When should I test?
Pick a test date that is at least two months ahead of the application deadlines of all the colleges and scholarship agencies you might want to apply to. Reports for the ACT (No Writing) are normally mailed within 4–8 weeks after the test date. If you take the ACT Plus Writing, reports will be mailed only after all of your scores are available, including Writing scores, normally within 5–8 weeks after the test date.
Advantages to testing in your junior year:
- You've probably completed the coursework corresponding to the test material.
- You'll have your test scores and other information in time to influence your senior year. (For example, you may decide to take an additional class in an area in which your test score was low.)
- Colleges will know of your interests and have your scores in time to contact you during the summer before your senior year, when many of them are sending information about admissions, course placement, scholarships, and special programs to prospective students.
- You'll have information about yourself and the schools you're interested in prior to your campus visits, making your visits more focused.
- You'll have the opportunity to retest if you feel your scores don't accurately reflect your ability. ACT research shows that of the students who took the ACT more than once:
- 55% increased their Composite score
- 22% had no change in their Composite score
- 23% decreased their Composite score