Alright, let’s talk about this VCC and ACT scorecard thing, you know, for them young folks going to college. Don’t really know what all them letters stand for, but I reckon it’s important for them smarty pants kids.
What’s this VCC and ACT stuff anyway?
Well, from what I gather, it’s like a test, see? Like them tests they used to give back in my day, only harder, I guess. These VCC and ACT things, they give you a score, and that score tells them colleges how smart you are. Or at least, how good you are at takin’ tests, which ain’t always the same thing, you know?
VCC score versus ACT score, what’s the diff?
Now, they tell me these two tests ain’t exactly the same. One gives you a score that’s, like, between 400 and 1600, big numbers, right? That’s the VCC I think. The other one, the ACT, it’s got smaller numbers, like from 1 to 36. Don’t ask me why they gotta make it so confusing. It’s like comparing apples and oranges, they say. But colleges, they know how to figure it out, I reckon.
- VCC Score: Goes from 400 to 1600. Big number means you’re smart, I guess.
- ACT Score: Goes from 1 to 36. Higher the better, same as the other one, just smaller numbers.
And then there’s this essay thing…
If you’re one of them kids who likes to write, or if the college wants you to, you can do this essay part on the ACT. They give you another score for that, from 2 to 12. Seems like a lot of scores to keep track of, if you ask me. I never did much writin’, always better at talkin’.
So, which one should them youngsters take? The VCC or the ACT?
That’s the million-dollar question, ain’t it? Well, it ain’t really a million dollars, but it sure feels like it with them college prices these days. From what I hear, some colleges like one test more than the other. And some kids, they do better on one than the other. It’s like pickin’ between two different kinds of pie, I guess. You gotta figure out which one you like best, or which one’s gonna get you into that fancy college.
How do you get ready for this test-taking business?
Well, first you gotta decide which test you’re gonna take, the VCC or the ACT. Then, I hear, you gotta study. Lots of books and practice tests and such. Sounds like a whole lotta work, if you ask me. Back in my day, you just showed up and did your best. But things is different now, I reckon.
When do you sign up for these things?
There’s deadlines and dates and all sorts of stuff you gotta keep track of. You can’t just show up on test day and expect to take it. You gotta register, they call it. And you gotta do it on time, or you’re outta luck. It’s all on the internet now, they tell me. Good luck figuring that out, it’s all Greek to me.
What’s on these tests anyhow?
They got all sorts of questions on ’em. Math, which I never was good at. Reading, which is alright I guess, long as the print ain’t too small. And science, which is interesting enough if you ain’t gotta do no math with it. And then there’s that essay thing we talked about. It’s a whole bunch of stuff crammed into one test. No wonder them kids are stressed out.
So, it’s all about the score, right?
Well, yeah, the score is important. But it ain’t the only thing, I don’t think. Colleges, they look at other stuff too, like your grades and what kind of person you are. But a good score sure does help, that’s for sure. It can open doors, they say. Doors to a better job and a better life, maybe. At least, that’s what they tell them youngsters.
Making sense of it all
Look, this VCC and ACT scorecard thing, it’s complicated. I ain’t gonna lie. But it’s important for them kids who want to go to college. So, if you got a young’un headin’ that way, you gotta help ‘em figure it out. Help ‘em study, help ‘em sign up, and help ‘em keep their chin up, even if they don’t get the best score in the world. ‘Cause at the end of the day, it ain’t just about the numbers, it’s about workin’ hard and bein’ a good person. That’s what really matters, I reckon.
Don’t forget, it ain’t the end of the world
And if them youngsters don’t do so good on the test, well, it ain’t the end of the world. There’s other ways to get where you want to go in life. Hard work and a good attitude can take you a long way, test score or no test score. That’s what I always say. And it’s been true enough for me, livin’ this long life I’ve lived.
So there you have it. My two cents on this VCC and ACT scorecard thing. Hope it helps some of you understand it a little better. And if it don’t, well, don’t worry about it too much. Just do your best, and that’s all anyone can ask for.
