Junior Year ACT Testing Timeline
Our experience working with thousands of students has led us to develop clear recommendations for your child’s testing calendar. We typically do not recommend the Accelerated Track unless your child has completed Algebra II prior to junior year. However, every student has unique personal and academic needs, so we encourage you to call StudyPoint the summer before junior year to customize a timeline for your child.
Traditional Track: Spring Testing
Date:
StudyPoint's Recommendation:
Early August
Enroll in Fall PSAT Tutoring.
August/September
Begin Fall PSAT Tutoring.
October
Take the PSAT. We recommend that every junior take the PSAT, even in predominantly ACT-oriented regions of the country.
December
Review PSAT scores and enroll in winter tutoring. By enrolling in December, you’ll beat the January rush, have greater scheduling flexibility, and a wider array of tutors.
January
Begin ACT tutoring for February or April ACT. This allows your child enough time to complete assignments and practice tests, and ensures that test prep doesn’t distract from schoolwork during this critical academic period.
February/April
- Take the ACT.
- May
If applicable, begin ACT review program for the June or July ACT.
Once you have received your child’s February or April ACT results, we’ll be in a position to determine whether additional tutoring makes sense. While some students take the exam only once, many take it a second time in June or July.
June/July
Second ACT testing. Our goal is for this to be your child's final testing. If all has gone well, he or she will have a strong score within the target range of his or her choice colleges. Otherwise, we can develop a plan to prepare your child for one last ACT in the summer before or fall of senior year.
Accelerated Track: Fall Testing
- Date:
- StudyPoint's Recommendation:
- Early July
Enroll in Fall ACT Tutoring. For students seeking tutoring for fall test dates, we recommend enrolling in July to ensure a reasonable pace for the program.
August
- Begin Fall ACT Tutoring.
- October
Take the PSAT. We recommend that every junior take the PSAT, even in predominantly ACT-oriented regions of the country.
October/December
First ACT testing. Students who have already completed Algebra II often choose to sit for their first testing in the fall.
December
Review scores and enroll in winter tutoring. By enrolling in December, you’ll beat the January rush, have greater scheduling flexibility, and a wider array of tutors.
January
Complete ACT review program. Prior to taking the test again, your child can complete refresher lessons to keep his or her skills sharp for test day.
February/April
Second ACT testing. Our goal is for this to be your child's final testing. If all has gone well, he or she will have a strong score within the target range of his or her choice colleges. Otherwise, we can develop a plan to prepare your child for one last ACT in the summer before or fall of senior year.
<script type="application/ld+json">
{
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "FAQPage",
"mainEntity": [
{ "@type": "Question", "name": "What is StudyPoint's recommended testing calendar for the Traditional Track?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "For the Traditional Track, StudyPoint recommends enrolling in Fall PSAT Tutoring in early August, beginning tutoring in August or September, and taking the PSAT in October. After reviewing PSAT scores in December, enroll in winter tutoring and begin ACT tutoring in January for the February or April ACT. If needed, start an ACT review program in May for the June or July ACT, with the goal of completing final ACT testing by June or July." }},{ "@type": "Question", "name": "Who should consider the Accelerated Track for ACT and PSAT preparation?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "StudyPoint typically recommends the Accelerated Track only for students who have completed Algebra II prior to junior year. This track is designed for students ready to begin ACT preparation and testing earlier in the academic year." }},{ "@type": "Question", "name": "What is the recommended timeline for the Accelerated Track?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "For the Accelerated Track, enroll in Fall ACT Tutoring in early July, begin tutoring in August, and take the PSAT in October. First ACT testing is recommended in October or December. After reviewing scores in December, enroll in winter tutoring and complete an ACT review program in January. The second ACT testing should occur in February or April, aiming for this to be the final test." }},{ "@type": "Question", "name": "Why does StudyPoint recommend taking the PSAT even in ACT-oriented regions?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "StudyPoint recommends that every junior take the PSAT, even in predominantly ACT-oriented regions, as it provides valuable practice and can qualify students for National Merit recognition and scholarships." }},{ "@type": "Question", "name": "When should families contact StudyPoint to customize a testing timeline?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "StudyPoint encourages families to call the summer before junior year to customize a testing timeline based on the student's unique personal and academic needs." }}]
}
</script>
About the authors
