ACT, Inc has announced the addition of a 7th test date in the US: July. Here's what we know so far:
When will the July ACT first be available to take?
The July ACT will first be made available in 2018 on July 14th. While the College Board has introduced a new August SAT test date beginning in 2017, the ACT test dates remain unchanged for 2017: April 8th, June 10th, September 9th, October 28th, December 9th.
TABLE: Remaining ACT Test Dates for 2017
| ACT Test Date | Available In |
| April 8th, 2017 | Worldwide |
| June 10, 2017 | Worldwide |
| September 9th, 2017 | Worldwide |
| October 28th, 2017 | Worldwide |
| December 9th, 2017 | Worldwide |
TABLE: ACT Test Dates for 2018
| ACT Test Date | Available In |
| February 10, 2018 | US Only, Except NY |
| April 14, 2018 | Worldwide |
| June 9, 2018 | Worldwide |
| July 14, 2018 | US Only, Except NY |
| September | Worldwide |
| October | Worldwide |
| December | Worldwide |
Where will the July ACT be available?
The test will be available to all students in the United States, except for New York.
International test centers will not be offering the July ACT.
Why should I consider taking the July ACT?
If you are in the Class of 2019 or later, you should definitely consider taking the July ACT. Here are a few reasons why:
Summer = Precious Free Time: The test is in mid-July which means you have part of your summer break to focus and prepare, without having to worry about regular school work and after-school activities. Taking the test in the summer gives you time to focus on other things during your senior year, such as keeping your grades up and working on your college application. Read more about whether you should study during the summer.
Early College Applicants: For those of you who plan to apply to colleges Early Action or Early Decision, this test date gives you an extra opportunity to raise your score and still have one final attempt to bring it up further if needed in the Fall.
Makes time for the SAT or Subject Tests: If any of the universities you're applying to require you to submit SAT Subject Test scores, getting the ACT testing complete and out of the way sooner leaves you more time to prepare for subject tests in the Fall. Additionally, the same logic applies if you're also taking the SAT. Not sure if you should also take the SAT? Find out here.
Counselors, Students, Parents: What do you think about these test date changes? We want to hear from you. Leave your comments in the box below!
