The 2018-2019 school year is near, and many students are preparing to take the ACT and SAT. Part of that preparation means giving yourself adequate time to register and study for the test while leaving enough time to complete applications for college and scholarships. Below are the national dates for both the ACT and SAT in the U.S.

ACT Date	Registration Deadline	Late Registration	Scores Available
September 8, 2018	August 3, 2018	August 17, 2018	September 18, 2018; October 2, 2018
October 27, 2018	September 21, 2018	October 5, 2018	November 6, 2018; November 20, 2018
December 8, 2018	November 2, 2018	November 16, 2018	December 18, 2018; January 1, 2019
February 9, 2019	January 4, 2019	January 18, 2019	February 19, 2019; March 5, 2019
April 13, 2019	March 8, 2019	March 22, 2019	April 23, 2019; May 7, 2019
June 8, 2019	May 3, 2019	May 17, 2019	June 18, 2019; July 2, 2019
July 13, 2019	June 14, 2019	June 21, 2019	July 23, 2019; August 6, 2019

Learn more about registering for the ACT.

SAT Date	Registration Deadline	Late Registration	Scores Available
August 25, 2018	July 27, 2018	August 7, 2018 (mailed) August 15, 2018 (online or phone)	September 14, 2018
October 6, 2018	September 7, 2018	September 18, 2018 (mailed); September 26, 2018 (online or phone)	October 26, 2018
November 3, 2018	October 5, 2018	October 16, 2018 (mailed); October 24, 2018 (online or phone)	November 23, 2019
December 1, 2018	November 2, 2018	November 13, 2018 (mailed); November 20, 2018 (online or phone)	December 21. 2019
March 9, 2019	February 8, 2019	February 19, 2019 (mailed); February 27, 2019 (online or phone)	March 29, 2019
May 4, 2019	April 5, 2019	April 16, 2019 (mailed); April 24, 2019 (online or phone)	May 24, 2019
June 1, 2019	May 3, 2019	May 14, 2019 (mailed); May 22, 2019 (online or phone)	June 21, 2019

Learn more about registering for the SAT.

Are the tables above accurate?

We pull the information for these test dates from a variety of sources, including from the ACT and CollegeBoard (the makers of the SAT) when available. Sometimes we pull information from unofficial sources to help with our predictions. This is especially true with score report dates as this information is not always listed on the official sites, and there may always be some variation between when the listed time and when you actually receive your scores. Generally, it takes 2-3 weeks after you take the test. Keep in mind that all dates may be subject to change as the year progresses.

When should I take the ACT/SAT?

For best results, plan to take the ACT or SAT multiple times as many students see their scores increase over time. We recommend taking the test(s) at least 2-3 times, taking your first exam no later than the spring semester of your junior year. This gives you plenty of time to study and improve if your first score is less than desirable. If you are planning to apply to schools for early decision; however, you should start earlier – possibly as early as the summer before junior year.

How many times should I take the ACT/SAT?

How many times you take the ACT/SAT depends on if your initial score meets your expectations. We recommend thinking hard about whichever colleges interest you the most and looking at the average scores of the students they accept. That will give you a good benchmark to weigh your score against and will help you decide whether you need to improve your score. Most students want to improve their scores after they take the test for the first time, so plan on taking one or both at least twice.

How long should I study for the ACT/SAT?

For best results, we suggest taking at least 2 months (preferably longer) between tests to go over study material and review concepts. Keep in mind that it takes 2-3 weeks to get scores back from the ACT/College Board, so if you want to use those scores (or the previous questions and answer keys) to help you study, plan for longer. If you’re taking tests back to back, your scores probably won’t improve by much.

Do I need a tutor for the ACT/SAT?

If you’re not satisfied with your scores and you find that your scores are not improving, especially after months of studying, you likely need some help. There are a variety of ways tutors can help students studying for the test. Tutors can help students review the essential information, concepts, and formulas they need for the test; review test-taking strategies; and/or show you how to use your time efficiently to get that coveted perfect score. If you need a tutor, give us a call. We have helped students with all the situations above, and our students see significant increases in their scores after roughly 8 sessions (8 hours) with one of our tutors. Looking for ACT/SAT Tips? Try these blog posts: 40 Things You Should Know For The ACT 48 Things You Should Know For The SAT Related Resources: ACT Practice Worksheets SAT Practice Worksheets Want more guidance? Join our Going To College Newsletter!

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