Most high school students want to enjoy their years young, especially when they know what world is ahead of them. But for others, there’s the pressure of taking the ACT at the right moment.
Many suggest taking the ACT early if you want to score higher. The question is, how do you know when it’s early enough?
Keep reading to find out when to start studying for ACT tests.
When to Take the ACT
Generally, you can take the ACT at any time as long as you’re ready and the tests are available. Because of this, it’s easier to lay out your study plans before taking the actual exam.
One of the common times students take the ACT is during the fall of junior year. This way, they can retake the test during spring, if necessary. At the same time, it gives you ample time to work on college applications by senior year.
You can also take the ACT by the fall of your senior year if you want to spend more time preparing. However, it gives you less wiggle room in case you need to retake the test and balance other senior-year prep at the same time.
Factors to Consider When to Start Studying for ACT
You want to decide when to take the ACT based on your preference and schedule. Even so, there are a few things you want to keep in mind when you decide when to start studying.
Remember that the test determines your chances of getting into college. So, it’s important to be careful when ahead. This way, you don’t waste too much time waiting around.
Here are some of those factors:
Preparation Time
The amount of time you need to prepare can determine when to start studying for ACT tests. Some start as early as freshman year and keep themselves refreshed up until the last minute. On the other hand, others take it easy during the first two years of high school and start focusing on ACT prep before or by junior year.
It helps to get an idea of what methods and strategies you want to take while you study. If you’re getting a tutor, you will likely have a fixed schedule close to the testing date. But if you stick to self-studying, you may want to start earlier.
Potential Repeats
One thing most students overlook when preparing for the ACT is the number of times they might have to retake the test. While there’s no guarantee that you need to, it’s always best to account for it when planning your schedule.
You can take the ACT a maximum of twelve times, with no particular limits to when. It’s good to focus on completing the test on the first few takes, but there’s no harm in giving yourself enough legroom for more tries and study time.
Other College Prep Requirements
You have more to worry about when preparing for college besides the ACT. Sometimes, they can take up more time in your day, causing you to lose time to practice.
It helps to look into what college prep requirements you need to work on, beyond applications. This way, you can take time to properly prepare and focus on the ACT without worrying about other necessary tasks.
The Bottomline
The right time to take the ACT is up to you! While many recommend taking it during the fall of your junior year, you can also consider other factors for taking it earlier or later. A few include your preparation time for the test and other college requirements while giving yourself enough room for retakes along the way.
