ACT
Juniors: Some juniors have been asking “should I take the ACT or SAT now or later?” We encourage ALL college-bound juniors to take the ACT and/or SAT during 2nd semester of their junior year. The reason for waiting until 2nd semester is that a number of the questions used in the ACT or SAT relate to courses that juniors are currently taking. Taking the test earlier in the year means that the student has not had enough of the proper coursework to tackle these tests well. Testing in the 2nd semester of the junior year permits an early introduction to the tests with ample opportunities to re-test later. Research shows that over 57% increase their composite scores on retest. Colleges & scholarship organizations use the best score. Therefore, there is nothing to lose and everything to gain if you test during 2nd semester, then retake at least once and perhaps more. Becoming familiar with the content and format of the test questions is one of the best preparations for the test.
Test Prep Options:
ACT's TEST PREP WEBSITE: http://www.actstudent.org/testprep/index.html
John Baylor Test Prep -- See the Guidance Office http://www.BaylorTestPrep.com
A John Baylor Test Prep course will be offered during the 2nd semester for Juniors.
ACT 2023-2024 TEST DATES ACT School Code 282-215
Test Date Regular Deadline
October 28, 2023 September 22, 2023
December 9, 2023 November 3, 2023
February 10, 2024 January 5, 2024
April 13, 2024 March 8, 2024
June 8, 2024 May 3, 2024
July 13, 2024 June 7, 2024
College Campus Visits
In the spring of the Junior year is an excellent time to visit college campuses. Many colleges offer a Junior visit day. Check the website of the colleges you are considering for those dates.
College Timeline
Fall
- Stay on track to meet college admission requirements
- Take the PSAT exam
- Get involved in extracurricular activities
- Attend a Virtual Financial Aid Program
- Focus on your career interests
- Attend the EducationQuest Virtual College Fair
- Research colleges that interest you
- Sign up for Countdown2College email service
- Sign up for a MyEducationQuest account, if you haven't already
Winter
- Prepare for the ACT
- Want to take the ACT early? Register in January for the February exam
- Set up a ScholarshipQuest profile
- Update your Activities Resume
Spring
- Attend a Virtual College Fair
- Schedule campus visits
- Narrow your college choices
- Take the ACT college entrance exam
- Apply for a summer job
Summer
- Retake the ACT
- Update your Activities Resume
- Investigate job-shadowing opportunities