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Bearden students have mixed feelings about ACT retest

For some, not knowing and not having scores means being at the back of the line when it comes to applying to schools, for grants and scholarships.

It's a mix of emotions for students and parents at Bearden High School as the ACT retest comes during a jam packed time of year.

Bearden High School's ACT scores from a Oct. 17 test will not be counted following a "mis-administration" of the test.

ACT refused to certify the results of the test for 409 Bearden students because the school gave students a test booklet intended for Oct. 3. Because the test occurred on Oct. 17, students could theoretically have obtained test answers from others.

RELATED: ACT denies appeal to validate Bearden scores after test distribution issue, principal says

"It's finals, my kid had three papers, two tests, and additional scholarship applications due," explained Bearden mom Lynn Benko.

Many are frustrated as students' October scores weren't validated.

"The difference between a 29 and 30 on the ACT can be 12,000 dollars,” mother Lynn Smith said.

For some, not knowing and not having scores means being at the back of the line when it comes to applying to schools, for grants and scholarships. Bearden Senior Vanessa Garcia is making the most of her chance to raise her scores.

"I was frustrated at first, not able to get my scores. The second time, I feel more confident. I studied more and feel more confident,” she said.

Senior Mason Stivers skipped Saturday's test in protest.

"I decided I was going to rip my retake form apart in case there was a class action lawsuit, so I could speak out against ACT,” Stivers said.

State Representative Martin Daniel joined the list of lawmakers calling for ACT to release October's scores.

"I requested they release the scores and let the school determine if they're valid,” Daniel told 10News Friday.

For parents, it hasn't been easy. It has meant motivating children discouraged by the last round of testing.

"I was done with that October test. That was the last one I was going to take, don't expect a lot because I'm done,” explained parent Donna Boling.

But the fight continues, for their children and their future.

"I feel like the company's making an example of our kids and it's not right,” Benko said.

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