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When to Take the ACT
When Is the Best Time to Take the ACT?
Most students take the ACT during their junior or senior year, after completing much of their core coursework. However, some students choose to take the ACT in sophomore year to gain early experience, support dual enrollment or honors coursework, or use scores to help plan future classes and electives.
When deciding when to take the ACT, consider how you plan to use your scores, your test readiness, score goals, and other time commitments. Creating a thoughtful testing plan can help you make the most of your time and effort.
Because many students take the ACT more than once, a typical testing path may include:
- Fall of Junior Year: A common first test that helps establish a baseline score and identify areas for improvement.
- Spring of Junior Year: A retake opportunity after additional preparation to improve scores.
- Fall of Senior Year: A final opportunity to test, especially for students applying early or seeking to strengthen scores for college applications and scholarships.
These timelines are general guidelines. Your testing schedule should reflect your individual goals, availability, and how you plan to use your ACT scores.
How to Decide When to Take the ACT
The best time to take the ACT depends on your goals, schedule, test readiness, and how you plan to use your scores. The ACT is a tool designed to provide information that can help guide your academic planning and future decisions.
Taking the ACT earlier can allow you to use your scores to inform choices about coursework, preparation, and next steps. However, every student’s situation is different. Understanding the factors that affect ACT timing can help you choose a test date that best supports your goals.
ACT Test Dates and Your Schedule
Your personal schedule is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing an ACT test date. Think about how testing fits alongside other commitments, such as AP exams, extracurricular activities, performances, sports, work, or travel.
Time is a limited resource, so deciding how to balance preparation with your existing responsibilities is key. If you plan to use ACT results to help guide your high school coursework, testing earlier may give you more flexibility.
A good first step is to download a free ACT practice test. Trying a practice test can help you understand the test format and estimate how much preparation time you may need for each section. With that information, you can better determine how ACT preparation fits into your schedule and aligns with available national test dates.
Scholarship Opportunity Timelines
ACT timing can also affect your ability to use scores for scholarship opportunities. Many scholarships have specific application deadlines and may require ACT scores as part of the application process.
Researching scholarship requirements early can help you identify which ACT test dates will allow enough time to receive and use your scores before deadlines. Planning ahead gives you more flexibility and helps ensure your scores are available when needed.
Are You Superscoring the ACT?
An ACT Superscore combines your highest section scores from multiple test dates into a new composite score. Many colleges and universities use superscoring to highlight a student’s strongest performance.
If you plan to build a superscore, consider taking the ACT more than once and starting early to allow time to improve specific sections. Because superscoring policies vary by institution, be sure to review the requirements of the colleges you’re considering when planning your test dates.
What Grade Do Most Students Take the ACT?
Most students take the ACT during their junior year of high school, but the best time to take the test depends on your academic readiness, goals, and college timeline. Students may choose to take the ACT as early as freshman or sophomore year to gain experience, or later as seniors to improve scores before college applications and scholarship deadlines.
Below is a comparison of what to consider when taking the ACT at different points in high school.
ACT Testing by Grade Level: Quick Comparison
| Grade Level | Benefits | Things to Be Aware Of | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freshman | Early exposure to the ACT format and question types, establishes a baseline score | Limited coursework coverage and lower overall readiness | Students who want early familiarity or are in accelerated programs |
| Sophomore | Longer preparation runway, early insight into strengths and gaps, helps guide course selection | Some tested content may not be covered yet and added pressure | Students planning ahead or exploring dual credit and advanced coursework |
| Junior | Most tested coursework completed, most common testing year, aligns with college planning | Busy schedules and fewer retake windows before applications | Students actively preparing for college admissions |
| Senior | Final opportunities to improve scores and highly targeted preparation | Application and scholarship deadlines and a limited testing timeline | Students retesting or finalizing college plans |
Taking the ACT as a Freshman
Taking the ACT as a freshman can be helpful as an introduction to the test rather than a final attempt.
Benefits
- Builds early familiarity with the ACT format and question types
- Provides a baseline assessment of academic strengths and areas to improve
Be Aware
- Most freshmen have not completed all coursework covered on the ACT
- Scores may not reflect your full potential yet
Taking the ACT as a Sophomore
Sophomore year offers a balance between early exposure and meaningful preparation time.
Benefits
- Allows for extended preparation over time
- Helps identify focus areas for improvement well before junior year
- Can inform decisions about electives, honors, or dual credit courses
Be Aware
- Some math, science, or advanced reading content may still be unfamiliar
- Testing earlier than peers may add pressure
Taking the ACT as a Junior
Junior year is the most common time students take the ACT and is often ideal for a first official score.
Benefits
- Most core coursework assessed on the ACT has been completed
- Scores can be used for college planning and early applications
- Provides a clear benchmark compared to peers
Be Aware
- Balancing test prep with classes and extracurriculars can be challenging
- Fewer opportunities for retakes before application deadlines
Taking the ACT as a Senior
Senior year testing is typically focused on improving existing scores.
Benefits
- Offers final chances to raise scores for admissions or scholarships
- Preparation can be highly targeted based on prior results
Be Aware
- College and scholarship deadlines may limit which test dates are usable
- Competing responsibilities can reduce prep time
Can You Take the ACT in 10th Grade?
Yes, you can! Taking the ACT as a sophomore is considered early, but it can provide valuable insights into your current skill level, identify areas for improvement, and allow for an extended timeline for test preparation and score improvement. Taking the ACT in 10th grade can also help you get ahead and save money by helping you qualify for dual credit opportunities. Dual credit classes let you start college early and complete high school graduation requirements at the same time. However, it's important to consider your individual readiness and consult with counselors, parents, or test prep professionals to make an informed decision.
Is It Too Late to Take the ACT in Senior Year?
It is not too late to take the ACT your senior year; however, take care to plan your test dates strategically to align with college application and scholarship deadlines. Taking the ACT in the fall of senior year ensures that your scores are available for submission to colleges. It also allows for one last opportunity to improve your scores before application deadlines. While senior year can be a busy time with college applications and coursework, proper time management and focused test preparation can help you achieve your goals. Be mindful of registration deadlines and score release dates to ensure your scores are available in time for college applications.