In this pivotal chapter, Tara Westover embarks on a transformative journey that marks the beginning of her formal education. The chapter opens with Tara's decision to take the ACT, a standardized test required for college admission. This decision is monumental for her as it symbolizes her first significant step towards an academic future, a path that diverges sharply from her family's survivalist beliefs and rural lifestyle.

Tara's preparation for the ACT reveals her resourcefulness. Lacking formal schooling, she uses a variety of materials to teach herself the subjects covered in the test. This self-directed study reflects her determination and willingness to challenge the limitations imposed by her upbringing. Despite the obstacles she faces, such as a lack of guidance and academic resources, Tara's resolve to succeed grows stronger.

The chapter also delves into her emotional state as she grapples with the idea of leaving her family's world behind. This internal conflict is palpable; she feels a deep loyalty to her family but is increasingly aware of the stifling nature of their beliefs. Her father, Gene, embodies the resistance to education that permeates her childhood, viewing formal schooling as a tool of government control. Tara's decision to pursue education thus becomes not just an academic endeavor, but a radical act of independence.

Once she takes the ACT, Tara receives surprising news: she has scored high enough to gain admission to Brigham Young University (BYU), a prestigious institution affiliated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This acceptance is both exhilarating and terrifying for Tara. Excitement battles with anxiety as she prepares to leave home for the first time and enter a world that is completely foreign to her.

The chapter concludes with Tara's arrival at BYU. She is struck by the stark contrasts between her new surroundings and her upbringing. The campus is filled with students who are educated, confident, and engaged in discussions that Tara finds both stimulating and intimidating. As she navigates this new environment, she begins to experience the complexities of her identity. She grapples with feelings of isolation and inadequacy while also discovering a newfound sense of belonging among her peers.

Through this chapter, Tara Westover highlights the challenges and triumphs of her initial steps into higher education. It marks the beginning of her journey toward self-discovery and intellectual growth, setting the foundation for the profound changes that education will bring to her life. The chapter encapsulates the themes of transformation and the struggle for self-invention, as Tara begins to redefine her sense of home and belonging in a world vastly different from the one she has known.