ACT Test & "no snacks"...are they serious?

[Christine]

Well it's a little late to help the OP's daughter; however, I did ask my daughter what she did. She and her friend brought a snack and put it in their purse. During one of the short breaks, they ate it out in the hallway. Her impression was that there was no food or drink allowed in the testing room/while testing but everyone was "snacking" out in the hallway during break.

 

[lilosurf11]

I remember when I took the SAT and the same rule also applied. Oh yes, and when I started preparing for my GRE for the fall, the same rule also applied. But this was DURING the test. I know you can take breaks and things like that, but you just can't eat during the test.

 

[jme829]

Great point! My daughter took the ACT this morning, and although writing was her best score on the PSAT and SAT, she does not feel she did as well on the writing (last) portion of the ACT because she was tired and hungry...and her butt was sore from sitting. Seriously, I think being in a school classroom for 7 hours is far easier on the kids than taking these tests for 5 hours. The ACT and SATs are pretty much sitting and working your brain, but during the school day kids pass between classes, have a chance to chat, go to the bathroom, etc. I think the ACT kids got one 15 min. break after the second portion of the test and a five minute break before the writing portion.

The English section of the test is 75 questions in 45 minutes, math is 60 questions in 60 min., reading is 40 questions in 35 min., science is 40 questions in 35 min., and the writing I "think" is 30 min. for one essay. Seems pretty intense; my brain would be fried after that. I'm sure the kids could have used a snack mid-test, but her location did not have vending machines and they were not even allowed to have water with them. I understand why they can't eat while taking the test, but not sure why they could not change the rules to allow food to be eaten between sections.

Plus at HS the kids do get a lunch break and at least at ours can have at least water in the classroom to prevent dehydration so they can focus better.

 

[crusoe2]

Hmmm interesting..DD JUST got home and said that the adminstrators were eating, drinking and texting during the test. SHe took hers at UWRF (a local college in the Univ of Wisc system.

But while I personally think that the kids will ""survive" without a snack .......most "good" diet/nutrition programs out there even suggest eating every 3-4 hours (meal, light snack, meal, light snack ,meal, light snack - or 6 mini meals.) whether you are trying to eat better for weight loss or just for general health reasons. It helps keep you from being hungry constantly, and helps keep your blood sugar regulated (whether you are diabetic or not).


My daughter was up at 6, ate breakfast, left at 7 and got home at 1:15 so she went closer to 7 hours without eating anything. If she has to re-take it, I will definitely have her throw a protein bar or something in her purse to eat during a potty break.

The test I was referring to in my post was our state high school graduation exam that is administered at school during the regular school day. I brought it up because we have a no food rule for it also and I thought the reasoning for it might explain why those taking the ACT aren't allowed to eat during the test.

That said, I'm surprised that those ACT administrators were allowed to do all that during the test. We have such strict rules about what we can do during the grad exam - no reading material, no crosswords, no grading papers or working on lessons, etc. We're not supposed to even bring our cellphones into the room and we have to make sure the classroom phone is unplugged, computers are all disabled, etc.

 

[gina2000]

It's never occurred to me that a snack would be necessary for an adult during a test.

During our state tests our kids don't get snack time. But the longest test time they deal with is about 3-3 1/2 hours.

Whenever I've tested, I'm so focused on the material that I forget all about hunger. I guess I'll have to ask DS if it's a problem for him.

 

[punkin]

So, agnes! how did it go? Does she think she did OK?

 

[browneyes106]

When I took my ACT tests in 2001 and 2002 we weren't allowed to take things in to the school I was testing at but they set up water coolers and cups for breaks.

 

[dimimi]

I think she'll be fine.. my elemetary school age kids go to school at 8am and dont eat til 12:30 and one eats at 1pm.. She's 9. No snacks. No drinks. nada.

Crazy for the teachers to allow this. I am a teacher and we are given TONS of information how important water is throughout the day. All of my own children in both schools we attended in 2 different communities were allowed a snack 1/2 way through the morning. It's funny that so many schools do this with all of the country's talk about nutrition and healthy habits.

Sure the kids "survive" but healthy snacks and water are better for you.

