When Do You Take the ACT?
Contents
The ACT, a cornerstone in college admissions, challenges students across a broad range of subjects, reflecting their readiness for higher education. Its significance in the college application process cannot be overstated, prompting students to ponder the optimal timing for taking this pivotal exam. This article sheds light on the intricacies of ACT scheduling, ensuring students make an informed decision that aligns with their academic preparedness and college aspirations. With thoughtful consideration of test dates, registration deadlines, and personal commitments, students can strategically position themselves for success. The following sections will guide through selecting the most opportune moment to undertake the ACT, factoring in the comprehensive landscape of college admission timelines.
Ideal Timing for High School Students
For high school students contemplating when to take the ACT, the journey typically begins with an understanding of the academic and extracurricular landscape that defines these formative years. The decision of choosing an optimal test date is nuanced, influenced by a blend of academic readiness, extracurricular engagements, and strategic preparation.
Academic Timeline
The consensus among educational experts suggests aiming to have your ACT score ready by the end of junior year. This timeline provides flexibility for retakes during the fall of senior year, ensuring scores are available for college applications. The decision on when to initially sit for the ACT hinges significantly on academic preparedness, especially in mathematics. Students who have completed Algebra 2 by the end of their sophomore year may find it advantageous to test in the fall of their junior year, leveraging the summertime for comprehensive preparation.
Balancing Extracurricular Commitments
Extracurricular activities play a pivotal role in shaping a well-rounded college application. However, they also demand substantial time and energy, which must be balanced against ACT preparation. As extracurricular activities ramp up, our College Admissions Tutors advise against overlooking these commitments. They recommend scheduling your ACT during less hectic periods, ensuring you have ample time to balance both your academic and extracurricular pursuits effectively.
Incorporating Preparation Time
Preparation is key to achieving a good ACT score. Students should allocate ample time for studying, ideally starting several months before their chosen test date. For those needing substantial score improvements, dedicating three to six months for focused preparation is advisable. This preparation period should be woven into the student's broader academic and extracurricular schedule, ensuring a harmonious balance that fosters both personal development and test readiness.
In sum, the ideal timing for taking the ACT requires a holistic approach, considering academic coursework completion, extracurricular activities, and dedicated preparation time. By carefully planning their approach to the ACT, students can optimise their performance while maintaining a well-balanced high school experience.
Understanding ACT Test Dates and Deadlines
The ACT is systematically scheduled seven times each year within and outside the US. This recurrent scheduling is designed to provide multiple opportunities for students to sit for the exam at times that best fit their personal and academic schedules.
ACT Scheduling Throughout the Year
Expert Tip: Considering the various ACT test dates throughout the year, our ACT Tutors suggest picking a date that falls after significant academic milestones. For instance, choosing a test date after completing critical junior year courses can be beneficial.- February Test: Positioned early in the year, offering students a chance to take the test after a semester of academic progress.
- April and June Tests: These spring dates are popular among juniors, allowing for score evaluation before the summer break.
- July Test: A relatively new addition, offering another opportunity for students to test during the summer, though not available in all states.
- Fall Tests (September, October, and December): Scheduled to accommodate students returning to school, these dates are crucial for seniors making last-minute score improvements before college application deadlines.
Registration Deadlines
Each test date comes with its own set of registration deadlines, typically including a regular registration deadline about five to six weeks before the test date, followed by a late registration deadline, which incurs additional fees. It is important to note that registration for all test dates opens in July of the preceding year, enabling students to plan well in advance.
- Regular Registration: Avoids additional fees and ensures choice of test centre.
- Late Registration: Available after the regular deadline passes, incurs a late fee but provides an extended opportunity to register.
- Standby Testing: For those who miss the late registration deadline, a standby option exists but doesn't guarantee a seat; it's first-come, first-served, for paper tests only. Standby testing includes limited availability and an additional fee.
Upcoming Test Dates for US Students
For US students, upcoming test dates for the 2023-2024 testing cycle include:
| ACT Test Date | Regular Registration Deadline | Late Registration Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| June 8, 2024 | May 3 | May 19 |
| July 13, 2024 | June 7 | June 21 |
Table Showing Upcoming ACT Test Dates in the US
Upcoming ACT Test Dates for International Students
The ACT is administered internationally on several dates throughout the year. For the 2023-2024 testing cycle, upcoming international test dates include:
| ACT Test Dates | Regular Registration Deadline | Late Registration Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| April 12-13, 2024 | 15 March | 29 March |
| June 7-8, 2024 | 10 May | 24 May |
| July 12-13, 2024 | 14 June | 28 June |
Table Showing Upcoming ACT Test Dates outside the US
These dates are specifically set for countries outside the United States, U.S. territories, and Puerto Rico. For each test date, there are morning and afternoon sessions offered, though session availability may vary by test center.
