Overcoming the ACT: A Journey of Persistence and Growth by Dulce

Overcoming the ACT: A Journey of Persistence and Growth by Dulce - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

One of the most challenging academic experiences I faced was preparing for the ACT during my junior year. As a first-generation student, I felt overwhelmed because I lacked guidance at home and didn’t know where to start. Balancing ACT prep with my school assignments, part-time job, and extracurricular responsibilities only made it more difficult. I knew this test was critical for my future college goals, but the sheer amount of material to study and the time constraints made the process intimidating.

At first, I tried to study without a clear plan, which left me feeling more frustrated and unprepared. I realized I needed a better approach to manage my time and focus on my weak areas. I began by creating a detailed study schedule, dedicating time each day to practice specific sections of the test. I used free resources from school and online platforms to access practice questions, tutorials, and tips. Additionally, I worked closely with my teachers, who were generous with their time and advice, offering strategies to improve my understanding of challenging concepts.

To make studying less isolating, I also formed a study group with friends who were preparing for the ACT. We supported each other by sharing tips, taking practice tests together, and discussing strategies. This collaboration helped me stay motivated and made the preparation process more manageable.

Through consistent effort and by leaning on the resources and support systems available to me, I was able to improve my performance significantly. Not only did I achieve a score that I was proud of, but I also learned valuable lessons about persistence, time management, and the importance of asking for help. This experience showed me that even when faced with intimidating challenges, I could find a way to succeed through hard work, support, and determination.