When To Take The ACT
There isn't a specific time that is best to take the ACT; however, there are certain factors to consider when scheduling the exam. One major factor is that the ACT is only offered at certain times during the year. The following table outlines the test dates, registration deadlines, and final deadlines for signup (which require a late fee) for the United States, U.S. territories and Canada for the 2009-2010 school year. Since not all test dates are available in all states, it is recommended that students check with local test centers before registering.
| Test Date | Registration Deadline | (Late Fee Required) |
| September 12, 2009* | August 7, 2009 | August 8 – 21, 2009 |
| October 24, 2009 | September 18, 2009 | September 19 – October 2, 2009 |
| December 12, 2009 | November 6, 2009 | November 7 – 20, 2009 |
| February 6, 2010** | January 5, 2010 | January 6 – 15, 2010 |
| April 10, 2010 | March 5, 2010 | March 6 - 19, 2010 |
| June 12, 2010 | May 7, 2010 | May 8 – 21, 2010 |
It is generally recommended that students take the ACT at least two months prior to the application deadlines for any colleges or scholarship opportunities the student plans to pursue. This is because reports for the ACT are normally mailed within 3-7 weeks after the test date. For students that take the ACT Plus Writing exams, reports will be mailed only after all scores are available including the scoring of the writing exam, which is normally within 5-7 weeks after testing.
* The September 2009, test date is available only within the 50 United States and D.C.
** Due to the special requirements of legislation in effect in New York, a February 2010 test is not scheduled in that state.
Most students find it advantageous to take the ACT during their junior year of high school, since:
- The coursework that will be covered on the ACT has likely been completed.
- Any test scores and additional application information will be available for a student to use in choosing their coursework for senior year.
- Colleges will have scores in time to contact students during the summer before senior year, when many of them are sending information about admissions, course placement, scholarships, and special programs to prospective students.
- College visits by prospective students are more focused, as prospective students have more information about their prospects and the schools they want to investigate.
- Students that did poorly will have time to re-test. ACT research shows that of the students who took the ACT more than once, 55% increased their composite score.
