Introduction

One of the most overlooked — but crucial — decisions in the college admissions process is when your child should take the ACT.

Choosing the right test date isn’t just about convenience — it’s about maximizing your student’s prep time, aligning with college deadlines, and giving them the chance to retake the test if needed.

In this post, I’ll help you figure out the best time for your child to take the ACT (and whether they should plan for more than one attempt).

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When Is the ACT Offered?

The ACT is typically offered 7 times per year in the U.S.:

Month	Typical Test Date
February	Mid-month
April	Early to mid-month
June	Early June
July	Mid-July (limited locations)
September	Early September
October	Mid-month
December	Early December

Registration closes ~5 weeks before the test
(Late registration usually available for an extra fee.)

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When Should Students Take the ACT for the First Time?

Here’s a general guideline:

Best time to take the ACT (first attempt):

Spring of 10th grade or Fall/Winter of 11th grade

This gives:

• Time to prep over summer or winter break
• Flexibility to retake the test before college deadlines
• Scores that are ready for scholarship applications

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How Long Should You Study Before the Test?

Ideally, your student should have 3–6 months to prepare.
So consider their academic calendar, extracurriculars, and mental bandwidth before choosing a date.

Prep Time Available	Best Test Dates
Summer Prep (off school)	September, October
Winter Prep (holiday break)	February, April
Spring Prep (light class load)	June, July

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Should You Take the ACT More Than Once?

YES — most students improve their score significantly on a second attempt.

Here’s why:

• They’re less anxious and more familiar with the format
• They’ve had time to review mistakes
• They’ve identified what to focus on

Average score increase after a retake: 2–3 points

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Ideal ACT Timeline (Example)

Let’s say your child is in 10th or 11th grade:

Step	Date
Take Diagnostic ACT	January
Start Prep	February
First ACT Attempt	April
Review & Refocus	May–June
Second ACT Attempt	July or September
Use Final Score for College Apps	Fall of 12th Grade

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When Are ACT Scores Due for College Applications?

Most colleges accept ACT scores from:

• October test dates of senior year (for early deadlines)
• December test dates (for regular deadlines)

But it’s best not to cut it close — give yourself at least one test buffer in case of illness, technical issues, or a score drop.

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We Help Families Choose the Right ACT Timeline

In our virtual ACT prep program, We:

• Help students choose the right test date based on their goals and schedule
• Create a personalized study timeline
• Offer support before each official test date

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Let’s choose the right ACT date — and make sure your child is ready for it.
Join my live online ACT class to get expert planning and prep tailored to your family’s needs.