Hey folks, I'm a high school junior, and I'm a bit stressed about taking the ACT. When's the best time for me to take it during the year? Any advice would be appreciated!
Hey there! It's normal to feel stressed about taking the ACT, but don't worry, you've got this! As a high school junior, you have a few opportunities to take the ACT during the year. Ideally, you'll want to aim for a test date that gives you adequate time to prepare and fits in well with your schedule.
Most students take the ACT for the first time in the spring of their junior year. This allows you to complete most of the relevant coursework in school, such as math and English, before taking the test. The ACT is offered seven times a year (February, April, June, July, September, October, and December). Many students find that the April or June test dates work well, giving you the spring semester to prepare.
Taking the test in the spring also leaves you with the summer and early fall to study and retake the test if needed before college application deadlines. Keep in mind that most colleges have application deadlines in November or January, so it's a good idea to complete all your standardized testing by the September or October test date of your senior year.
One more thing to consider is your extracurricular activities and school commitments. If you know you have a packed schedule during a particular season due to sports, clubs, or school events, you might want to plan around those to minimize stress.
Good luck with your ACT preparation, and remember that practice and preparation can help alleviate stress!
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