Millions of students across the United States take two of the most dreaded standardized tests each year — the ACT and the SAT.

Those specific assessments have become the bane of my existence.

I am constantly looking up the minimum scores colleges require so I have a chance to be accepted.

Wouldn’t it be great if there was a resource available to help students like me?

Wouldn’t it be great if there was something — no, some class — that could help me become more prepared to ace these exams?

Oh wait — Blue Valley already offers exactly that.

I can’t believe I nearly forgot it existed — I was in it my sophomore year.

This class was such an incredible experience and did wonders for my test scores.

My ACT score shot up from a 22 to a 28 from learning test-taking strategies alone.

I am living proof that this class is beneficial.

I am living proof that this class works.

ACT/SAT Test Preparation should be a required course for students to take to graduate. 

Hold on — don’t come at me with pitchforks and torches yet.

There would have to be a way for students to test out of the class. Some students don’t need a classroom environment to learn this material — perhaps they already know the content or have mastered the different strategies. Maybe they are naturally good at taking these types of tests.

I completely understand that.

The fact is I don’t want students to be cheated out of a better score simply because they didn’t get the chance to use this valuable resource.

Yes, the class can be redundant — even boring — at times.

But it is filled with awesome tips and tricks to better your score — plus it is built-in practice for those who barely have time to — or know they won’t — study outside of school for the ACT and SAT.

And sometimes there are treats — teachers Dianne O’Bryan and Laura Volz are well aware this is not the most exciting class to be in.

It is not a required course currently, but enrollment for next year is right around the corner.

If you are looking to fill a half-credit, give the class a chance.

You will gain more than what you expect.