The last ACT offered this school year is June 13, and the registration deadline is Friday, May 8. (You can sign up through May 22 with a late fee.) The next opportunity to take the ACT isn’t until Sept. 12.

Why should I take it in June?

For many students the June ACT is where they achieve their highest cumulative score. Many students attribute it to being finished with Junior year and having a good study routine established.

How many times should I take the ACT?

You can take the ACT as many times as you want! Some people take the ACT several times. Each time you take it, you gain valuable skills, strategy, and pacing knowledge. When deciding how many times to take it, consider the average entrance scores for the colleges you want to attend, and examine scholarship standards. Make a study plan and stick to it until you achieve your goal score. Remember, sometimes it can take several months to increase your score by a few points.

Should I take the writing section?

Research admission standards and recommendations for the colleges you’d like to attend. In general, most colleges in Utah do not require the writing section. Many out-of-state colleges do require the writing section. Make sure you do your research and plan test day accordingly.

Will I get scores in time for college if I take it in the fall?

If you take the June 2015, September 2015, or October 2015 ACT you will receive your scores in time to apply to most colleges for the 2016 school year. Depending on application deadlines, you may even be able to get scores back in time from the December ACT test.

If you are planning to take the ACT in the fall, don’t wait to start preparing. Stay on your toes this summer—get an ACT prep book, find a tutor, and start studying! The September test will be here before you know it. Summer is the best time to prepare for the ACT!