The debate between the online and paper-based ACT has sparked varied opinions among students, with both formats having their advantages and drawbacks. Junior Madeleine Prill, reflecting on her experience with the online ACT, expressed a sentiment shared by many students. “It’s very straining and tiring to stare at a screen for an extended period of time,” Prill said. Prill emphasized her preference for traditional paper tests, explaining that “the paper format is much easier to take notes on compared to the online format.”
Her sentiment is shared by junior Cole Hoffman, who initially harbored doubts about the online test but acknowledged the smooth execution. “I was almost certain that a lot was going to go wrong on the tech side, but since it didn’t, I’ve eased up on it,” he said. Hoffman appreciated the flexibility of online navigation, but found certain sections, like science and reading, more cumbersome online. “The passage based subjects were difficult, because it was tedious to have to go question by question.” he added.
Compared to the paper ACT, the online ACT provides a more flexible and efficient testing environment experience. With the ability to navigate freely between questions, review and change answers, and mark questions for review, students like Hoffman appreciate the convenience of this format. The absence of manual bubbling also saves time, allowing students to solely focus on answering questions. Despite this, students find certain sections, particularly those heavily focused on reading, more challenging online due to the interface. Ultimately, the choice between online and paper-based testing comes down to personal preference and comfort, with each format offering its own unique advantages and challenges.
