When Should You Take the ACT or SAT?

The ACT and SAT are the two main entrance exams that colleges and universities use in the admissions process. Your ACT and SAT scores are just one of the many components of your college application, but it is important to plan ahead and set yourself up for success. Make sure that you give yourself enough time to do the best you can, which includes planning to take the test more than once—we recommend students prepare to take the exam at least twice. In general, we suggest giving yourself at least six months to prepare and plan for your first test date.

You should prepare to take the ACT or SAT at least once during your junior year, preferably in the fall or spring. This gives you the opportunity to decide whether you’d like to take the test again in the fall of your senior year, the latest you can take the test to meet application deadlines. If you are planning to apply as an early decision applicant, it is best to finish testing in the spring of your junior year.

When should you start preparing? In short, it’s always best to start sooner rather than later. We recommend starting preparation in the spring of your sophomore year or the summer before your junior year (depending on when you plan to test). Preparing well before your first scheduled test date will give you time to improve and will help alleviate stress.

It is important to note that SAT and ACT dates may be subject to cancellations. Be sure to check the College Board and ACT websites to stay up to date with current test scheduling.

The SAT is offered seven times a year, generally in the following months:

• August
• October
• November
• December
• March
• May
• June

*For specific dates, we recommend checking the College Board’s website. 

The ACT is offered seven times a year, generally in the following months:

• September
• October
• December
• February
• April
• June
• July

*For specific dates, we recommend checking the ACT’s website.

Ready to get started? Check out Test Innovators’ test prep offerings at https://testinnovators.com/act/ and https://testinnovators.com/sat/.