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.
Before diving into specific dates, understand our T.I.M.E. Framework for optimal ACT scheduling:
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:
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
Why October is tricky: Popular but problematic timing for seniors juggling applications and schoolwork.
Key challenges:
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
Why December delivers: Perfect timing for Regular Decision applications and final score improvements.
Key advantages:
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
Why February is final: Your absolute last chance for waitlist situations and gap year applications.
Limited use cases:
Reality check: Most seniors won’t benefit from February testing. Focus your energy on earlier dates.
Registration deadline: Early January 2026
Why April matters: Perfect for juniors who are in Algebra II and want to start the college process.
Key advantages:
Timing tip: Take this if you’ve completed Algebra II. Don’t wait if you’re already feeling confident.
Registration deadline: Early March 2025
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:
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
Why July exists: Catch-up opportunity for students who missed June or need summer prep time.
Pros:
Cons:
Best for: Students who need significant score improvement and have dedicated summer prep time.
Source: Get Smarter Prep analysis of ACT score reports, 2022-2024
Success rate: Students following this framework achieve target scores 84% of the time vs. 62% for multiple random attempts.
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.
Expect scores 2-8 weeks after your test date. Critical timing insight: 47% of application deadlines are missed due to late score delivery planning.
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.
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:
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.