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When should you take the ACT?
Taking the ACT is a big deal— it’s an important step that will help you determine your best path through high school and into college or the workforce. Use the information below to create the best plan for your goals and where you're at in your high school career, saving you precious time and stress.
When to Take the ACT Test for the First Time
Most students tend to take the ACT during their junior and senior years of high school, once they have covered the majority of their core coursework. However, students interested in earning college credit in high school (dual enrollment), enrolling in honors classes, or using scores to guide choices about the high school classes and electives are taking their first ACT in their sophomore year. Carefully evaluate factors like your how you want to use your scores, your level of test readiness, score goals, and your other time commitments to develop a strategic plan that makes the most of your time and effort.
Recognizing that many students take the ACT more than once, a typical path from your first test to getting your highest scores might look something like this:
- Fall of Junior Year: This is a popular time to take the ACT for the first time. It allows you to establish a baseline score, identify areas of improvement, and plan your subsequent preparation accordingly.
- Spring of Junior Year: By taking the ACT again in the spring, you’ve given yourself time to build on your initial score and continue to refine your skills. This is particularly beneficial if you feel you need more time for preparation after your first attempt.
- Fall of Senior Year: If you plan to apply early to colleges, taking the ACT in the fall of your senior year ensures your scores are available for submission. It also provides an opportunity to improve your scores further to maximize your scholarship prospects. Remember, these are general suggestions. Your individual circumstances will be unique and you should choose a testing schedule that aligns with your goals, availability, and how you want to use the information you get from the ACT.
Testing More Than Once? Get the Benefit of Your Test Information Release!
If you plan on retesting to improve your scores and want to boost your test prep with a deep dive analysis on your past performance, consider purchasing your Test Information Release (TIR).
- The TIR includes the test answer key, a copy of the questions, and copy of the answers you provided, and other information about your performance.
- The TIR is only available for the national exam (i.e. Saturday testing) for September, April, and June tests, but can be purchased up to 6 months after a qualifying test date.
What grade do you take the ACT?
While the test is most commonly associated with junior and senior years, students may choose to take the ACT earlier based on some of the goals discussed above. Here are some additional considerations associated with taking the ACT as a freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior:
Freshman Year
Benefits:
- Early exposure: Taking the ACT as a freshman allows you to familiarize yourself with the test format and content, giving you a head start on test preparation.
- Baseline assessment: It provides an opportunity to gauge your academic strengths and areas for improvement, allowing you to develop a long-term plan for test readiness.
Be Aware:
- Limited subject knowledge: Freshman year coursework almost certainly has not covered all the content areas tested on the ACT, potentially putting you at a disadvantage.
- Lack of test readiness: You may not have had enough time to develop the necessary skills and strategies for optimal performance on the ACT.
Sophomore Year
Benefits:
- Extended preparation time: Starting test preparation in sophomore year allows for a longer timeline to build the necessary skills and knowledge required for the ACT.
- Score improvement: By taking the ACT as a sophomore, you can identify areas of improvement early on and make targeted efforts to enhance your performance.
- Use your scores now: Taking the ACT as a sophomore can give you insight into the high school electives and/or dual credit opportunities you may want to pursue.
Be Aware:
- Limited exposure to coursework: Some subject areas tested on the ACT will likely not have been covered fully by sophomore year, potentially affecting your performance in those sections.
- Test pressure: Taking the ACT earlier may add additional stress and pressure, especially if you haven't had ample time to prepare or feel academically ready.
Junior Year
Benefits:
- Curriculum coverage: By junior year, you've likely completed most of the core coursework that the ACT assesses, giving you a solid foundation for the test.
- Common testing year: Junior year is the most common year for students to take the ACT, providing a benchmark for comparison among your peers and preparing you for early college admission.
Be Aware:
- Time constraints: Balancing the demands of junior year coursework, extracurricular activities, and test preparation can be challenging, requiring effective time management skills.
- Limited retest opportunities: Taking the ACT in junior year leaves less time for retakes if you're aiming to improve your scores.
Senior Year
Benefits:
- Final chances for improvement: Taking the ACT in senior year allows for your last opportunities to enhance your scores before college applications and scholarship deadlines.
- Targeted preparation: By senior year, you have likely identified your strengths and weaknesses, enabling you to focus your preparation efforts on specific areas.
Be Aware:
- Time constraints: Senior year can be filled with college applications, coursework, and other responsibilities, making it challenging to allocate sufficient time for comprehensive test preparation.
- Application deadlines: Taking the ACT in senior year may limit your options if you're applying to colleges with early application deadlines, as you may not receive your scores in time for submission.
Unlock Your ACT Success
Whether you're a freshman exploring early exposure, a sophomore seeking extended preparation time, a junior aiming for benchmark scores, or a senior looking for final chances to improve, the ACT is offered on a variety of dates that will meet your needs.
By strategically planning your ACT test dates you can:
Save time and money by completing college coursework in high school.
Target specific areas for improvement.
Meet scholarship and admissions deadlines.
Qualify for honors programs.
Fulfil graduation requirements.
Boost your superscore.
Remember, each student's journey is unique, and it's essential to evaluate your personal circumstances, academic preparedness, and goals when determining the best time to take the ACT.