 

[aprilgail2]

But while I personally think that the kids will ""survive" without a snack .......most "good" diet/nutrition programs out there even suggest eating every 3-4 hours (meal, light snack, meal, light snack ,meal, light snack - or 6 mini meals.) whether you are trying to eat better for weight loss or just for general health reasons. It helps keep you from being hungry constantly, and helps keep your blood sugar regulated (whether you are diabetic or not).


.

Oh for petes sake- it was ONE day! Its not like they are making them starve and go without water every day of the school year. I think for ONE day a child can go 5 stinking hours without food- it won't ruin their "diet" any!!

 

[Wishing on a star]

Oh for petes sake- it was ONE day! Its not like they are making them starve and go without water every day of the school year. I think for ONE day a child can go 5 stinking hours without food- it won't ruin their "diet" any!!

No, just the ONE day that could be the most important day ever regarding their educational career.

Wow, you find allowing sustainance something to become become angry/adversarial about??????

 

[texaslover]

No, just the ONE day that could be the most important day ever regarding their educational career.

Wow, you find allowing sustainance something to become become angry/adversarial about??????

Dramatic much?? If a student has listened/participated throughout their school years, studied, and prepared for an entrance exam then food or lack thereof for 5 hours is not going to make a bit of difference. This angst and immediate rush to defend their "babies" from the evil system by parents is why our kiddos are not able to "handle" any type of adversity or discomfort. No one is being denied sustainance, they can bring a Powerbar or other snack and eat it during breaks! They can also get drinks during breaks and even bring their own water bottles to leave outside the testing area if they don't want the fountain. And to say that this is a control issue by test administrators is just absurd. We wonder why many, many kids don't have respect for authority figures.......

 

[jme829]

The test I was referring to in my post was our state high school graduation exam that is administered at school during the regular school day. I brought it up because we have a no food rule for it also and I thought the reasoning for it might explain why those taking the ACT aren't allowed to eat during the test.

That said, I'm surprised that those ACT administrators were allowed to do all that during the test. We have such strict rules about what we can do during the grad exam - no reading material, no crosswords, no grading papers or working on lessons, etc. We're not supposed to even bring our cellphones into the room and we have to make sure the classroom phone is unplugged, computers are all disabled, etc.

Gotcha!! lol....I was kind of surprised too, that the test administrators were allowed to do that. I would think that their sole activity would be to monitor and make sure nobody was cheating.

The irony though, is that DD's writing section topic was that she had to pick a side: either defending a teachers choice of allowing snacks/water in the classroom or the teacher not allowing them.

LOL...they must get lots of complaints about this...

 

[kaytieeldr]

Also, if you have a documented medical problem (like diabetes) you can definitely get testing accommodations for the ACT, but that does not apply to OP.

And the day before, or the day of, the test is probably too late to arrange this

 

[jme829]

Oh for petes sake- it was ONE day! Its not like they are making them starve and go without water every day of the school year. I think for ONE day a child can go 5 stinking hours without food- it won't ruin their "diet" any!!

Holy cow...calm down.....I was just making a general statement. (and I was talking about their overall diet not a weight loss diet) but whatever.

If you bothered to COMPREHEND the first sentence of the second paragraph in my post, you would see that I personally agree that they will survive ...Good grief. READ the WHOLE post first before you have a hissy fit.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Sorry, but I do see this as an issue...

I see absolutely NO reason that an academic test should become a test of physical endurance. (except for somebody elses convenience and control issues) When did going five (or, heavens, six) hours without food 'become a test of physical endurance'?

1. Many kids simply can not really manage to eat first thing in the morning
(choking down maybe half a bowl of cereal (sugar and carbs) early in the morning would leave me shaking and catatonic by 11:00 am) Then, with a test so important, it might be advisable to change one's schedule the day before. Go to sleep earlier, wake up earlier. Leave more time between rising and eating. Eat the protein-filled breakfast advised. Go take the test.
3. Sure, most any kid WILL survive... But, I thought this was about maximum academic performance, not 'survival'. Survival? Nobody's being tossed out in the woods with a Swiss army knife and a match. It's a test required by many colleges/universities for admission. Planning ahead can certainly result in maximum academic performance. Don't like the rules? Apply to schools that don't require the ACTs. Expecting the testing company to change the rules to accommodate the opinions of some parents is disingenuous.

