Why do I need a tutor? Tutors can respond to students’ needs consistently. They evaluate strengths and weaknesses, improve study skills and assist with difficult concepts all in a safe/positive environment. A tutor can help you achieve your desired level of success!
What will a better ACT score mean for me? As your ACT score climbs, you will have more college/university options and you may be offered more scholarship dollars.
How many times should I take the ACT? We recommend that you plan on taking the ACT three times. The first test can be an intimidating new experience and this can impact your score. The second test should be your best effort to attain your goal score. You can use the information you learned when you took the 1st test and really narrow in on what you need to do to prepare for the 2nd test. Having a third possible test date is good if you need a back up test date. Use the national test date schedule below to select the appropriate test dates for you keeping in mind the various schedules for final exams, activities, vacations and such.
How do I register for the ACT ? After choosing the best date(s) for you to take the ACT test, register for the test at www.act.org.
When should I take the ACT? We recommend the following ACT tests based on your year in high school and when you will take or have taken Algebra II (Algebra II is the highest level math tested on the ACT).
Seniors: your last chance to take the ACT before college applications are due is usually the SEPTEMBER test and in some cases the OCTOBER OR DECEMBER tests. Consult with the colleges you are applying to.
Juniors currently studying Algebra II: the OCTOBER or APRIL national tests are good first exams to take because they are ACT My Answer Key (TIR) tests. See explanation of ACT My Answer Key (TIR) below.
Juniors who took Algebra II their sophomore year: you would be ready to take the exam in SEPTEMBER or OCTOBER, but I highly recommend taking the OCTOBER test because it is an ACT My Answer Key (TIR) exam. See explanation of ACT My Answer Key (TIR) below.
Sophomores currently studying Algebra II: the JUNE or OCTOBER (junior year) tests would be good first tests to sit for because both are ACT My Answer Key (TIR) tests and you would be finished with the Algebra II curriculum by the JUNE exam. See explanation of ACT My Answer Key (TIR) below.
Should I take the writing test with the ACT?
Fewer schools are requiring students to sit for the optional essay portion of the ACT.
Who should take the optional Essay portion on the ACT?
The essay can’t be taken as a separate test. If you apply to a college that requires the essay, you will need to submit an ACT score that has the essay score included on it. In other words, if the ACT tests you sat for were all tests without the essay, you will need to sit for the entire ACT test again and take the essay portion. This will then be the only ACT composite score you could submit to colleges that require the essay piece. The exception to this is if a school superscores. Then you only need to take the essay one time as long as your score is in the 6-10 range.
The essay score is not included in the composite ACT score.
Verify your school’s requirement by checking its website.
Should I take the science test on the ACT which is now optional on the computer test option of the ACT beginning February 2025 and the paper option beginning September 2025? Yes!!! Take the optional science test until you get a score on the science test that you like and then you can stop taking the science section.
Should I take the ACT on my computer or on paper? On paper. The ACT exam is designed to be a paper test. They are still working out the kinks on the new computer version of the exam so I wouldn’t recommend taking it via computer until it is perfected.
ACT My Answer Key (TIR): If possible, you should try to schedule your first ACT when the ACT offers the ACT My Answer Key (TIR) option. For a fee of $34, you can order the test your student took, their answers, and the correct answers. It is a great way to study for future exams because you can narrow in on areas that are difficult for you. This information is also helpful when meeting one on one with your tutor. You can order the ACT My Answer Key (TIR) option when you register for the ACT. Keep in mind that the ACT My Answer Key (TIR) is only available for the October, April (just the national April exam not the MN state exam given during the school day in the MN public schools) and June test dates.
If you didn’t order the ACT My Answer Key (TIR) during the time of registration, you can still order it up to six months after sitting for the exam.
What are the scheduled dates for the ACT?
Test Date | Regular Registration Deadline Late Fee Applies After This Date |
Late Registration Deadline | Photo Upload and Standby Deadline |
---|---|---|---|
September 6, 2025 | August 1 | August 19 | August 29 |
October 18, 2025 | September 12 | September 30 | October 10 |
December 13, 2025 | November 7 | November 24 | December 5 |
February 14, 2026 | January 9 | January 23 | February 6 |
April 11, 2026 | March 6 | March 24 | April 3 |
June 13, 2026 | May 8 | May 29 | June 5 |