Rising Freshmen (class of 2012)
Relax! You've got plenty of time before you have to focus too much on the ACT. Freshman year should be about focusing on your studies, building your GPA, and figuring out what activities you like. Not sure if the ACT is right for you? Take our very own Princeton Review Assessment (PRA), which is designed to help you figure out if the ACT or the SAT is best for you.
Rising Sophomores (class of 2011)
You've got some time before you have to get into intense ACT prep; in the fall, take our PSAT 101 course to get a head start on high test scores. Continue to focus on challenging classes, and consider taking SAT Subject Tests that correspond with your AP or honors subjects. Start thinking about ACT preparation, and take a practice ACT (it's free, online, and no-risk!), and check out our PSAT 101 course or PSAT tutoring.
Rising Juniors (class of 2010)
Preparing over the summer for the ACT is a great bet. Our ACT course will get you ready for the test and you’ll have a wrap-up session just before you test in the fall. And, if you want a brief introduction to the PSAT, check out our PSAT 101.
Rising Seniors (class of 2009)
Summer is a great time to prep for a last crack at the ACT (it’s best to take the test in September or October). Start preparing 6-12 weeks prior to your test date. Keep working, plan to take your AP’s in the spring, and don't lose sight of the bigger picture: You need to complete scholarship applications and talk financial shop with your parents and follow up with your teachers about recommendations.
ACT Registration
The ACT is offered nationally every year in October, December, February, April, and June. It is also given in September in select cities. Students have traditionally taken the ACT in the spring of their junior year and, if necessary, again in the fall of their senior year.
However, more and more students are choosing to take their first ACT earlier, such as during the fall of their junior year. This gives them more flexibility to retake the ACT one or more times, or to take the SAT or SAT Subject Tests.
| U.S. ACT Registration Deadlines |
ACT Test Date | Regular | Late |
| December 13, 2008 | November 7, 2008 | November 8-20, 2008 |
| February 7, 2009 * | January 6, 2009 | January 7-16, 2009 |
| April 4, 2009 | February 27, 2009 | February 28-March 13, 2009 |
| June 13, 2009 | May 8, 2009 | May 9-22, 2009 |
* Due to the special requirements of legislation in effect in New York, a February 2009 test may not be scheduled in that state.
How do I register for the ACT?
ACT registration deadlines fall approximately five weeks before each ACT test date. You can get ACT registration materials from your school's guidance counselor, or call ACT, Inc. at 319-337-1270 and they'll send you an ACT registration packet. You can also register online at ACT.org.
