Taking the ACT in July - Good Timing?

I was planning on taking the ACT in July before my senior year starts, but I'm worried about whether it's too late for college applications. Will the score arrive on time? And is it better to take it sooner?

While scheduling standardized tests can often be stressful, rest assured that a July ACT is typically not too late. In fact, taking it just before your senior year can be beneficial as it allows you more time to prepare and can provide a sense of where you stand academically before the college application season begins.

Your ACT score report should be ready within two weeks of taking the test according to ACT, Inc. They first release multiple-choice scores, followed by the writing score, if you chose to take that section. This means you'll likely have your scores by the end of July or early August.

Given that early action/early decision deadlines are usually November 1st or later, your July test scores should arrive well before college application deadlines. However, do keep in mind that you need to allow additional time for the score reports to be transmitted to the colleges you're applying to, which can take up to two weeks.

If it's feasible for you, taking the ACT earlier gives you room to retake the test if you're unsatisfied with your first attempt. Many students choose to take the ACT in the spring of their junior year to allow for this. However, only do this if you feel prepared enough to do so at that point.

Remember, test prep is not a spur-of-the-moment thing, but rather the culmination of your learning journey throughout high school. Your performance should reflect your understanding of the material, your test-taking skills, and your ability to manage time effectively. Taking the ACT in July should provide ample time to prepare and still meet college application deadlines. Good luck!