If your student is planning to take the ACT this school year, you’re probably eyeing one of the three remaining national test dates for 2025:

• September 6

• October 18

• December 13

Choosing the right date isn’t just about what’s convenient, it’s about setting yourself up for success. Whether you’re testing for the first time or looking to improve your score, here’s how to decide which option fits best with your goals and timeline.

September 6 ACT: Best for Seniors Applying Early
This is the earliest fall test date, and the only one guaranteed to return scores in time for Early Action and Early Decision deadlines in October and early November. If you’re a senior hoping to submit a stronger score with early applications, this is your window.

Best for:

• Seniors who’ve already taken the ACT and want to try again

• Students applying Early Action or Early Decision

• Strong test-takers who’ve been preparing over the summer

Things to consider:

• It may be too soon for students who haven’t started prep

• There’s limited time to improve if this is your first attempt

October 18 ACT: Best for Juniors Starting Their Testing Journey
If you’re a junior and ready to get your first official ACT score, this is an ideal starting point. It’s early enough in the school year to give you multiple future test dates, and it gives you a solid benchmark to build on.

Best for:

• Juniors taking their first official ACT

• Seniors applying Regular Decision

• Juniors who want a preview of how they test under real conditions

Important note:

Our next ACT prep course starts October 26, just after this test date. If you’re testing in October and don’t feel fully prepared, this program is the perfect way to sharpen your skills and retest in December.

December 13 ACT: Best for Long-Term Score Growth
This test gives students the most time to prepare and is accepted by most colleges for Regular Decision applications. If you’re aiming for score growth and want to prep the right way, this is the test I most often recommend.

Best for:

• Juniors with time to complete a full prep cycle

• Seniors applying Regular Decision who want one more chance

• Students looking to make meaningful improvement

Perfect timing:

Students in my October 26 ACT prep class will complete the full course just before this test date, giving them the best chance to peak at the right time.

Not Sure Where to Start?
If you’re unsure which test date is the best fit, a great first step is taking a free, full-length ACT practice test. We host them regularly here in Brookfield, and they help students identify their baseline scores and build a timeline that makes sense.

The Right Test Date Starts With the Right Plan
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Some students want to test early, others need more time. The key is to match the test date to your college timeline and your level of readiness—not just the calendar.

If you’d like help deciding, or if you want to reserve your spot in my October 26 ACT prep package, I’d love to chat.