Which ACT Test Date Is Best?

The ACT is a standardized test colleges use to determine a student’s readiness for post-secondary coursework.

The ACT doesn’t measure intelligence; rather, it assesses a student’s knowledge of high school-level skills in math, data analysis, reading and language.
 
Students must register online or by mail to take the ACT. Registration currently costs $50.50, and students take the test at a nearby high school or community center on a Saturday morning.
 
The ACT testing organization offers the test about eight times a year. As such, parents and students often ask if there is any benefit to registering for a particular test date.
 
Our answer is: yes! While there is no way to predict the difficulty of a certain test date (test questions change each time, although the concepts tested remain the same), some test dates tend to work better for student’s schedules.
 
Here is our advice for students preparing for the ACT:
 
The Facts about ACT Preparation
 
Even though the ACT covers skills you’ve learned in high school, it’s not an easy test. The timing element is a big challenge. It includes skills from Algebra I and Geometry you may have forgotten if you’re currently taking Calculus. It tests over nuanced writing errors like redundancy, wordiness and unclear sentence structure.
 
Students who cram for the test – or skip studying entirely – are unlikely to earn their target scores. For reference, most private universities prefer composite scores at or above 30 – that’s about the 93rd percentile.
 
The best way to study for the ACT is incrementally. You can use class notes from previous courses to go over what you’ve learned bit by bit. You can also use a test preparation textbook or the ACT’s online materials. If you want to ensure your scores impresses college admissions counselors, you can enroll in a test prep course that meets once or twice a week.
 
Choose Your Test Date Wisely
 
Because of the time it takes to adequately study for the ACT, we recommend students prepare during the summer. With less homework and fewer extracurricular activities, ACT test prep becomes less of a burden. Usually, this means registering for the September test and studying in July and August.
 
Here are some other things to consider when choosing your ACT test date:
 

• Athletics: If you are an athlete – particularly if you plan to play in college – try to schedule your ACT during your sport’s off-season. When students try to juggle an intense athletic season and ACT prep, they often drop the ball.
• AP Tests: If you are a junior taking multiple AP courses, avoid registering for the June ACT. You will need plenty of time in April and May to study for your AP tests, and studying for the ACT at the same time could get very stressful.
• Summer Travel: For some students, the September ACT is not the best bet. If your family spends a lot of time traveling during the summer – or if your summer is filled with camps and programs – it will be tough to find enough time to study for the ACT.

 
You’ve Got This!
 
With commitment and preparation, you can earn your best score on the ACT. Take time to carefully consider your schedule, and choose the test date that gives you plenty of time to prepare.
 
Not sure where to begin studying? Check out a test prep course like the one at iLearn Academy. Students meet twice weekly with expert instructors who guide them through a proven ACT curriculum. Students see an average six-point gain in their composite scores after 10 weeks.
 
Learn more our ACT prep courses here.