The first time I attempted the ACT was in early 1988. I miscalculated how long it would take my family (who were driving me) to get their act together and get me there on time. So, I did not get there on time, did not take the test. :smack:
Rescheduled the test for a couple months down the road. Proceeded to take the local university’s Regent’s Scholarship exams. Placed in the top 2 of 7 winners. Full scholarship, stipend, everything. The essay portion saved my butt, I am pretty sure. 
Only problem; to be on the scholarship, you have to be in the University Honors Program. Since I hadn’t taken the ACT yet, I didn’t have the necessary score. But here I am with this cool-ass scholarship… And we’re waiting for me to take a standardized test to prove, yes, I am indeed smart enough to be here. :rolleyes:
Finally took the ACT. Got a 26, the bare minimum for the University Honors Program. Went on in college to complete my Honors requirements (colloquia, thesis project, etc.) and graduated with honors. Was also active in the Honors Student Organization, though my main duties appeared to be harassing people to give me material for the (supposedly) monthly newsletter and playing role-playing games (like D & D) in the office after hours. 
The dragon lady who ran the Honors Program seemed rather abrupt with me at times. Guess she didn’t much like the underdog. 
Of my college friends (several of whom I’m still friends with), I pretty much had the lowest ACT score. Kind of disheartening, but I’m good at other things, right? RIGHT??? :o