Rising juniors in the Class of 2025 may be starting to think about the ACT. If you haven’t heard, the ACT is changing in 2025 — smack in the middle of the school year. For students, this means the option of a mid-school year switch in the format of the ACT. So, how can students navigate this shift and plan their ACT testing timeline strategically? Below, our experts lay out a few options.
Timeline 1: Begin test prep in December, and take the new ACT in the spring
This is an excellent plan for students with a busy fall schedule or students who want to focus on schoolwork in the fall semester. And in general, spring is a great time to take the ACT, because students have a semester of learning under their belts and are set up to succeed!
- Fall 2024: Knock the beginning of the school year out of the park!
- November-December 2024: Take an ACT diagnostic test and begin the test prep process
- April or June 2025: Take your first ACT exam
Timeline 2: Start test prep now, and plan for the current ACT
Some students may want to take their shot at the ACT before it changes format. This is an especially good plan for students who are home for the summer, who have the time to dedicate to test prep now, and who liked the format of the current ACT.
- Summer 2024: Take an ACT diagnostic test and begin test prep
- September, October, December 2024, and/or February 2025: Take ACT exams during these months — ideally, one ACT each month offered
- April 2025: If you haven’t yet reached your score goals, transition to the new ACT or continue with the current paper format
BONUS: Stick with the SAT
Remember that the ACT isn’t the only player out there! For some students, the SAT will be the better move. Students can start at the time that makes the most sense to them.
We are here to guide you through the changes in the test prep landscape this year and every year! Contact us for more information and to discuss your child’s best plan.
