way to a 35-36 until this happened. If I take it again, a different test may not be as nice to me. </p>
<p>It is likely though that others will report this, because there was like 200 people in the building taking the test. If I file a report, by what date do I need to do it by? Can I see what my score is before I file the report?</p>
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If I file a report, by what date do I need to do it by? Can I see what my score is before I file the report?
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<p>Again, it's been awhile since I've taken the ACTs. Frankly I don't want to remember it anymore lol. However, I think you should call a representative to get an accurate answer. I don't know the answer to your question and I don't want to mislead you. So if you're serious about this, then call ACT Inc. or shoot them an email.</p>
<p>My situation was a bit different than yours. My proctor actually turned off the lights in the middle of the math portion of the ACTs because in her words "it's too bright" (mind you, it was a windowless room so it was pitch black). The other proctor literally asked her what she was doing. I didn't report it because I didn't know that it could be reported. My former high school teacher told me about filing a complaint after I had gotten my scores and I thought it would've been too late. I didn't consider it a big deal at the time, but my guidance counselor among other people said I should've done it right after the exam. Oh well, that's all behind me now! </p>
<p>I understand what you mean about taking a different test, however, the format and types of questions are the same no matter how many times you take the test. And of course, science and reading are hit or miss. </p>
<p>Again, I would contact them about this.</p>
<p>And don't thank me for the advice lol. Just be careful with the responses you get on this forum (especially when it comes to matters like this) because they're not always accurate.</p>
<p>Whatever you choose to do, I wish you the best of luck.</p>
<p>listen to smurfgirl. i took the mme and the desks were really annoying at the testing center. a bunch of kids filed complaints with ACT and now everyone whoh took the test has the option to take the test for free this october.</p>
<p>smurfgirl, I see your point on why fhqwgads2005 should report the incident. But I'm just putting in my 2 cents, fhqwgads2005, if I were you, I would not cancel the scores and see what I got. Like you said, you may have just missed 1 or 2 questions and got a 34,35 so why not take the chance of not taking it again. It is only $50 if you didn't receive the score you wanted. It's your choice, this is just my opinion.</p>