Understanding these dates and deadlines is vital for effective ACT preparation and scheduling. By aligning test-taking with individual academic progress and allowing sufficient time for preparation, students can optimise their performance on this critical college admissions test.
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Factors to Consider When Scheduling Your ACT
Choosing the right ACT test date is not merely about finding a convenient Saturday; it's a strategic decision influenced by several key factors. These include college application deadlines, preparation time, and the contingency plan for retaking the exam if necessary.
College Application Deadlines
The timing of college application submissions is a critical factor in deciding when to take the ACT. It's essential to have your ACT scores ready in advance of college application deadlines to ensure they can be considered as part of your application. For regular decision deadlines, which typically fall in early January, a test date no later than October of your senior year is advisable. For early decision or early action applications, with deadlines often in November, targeting a test date by the end of junior year or the July test date before senior year is prudent.
Scholarships Timelines
Many colleges and scholarship programs use ACT scores as a criterion for awarding scholarships. Higher scores can qualify students for more substantial financial aid packages, making it essential to aim for the highest score possible.
Starting your scholarship search early enables you to align your ACT testing schedule with these critical deadlines, ensuring you have the optimal scores ready for submission. Planning ahead in this manner allows you to choose an ACT test date that best fits the timeline for submitting scholarship applications, maximizing your chances of securing financial aid for college.
Retaking the ACT and Superscoring
ACT superscore is the process some colleges use to consider a student's highest section scores across multiple ACT test dates, combining them to form a new, higher composite score. This approach can significantly benefit students by showcasing their highest achievements in each subject, effectively allowing them to present the best version of their academic abilities to colleges.
Expert Tip: Retaking the ACT? Our ACT Tutors advocate for a strategic approach. If superscoring is an option, they suggest focusing your preparation on sections where you can make the most significant gains, thereby maximizing your overall score.With the ACT superscore strategy in mind, students may opt to take the ACT multiple times, focusing on different sections to maximise their scores in each. Planning your test dates should therefore account for sufficient study time to improve specific areas between tests. Ideally beginning in your junior year, this approach allows for multiple attempts, each time with the potential to enhance your ACT superscore by improving on previous section scores.
Preparation Time
Adequate preparation is crucial for achieving a desirable ACT score. The amount of time you'll need to prepare effectively depends on your baseline score and your target score improvement. A period of three to six months of dedicated study time before your chosen test date is generally recommended. This timeframe allows for a thorough review of content areas, practice tests, and refinement of test-taking strategies.
Benefits of Early Preparation and Testing
Embarking on ACT preparation well ahead of the test dates brings multiple benefits, which can be broken down into distinct advantages related to academic readiness and strategic planning.
Advantages of Starting ACT Prep Early
- Identifying Strengths and Weaknesses: Beginning your study sessions early gives you a critical window to assess which areas you excel in and which require more focus, enabling a tailored approach to preparation.
- Building Confidence and Reducing Anxiety: Gradual and consistent preparation helps in alleviating test-day nervousness, making you more comfortable with the exam format and types of questions asked.
Insights from Early Testing
- Diagnostic Tool: According to our AP Tutors, an initial ACT attempt can serve as a benchmark, highlighting areas that need improvement and helping students set realistic goals for future study.
- Strategy for Improvement: With early test results in hand, you can pinpoint specific content areas for focused study, allowing for targeted improvement and a better chance of increasing your score on subsequent attempts.
By structuring ACT preparation and testing with these considerations in mind, students can significantly enhance their performance. Starting early not only ensures comprehensive coverage of the material but also provides ample opportunity for improvement, making each study session and test attempt count towards achieving a higher score.
Conclusion
Navigating the optimal timing for the ACT requires a strategic approach, taking into account academic preparedness, college application and scholarship deadlines, and the possibility for score improvement. Understanding the intricacies of ACT scheduling, including the advantages of superscoring and the significance of early preparation, can significantly impact one’s application profile. By meticulously planning test dates to align with personal and academic milestones, students can enhance their readiness and maximise their potential for success. In essence, the journey towards achieving an ideal ACT score is not just about hard study but also about smart scheduling, ensuring that when the time comes to submit college applications, students are equipped with their best possible scores.
FAQ
How does ACT scoring work?
The ACT consists of four main sections: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science, each scored on a scale of 1-36. Your raw score for each section, determined by the number of correct answers, is converted to a scaled score within this range. There is no penalty for wrong answers, so guessing is encouraged. The Composite Score, which is what most people refer to as the "ACT score," is the average of these four section scores, rounded to the nearest whole number. If you opt for the Writing Test, it is scored separately on a scale of 2-12 based on four domains: Ideas and Analysis, Development and Support, Organization, and Language Use. This Writing score does not affect your Composite Score but is reported alongside it.
Can colleges see all my ACT scores?
