Taking the ACT® on a less traditional timeline offers unique benefits many students typically overlook. While it’s understandable that your child would want to spend their summer unwinding with friends or dabbling in their hobbies, deciding to take the ACT during this time could help them get a head start on their college application plans. Moreover, it can give them more time to enjoy their final year in high school without stressing over retakes and having to earn a perfect score the first time around.
Can You Take the ACT in the Summer?
Yes, your child can prepare for and take the ACT in the summer. The ACT is offered seven times a year in the United States: February, April, June, July, September, October and December. While most states offer summer test dates, the July ACT is not available in New York due to state restrictions.
With the introduction of online ACT testing, students nationwide can now have the option to take the test in either paper-and-pencil or digital format. This added flexibility allows test-takers to choose the format that works best for them.
Is the June ACT the Easiest?
There’s a common misconception that the June ACT is easier than other test dates. Currently, there is no statistical evidence to suggest that any test date is easier than the other. The ACT is designed to be consistent in difficulty across all administrations. That said, upcoming changes to the digital ACT might make summer test dates feel different.
Starting in April 2025, ACT Enhancements will be available for national online test-takers. With this change comes an adjustment to the required sections and scoring system. One big change is that the science section will now be optional, which leaves English, math, and reading as the only required sections.
The ACT will still be scored 1-36, but the exclusion of the science section might make the test feel different from the traditional one. Some college admissions officers have already suggested they’ll place less weight on Enhanced ACT scores as they believe these new changes make the test easier.
If your child is taking the digital ACT this summer, they should know about these changes and how they impact their college application strategy. For more info, check out our blog Is the Enhanced ACT® Harder Than the Regular ACT to learn more about ACT Enhancements and what they mean for your child’s test-taking experience.
Is It Better to Take the ACT in the Summer?
Taking the ACT in the summer has many benefits that can help your child maximize their test prep, minimize stress levels, and have more time for college applications.
More ACT Prep Time with Less Distractions
Unlike the fall and spring test dates–which require your child to split their focus between schoolwork, extracurricular commitments, college research and prep, essay writing, and more–summer ACT dates limit these external factors, giving your child more time to focus on ACT prep. If your child is also preparing for an AP exam, they’re juggling a very heavy workload.
Studying for the ACT on top of these responsibilities can be an easy way for your child to burn out and perform poorly on their exams.
By preparing for and taking the test in the summer, your child can focus on ACT prep without the added stress of homework, exams and school projects. Another advantage is the flexibility to choose a prep program that fits your child’s needs. Some students opt for intensive summer boot camps while others prefer a steady, less demanding–but equally impactful–study schedule.
C2 Education offers both, so your child can prepare at their preferred pace while still having time to enjoy their summer break.
A Less Stressful Testing Experience
Summer test dates are typically less crowded than their fall, winter, and spring counterparts. Testing centers have fewer students, and a more comfortable and less distracting environment. With more available seats and a slightly less tense atmosphere, your child may feel more at ease while testing, which can contribute to better performance.
Another benefit of summer testing is the flexibility for retakes. If your child takes the ACT in June but isn’t satisfied with their score, they have plenty of time to retake it in July, September, or later in the year without feeling rushed. Your child has multiple opportunities to improve their score before college application deadlines, which can also reduce the stress they feel when testing.
As an added bonus, if your child’s summer score meets or beats their target, they’ll have more time to finalize college lists, draft and revise their personal statements, and create application strategies before the school year starts. They may even be able to apply early giving your child a head start on the application process.
Get a Head Start on Scholarships and College Applications
Balancing schoolwork, extracurricular activities and college applications can be overwhelming during senior year. By taking the ACT in the summer, your child can alleviate some of that stress and focus on perfecting their college applications. With their ACT score in hand before the school year starts, they can spend more time writing strong essays and tailoring their applications to each school’s requirements.
Scholarship applications also become more manageable when your child has an ACT score in hand. Many merit-based scholarships consider ACT scores as a key factor, so taking the test in the summer can put your child in a better position to qualify for financial aid opportunities.
Enjoy the School Year Without ACT Stress
Taking the ACT during the school year can add so much stress to an already busy schedule. By taking the test in the summer, your child frees up valuable time during their junior or senior year to focus on extracurriculars, leadership roles, and personal growth. Instead of worrying about last minute ACT prep, your child can spend their time focusing on meaningful activities that strengthen their college application such as internships, volunteer work, or advanced coursework.
Additionally, reducing academic pressure allows your child to enjoy your last years of high school without feeling overwhelmed. They’ll have more time for social activities, family and self-care, all of which contribute to a well-rounded and fulfilling high school experience.
When Should You Take the ACT?
The best time to take the ACT depends on your child’s goals and college application timeline. If they’re looking to finalize their scores early and have a strong college application ready before senior year, a summer test date might be a smart move.
If your child is considering summer testing, make sure their ACT prep plan prepares them to earn their ideal score the first time around.
Taking the ACT in the summer has many advantages, from reduced stress and increased prep time to early college application readiness. With fewer distractions, less crowded test centers, and more scheduling flexibility, taking advantage of summer ACT dates can help your child maximize their scores and set themselves up for success.
Whether looking to boost your child’s college applications or help them have a less stressful testing experience, summer testing is an option worth considering.
Looking to enroll your child in a structured ACT prep program? Contact us today to get started!
