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ACT
How do I register? Click here for registration.
2024/2025 ACT Testing Dates |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test Dates | Registration Deadline | Deadline with Late fee | TIR? | |
| September 14, 2024 | August 9, 2024 | August 25, 2024 | Yes | |
| October 26, 2024 | September 20, 2024 | October 7, 2024 | No | |
| December 14, 2024 | November 8, 2024 | November 22, 2024 | Yes | |
| February 8, 2025 | January 3, 2025 | January 24, 2025 | Yes | |
| April 5, 2025 | February 28, 2025 | March 16, 2025 | No | |
| June 14, 2025 | May 9, 2025 | May 26, 2025 | No | |
| July 12, 2025 except in NY | June 6, 2025 | June 20, 2025 | No | |
Students can choose between taking the ACT on paper or on a computer at certain testing locations. More information about ACT’s online testing option can be found here.
In July 2024, ACT announced changes coming to ACT in 2025 (optional Science section and shorter length). Read more here.
At The Core’s ACT “Tips”
- ACT My Answer Key
Take advantage of the ACT My Answer Key formerly known as the Test Information Release (TIR) report (see chart for available dates) for an additional $32 fee ($40 if ordered after the test date).
You will receive “a digital copy of the multiple-choice test questions, your answers, a copy of your answer document, the answer key, and the conversion table used in determining your ACT scores. If you took the optional writing test, you will receive a copy of the writing prompt, the writing test scoring rubric, and your essay scores.” You can order the TIR as you order the test, and you have up to 6 months after the test to request the TIR.
2025/26 test dates have not been released yet; however, the My Answer Key will be available with the October 2025, April 2026, and June 2026 test dates.
- Geometry Class
Consider having your student take the ACT as close as possible to their completion of Geometry class. They will have the advantage of not having forgotten what they learned. Here is the math content covered by the ACT and some practice math questions.
- Shocked by the pacing
Nearly every student who takes the ACT the first time is shocked by the pacing – “it’s so many questions…I didn’t manage my time well enough this first time, but I will do better with that next time.” If possible, take a full real practice ACT before taking it on a national testing date.
Note coming changes in Spring 2025 will make the exam shorter. Students may find the pacing easier to handle.
- Optional writing portion
In the past, At The Core would suggest always taking the essay portion of the exam at each exam sitting; however, now due to the limited number of colleges requiring the writing score, we recommend reviewing the list of colleges that still continue to require or recommend a writing score. Click here for ACT list. (These lists are subject to change–always check with the college.) Here are samples from ACT.
How do I prepare?
- ACT Test Preparation includes sample questions, question of the day for practice, test taking tips, and descriptions of each test section
- ACT Academy for free personalized ACT practice
- Sample online format test questions
- Visit our Friends of At The Core page for our preferred tutors.
Join our mailing list to get the latest news!
SAT
How do I register? Click here for registration.
2024/2025 Digital SAT Testing Dates |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test Dates | Registration Deadline | Online Deadline with Late Fee | ||
| August 24, 2024 | August 9, 2024 | August 13, 2024 | ||
| October 5, 2024 | September 20, 2024 | September 24, 2024 | ||
| November 2, 2024 | October 18, 2024 | October 22, 2024 | ||
| December 7, 2024 | November 22, 2024 | November 26, 2024 | ||
| March 8, 2025 | February 21, 2025 | February 25, 2025 | ||
| May 3, 2025 | April 18, 2025 | April 22, 2025 | ||
| June 7, 2025 | May 22, 2025 | May 27, 2025 | ||
Students taking the digital SAT who need to borrow a device from College Board will need to register and request their device earlier than the registration deadline—at least 30 days before test day.
Anticipated test dates for the remainder of 2025: August 23, October 4, November 8, and December 6.
Anticipated test dates for 2026: March 14, May 2, and June 6
At The Core’s SAT “Tips”
- Question Answer Service (QAS)
The Question Answer Service (QAS) report is no longer available with the new DIGITAL SAT. However, you can order the report for certain past dates of paper test sitting for an additional $16 up to 5 months after the test has been taken. To order October’s report, log in to your College Board account to request it. You’ll receive an electronic copy of the questions and your answers, the correct answers, and information about the type and difficulty of questions.
How do I prepare?
- SAT Test Preparation includes practice tests, study plan, and question of the day.
- Download Blueboard to practice digital SAT.
- Click here for some test day tips.
- Be sure to check out Khan Academy®, the official SAT practice source.
- Visit our Friends of At The Core page for our preferred tutors.
- Read more about the digital SAT
PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT & National Merit® Scholarship Qualifying Test
What is it?
The PSAT/NMSQT is used to both practice for the SAT and to qualify for the National Merit® Scholarship Program.
How do I register? The testing is done through your home high school in October of your junior year (some have option of taking it in their sophomore year for practice).
At The Core’s PSAT/NMSQT “Tips”
- Should my sophomore take the test?
If you were thinking of taking the test just to practice for the SAT, that’s fine! But, we recommend taking the regular SAT test itself. If you wanted your student to practice in order to qualify for the National Merit® Scholarship, take the PSAT/NMSQT.
Looking for a tutor?
What if the online ACT and SAT preparation tools aren’t enough?
Check out our “Friends of At The Core” or this list of local/national tutors and resources provided by the Olentangy Local School District.
At The Core’s tutor “Tips”
- Be wary of any tutor who guarantees a certain score increase
- One-on-one tutoring service
Consider whether your student will be best served in a group class or by using a one-on-one tutoring service. The cost for these services varies greatly and will be a factor, but so should your student’s learning style and your time frame.
- Timing will be important!
Timing will be important! Don’t get into a tight spot and start looking for a tutor a few weeks before a testing date. They will be booked. Plan ahead….way ahead!
“Test Optional” Movement/Fair Test Colleges
What is it?
A growing number of colleges and universities recognize that some students may perform well academically but struggle with test-taking. Many schools will allow the student to apply without submitting any test scores (“test optional”) and a few will not accept any ACT/SAT scores at all (“test blind”).
The National Center for Fair and Open Testing calls these “Fair Test” schools. They have found that removing test scores from the picture allows for a more diverse student body, and they rely more heavily on GPA and class ranking as an indicator of college readiness. Read more about test optional in our blog post by clicking here.
On the flip side, some colleges have changed back to requiring test scores after a few years of being test optional. It can be challenging to wrap your head around whether to test or not. Our ACT/SAT testing webinar or a Private Consultation can help.
What schools are test optional?
The number is changing all the time but currently stands at over 1,920. Click here for a current list.
DISCLAIMER – The purpose of this resource library is to assist our college-bound families. At The Core LLC does not endorse any vendors or authors. We will gladly remove any link from this website upon request from the linked entity; this website is not sponsored or associated with any particular linked entity; and the existence of any particular link is simply intended to imply potential interest to the reader.
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