2. For those who do not have good blood sugar control, any blood sugar issues whatsoever, this IS an issue.

um, in my case, it was not about "wittle speshul snackies", but about staying conscious! I feel for your kid if you ever have a child that is hypoglycemic.

Not to mentioned you usually end up eating an hour before the test even starts + 5 hours... Yeah I def would be passing out at that point.

As stated above, special arrangements can be made for special needs - given enough notice.

It boils down to the convenience/control issues of the test administrators.

Nope. Not at all. The test administrators???? That's people like crusoe2. You don't REALLY think she and others like her MAKE the rules, do you? The testing companies make their own rules. By registering and paying to take the test, you/your child agree to their rules.

 

[jme829]

Dramatic much?? If a student has listened/participated throughout their school years, studied, and prepared for an entrance exam then food or lack thereof for 5 hours is not going to make a bit of difference. This angst and immediate rush to defend their "babies" from the evil system by parents is why our kiddos are not able to "handle" any type of adversity or discomfort. No one is being denied sustainance, they can bring a Powerbar or other snack and eat it during breaks! They can also get drinks during breaks and even bring their own water bottles to leave outside the testing area if they don't want the fountain. And to say that this is a control issue by test administrators is just absurd. We wonder why many, many kids don't have respect for authority figures.......

To be honest, my DD is a stickler for rules when it comes to school/tests.

When the paper said NO water/drinks and snacks, she took it at face value.

As I said, if she has to re-take it (she needs a 24 for her major), then I will definitely make sure she takes a bar or something to leave in her purse just to kind of boost her energy if she gets that mid morning slump halfway through the test.

She is not a big breakfast eater either, especially early in the a.m but she did eat a cheese stick and a beef jerky stick before she left, so at least it was protein and not crappy carbs. lol (she's 17, I don't monitor her eating habits, she is old enough to make her own decisions on that front-although I do nudge her to make good choices)

However, she has prepared all semester (practiced online, and with the book) and gotten all A's this year, but she continuously has trouble with finals/major exams..she is not a test taker...she stresses her self wayyyy too much and then overthinks everything when the time comes. But I guess that's a whole 'nother thread....test strategies for high stress students...lol...

 

[punkin]

However, she has prepared all semester (practiced online, and with the book) and gotten all A's this year, but she continuously has trouble with finals/major exams..she is not a test taker...she stresses her self wayyyy too much and then overthinks everything when the time comes. But I guess that's a whole 'nother thread....test strategies for high stress students...lol...

I am soooooo glad I don't have to do this for another 5 years. DD17 is an awful test taker, but she is all set to go to college in the fall and the little one is too young to worry about yet. 5 years of relative calm in the house.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Oh for petes sake- it was ONE day! Its not like they are making them starve and go without water every day of the school year. I think for ONE day a child can go 5 stinking hours without food- it won't ruin their "diet" any!!

 

[kaytieeldr]

No, just the ONE day that could be the most important day ever regarding their educational career.

Wow, you find allowing sustainance something to become become angry/adversarial about??????

Well, half day. Is it genuinely a hardship, tragedy, abuse of power, asinine, ridiculous, just plain abusive - whatever term one chooses - to not allow ANY foreign item in the testing area, period, separating students from food/water for five hours, once? They GET a break between test segments; the testing facilities - aka schools - DO have water fountains; they're strongly advised IN ADVANCE to eat a healthy meal before the test, i.e. one that will keep them nourished and alert through the few hours of the test... it's not the testing company's responsibility that an older teen/almost-adult can't or won't follow written directions .

 

[Sparx]

No, just the ONE day that could be the most important day ever regarding their educational career.

Wow, you find allowing sustainance something to become become angry/adversarial about??????

Most important day ever? no. not by a long shot.

I find entitled hovering parents urging children to break the rules something to become angry about.

Five hours without food likely won't kill anyone, and of course in classic dis fashion someone will find some reason that a person cannot go without food for five hours. Also, these rules say that there is no food water allowed in testing AREA. That means, its a room. Rooms are in buildings and in this case school buildings. During the breaks students can leave the room and eat whatever they want for a few minutes.