You have control over which ACT scores colleges see. When sending scores to colleges, you can select specific test dates to share. This flexibility allows you to present your best performance to colleges. However, it's important to note that some colleges have "all scores" policies, requiring applicants to submit scores from every time they've taken the ACT. This policy aims to give a comprehensive view of an applicant's testing efforts. Before sending scores, review the admissions policies of the colleges you're interested in to ensure compliance and strategize on which scores to send for maximizing your admissions prospects.
What's considered a good ACT score?
A "good" ACT score varies based on the colleges you're applying to and your academic goals. Nationally, the average ACT Composite Score hovers around 21. However, what's considered good can significantly differ among institutions. For highly selective colleges, scores in the 30-36 range are often the norm among admitted students. To determine what score you should aim for, research the 25th to 75th percentile ACT scores of admitted students at your target schools. Landing in or above this range can make you a competitive applicant. Beyond college admissions, some scholarship programs also use ACT scores as criteria, so achieving a high score can also help with financial aid.
How often can I retake the ACT?
The ACT can be taken up to 12 times, and it is offered seven times a year in the United States. This offers plenty of opportunities for students to improve their scores. While there's no limit on how much one can improve, it's wise to plan retakes thoughtfully. Preparing between tests, understanding weaknesses, and setting realistic score goals are key strategies. Also, considering college application deadlines and the time it takes to receive scores will help in scheduling retakes. Keep in mind, though, that constantly retaking the test without sufficient preparation might not yield significant score improvements and can also lead to test fatigue.
Do I need the ACT Writing Test?
Whether you need to take the ACT Writing Test depends on the specific requirements of the colleges to which you are applying. While the Writing Test is optional, some colleges and universities require or recommend it as part of the application process. This section evaluates your writing skills in a 40-minute essay, where you'll analyze a complex issue. It's scored separately from the Composite Score and does not affect it. Because policies vary, check the admissions requirements of each institution you're considering. If you're applying to a wide range of schools, it might be a good idea to take the Writing Test to keep your options open.
How do I send ACT scores to colleges?
Sending ACT scores to colleges is a straightforward process that can be done through your ACT web account. During registration, you have the option to select up to four colleges to receive your scores for free. After you've taken the test, you can send scores to additional colleges for a fee. It's important to know each college's deadline for receiving test scores, as they can vary. Additionally, some colleges participate in the ACT's Educational Opportunity Service, which allows your scores and other information to be shared with colleges and scholarship agencies, potentially opening up more opportunities based on your scores.
What's the deadline for ACT score submission?
Deadlines for submitting ACT scores to colleges depend on the colleges' application deadlines. Generally, scores should be sent at least a few weeks before these deadlines to ensure they are processed and reviewed in time. Keep in mind the ACT's processing time, which can be up to eight weeks for scores to be sent after the test date. For students applying early decision or early action, planning is particularly crucial to meet these earlier deadlines. Always verify each college's specific score submission deadlines and aim to have your ACT scores ready well in advance to avoid any last-minute issues.
Are ACT prep courses worth it?
The effectiveness and worth of ACT prep courses depend on various factors, including your learning style, current scoring level, and goal score. These courses can provide structured learning, practice tests, and strategies that might not be as easily accessible when studying alone. However, they also require a significant time and financial investment. Some students find that self-study, using books and online resources, is equally effective. Consider your personal learning preferences, budget, and how much improvement you're seeking. For many, the structure and accountability of a prep course are invaluable, while others achieve their score goals through disciplined self-study.
How does the ACT compare to the SAT?
The ACT and SAT are both standardized tests used for college admissions in the United States, but they have different focuses and formats. The ACT includes a Science section and questions that are generally more straightforward, covering a broader range of topics. The SAT emphasizes math and evidence-based reading and writing, with a unique no-calculator math section. Colleges do not prefer one test over the other, so the choice between the ACT and SAT often comes down to which format and style better suit the student's strengths and test-taking strategies. Some students even choose to take both tests to maximize their opportunities for college admissions.
Can I use a calculator on the ACT?
You are allowed to use a calculator on the Mathematics section of the ACT, but there are specific guidelines about the types of calculators permitted. While most graphing calculators are allowed, calculators with computer algebra systems, tablets, or calculators with a QWERTY keyboard are not permitted. The ACT's official website provides a detailed list of acceptable calculators. Planning ahead and familiarizing yourself with these guidelines can prevent any issues on test day. Additionally, it's beneficial to practice with the calculator you plan to use during the test to ensure efficiency and familiarity under timed conditions.
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Written by: George Christofi
LinkedInGeorge studied undergraduate and masters degrees in Classics and Philosophy at Oxford, as well as spending time at Yale. He specialises in helping students with UK and US university applications, including Oxbridge and the Ivy League. He writes extensively on education including on schools, universities, and pedagogy.
