Testing Timeline for the ACT
ACT Prep and Testing Timeline
When students should plan to take a prep class and first official ACT
Early – 9th grade-only for highly advanced students taking AP classes and Calculus
Most Common – Summer after sophomore year or winter/spring of junior year
*Most metro high schools administer an in-school ACT to all juniors each April
ACT Retesting Opportunities after a Student’s Junior Year-
June, July, and September– all of these test dates will allow students to submit test scores in advance of the early action/early decision deadlines (depending on the college, the October test date may work as well)
For the regular college application process students can submit scores from the October or December ACT test dates in addition to those listed above
*Please contact me at otoole@att.net with any questions about the prep/testing timeline
Strategies for Improving Test Performance
In this N.Y. Times article, test advisor Shaan Patel gives several suggestions for improving performance on the SAT; the advice is equally applicable for the ACT and PSAT.
Specific strategies for increasing test scores include:
- begin preparation well in advance of the test date
- practice testing under timed conditions
- devote time and practice to reading and vocabulary development
- maintain good physical health
- practice written responses to writing prompts
Colleges Awarding Scholarships Based Upon ACT or SAT Scores
As competition for students increases, many selective colleges are awarding significant merit scholarships based upon ACT or SAT scores. According to the article, students who score in the top 10% of all test-takers (28 or higher on the ACT, 2000 or higher on the SAT) can expect significant merit-based aid.