7 ACT Test Dates for 2025-2026

College admissions officers see over 1,000 applications per season. The students who stand out aren’t just those with high ACT scores—they’re the ones who test at the right time to maximize their opportunities. According to ACT Inc.’s 2024 data, students who test multiple times see an average score increase of 2.9 points, but timing those attempts strategically can mean the difference between acceptance and waitlist.

The ACT is offered on 7 Saturdays every year, with test dates typically falling in February, April, June, July, September, October, and December. Here’s your complete guide to ACT testing windows for 2025-2026 for college-bound students.

The Strategic Testing Framework

Before diving into specific dates, understand our T.I.M.E. Framework for optimal ACT scheduling:

• Timing: Align with your academic calendar and college deadlines
• Improvement window: Take the very next test in order to minimize the loss of content knowledge
• Multiple attempts: Plan for 2-3 tests if Superscoring
• Early preparation: Start prep 2-3 months before your target date

2025-2026 ACT Test Dates

1. September 6, 2025 – Senior early applications (Registration: August 1, 2025)
2. October 18, 2025 – Competitive window (Registration: September 12, 2025)
3. December 13, 2025 – Regular decision boost (Registration: November 7, 2025)
4. February 7, 2026 – Final opportunity (Registration: January 3, 2026)
5. April 11, 2026 – First take for juniors (Registration: March 6, 2026)
6. June 13, 2026 – Optimal for rising seniors (Registration: May 8, 2026)
7. July 11, 2026 – Limited availability (Registration: June 5, 2026)

Strategic Success Metrics

• Average score improvement with strategic timing: 2.9 points
• Two-test strategy success rate: 84%
• Optimal months between attempts: 1-2 months
• Students reaching target score by June: 68%
• Early Decision advantage at selective colleges: 32% higher acceptance rates

September 2025 – Senior Year Starter

Why September works: First chance for seniors to improve their scores while Early Decision applications are still open. ACT data shows that 31% of students who test in September are retaking after a spring junior year attempt.

Key advantages:

• Scores arrive by October for most ED/EA applications
• Summer prep time without school distractions
• Familiar with test format if you took it as a junior
• Less academic stress than later fall dates

College admissions reality: According to Common Application data, Early Decision acceptance rates average 32% higher than Regular Decision at selective colleges. September testing keeps this option open.

Warning: This is your last realistic shot for Early Decision applications. Plan accordingly.

Registration deadline: Early August 2025

October 2025 – The Squeeze Play

Why October is tricky: Popular but problematic timing for seniors juggling applications and schoolwork.

Key challenges:

• Peak application season stress
• Limited time for score improvement
• May be too late for some Early Decision schools

Best for: Students who scored well in September but want one more attempt, or those who couldn’t test earlier.

Registration deadline: Early September 2025

December 2025 – The Regular Decision Reset

Why December delivers: Perfect timing for Regular Decision applications and final score improvements.

Key advantages:

• Scores arrive in late January for RD deadlines
• Additional prep time after fall semester learning
• Last chance to boost merit scholarship eligibility
• Less crowded than spring dates

Strategy note: Many students underestimate December’s value. It’s often the difference between your target school and your safety school.

Registration deadline: Early November 2025

February 2026 – Last Call

Why February is final: Your absolute last chance for waitlist situations and gap year applications.

Limited use cases:

• Waitlisted students improving their profile
• Gap year students applying for next cycle
• Spring admission programs
• Late-decision transfers

Reality check: Most seniors won’t benefit from February testing. Focus your energy on earlier dates.

Registration deadline: Early January 2026

April 2025 – Juniors Who’ve Take Algebra II

Why April matters: Perfect for juniors who are in Algebra II and want to start the college process.

Key advantages:

• Lower pressure since you have June as backup
• Excellent for scholarship applications that require scores

Timing tip: Take this if you’ve completed Algebra II. Don’t wait if you’re already feeling confident.

Registration deadline: Early March 2025

June 2025 – The Golden Window

Why June wins: This is statistically the most strategic test date for rising seniors. Research from the National Association for College Admission Counseling shows that 68% of students who achieve their target ACT score test in late spring of their junior year.

Key advantages:

• Fresh knowledge from junior year coursework
• Full summer for prep or retesting
• Scores arrive before Early Decision deadlines
• Less competition from seniors (who are often done testing)

Expert insight: “The June test is one of my favorite tests. It gives students the advantage of summer break for focused prep. I see the most dramatic score improvements from June since students have more time outside of school to prep.” — Caleb Pierce, Premier-Level Tutor, Get Smarter Prep

Strategic move: Schedule this as your target date but register for a Free Practice Test to establish a baseline score 3-4 months in advance to start test prep and adequately prepare for the ACT.

Registration deadline: Early May 2025

July 2025 – The Summer Surprise

Why July exists: Catch-up opportunity for students who missed June or need summer prep time.

Pros:

• Extra month of preparation after June
• No school stress during prep
• Scores arrive before school starts

Cons:

• Not offered at all locations
• Limited availability
• Less popular among students

Best for: Students who need significant score improvement and have dedicated summer prep time.

Statistical insights from 50,000+ test attempts:

• Students testing in June vs. October show 1.7 points higher average improvement on retakes
• 73% of students who reach their target score do so by their second attempt
• December testers have 23% higher merit scholarship acceptance rates compared to October testers
• Senior year fall testing (Sept-Oct) correlates with 15% higher stress-related score drops

Source: Get Smarter Prep analysis of ACT score reports, 2022-2024

The Two-Test Strategy Framework

Phase 1: First Test

• Identify content gaps
• Release anxiety & build confidence
• No pressure approach

Phase 2: Target Score Test

• More scholarship money
• Greater odds of acceptance
• Strategic timing for applications

Success rate: Students following this framework achieve target scores 84% of the time vs. 62% for multiple random attempts.

Registration Deadlines Matter

Regular registration closes about 5 weeks before each test date. Late registration (with fees) typically closes about 2 weeks prior. Mark these dates now—popular testing centers fill up fast, especially in suburban areas.

Score Release Timeline & Application Strategy

Expect scores 2-8 weeks after your test date. Critical timing insight: 47% of application deadlines are missed due to late score delivery planning.

Strategic score send timeline:

• Early Decision/Action: Test by September, scores needed by November 1-15
• Regular Decision: Test by December, scores needed by January 1-15
• Rolling Admissions: Test by October for best merit scholarship consideration
• Scholarship Deadlines: Often earlier than admission deadlines—check individual programs

Bottom Line: Your ACT Timeline

Juniors: Target February or April for the first test, June for your second test, with July or September as backup.

Seniors: September for early applications, December for regular decision improvements.

The students who get into their dream schools don’t just study harder—they test smarter. Pick your dates strategically, register early, and remember: two well-planned attempts beat five scattered ones every time.

Ready to Turn Your Test Date Strategy Into Score Results?

You’ve got the timeline—now it’s time to see where you stand. Take Get Smarter Prep’s free full-length ACT practice test to discover your baseline score and identify exactly which sections need the most attention before your target test date.

What you’ll get:

• Complete diagnostic breakdown by section
• Personalized study plan aligned with your chosen test dates
• Score improvement predictions based on your practice results
• Strategic prep timeline that works backward from your college deadlines

Start your free practice test now and transform those test dates from calendar entries into college acceptance letters.

Take Your Free ACT Practice Test →

Don’t let another month slip by. The difference between “I’ll prep later” and “I’m ready now” is often the difference between your safety school and your dream school.