In 2018, ACT offered the test in July for the first time. While it’s not the best fit for every student*, many can benefit from this summer date. Here are four reasons we think it’s a good idea for some students!
For rising seniors who have already taken the test but want to try again to reach (or surpass) their goal score, it’s great to get another go before the school year starts. Finishing ACT testing over the summer frees up time to concentrate on their college applications and essays – and enjoy their last year of high school!
For those who haven’t yet taken the test, the July date gives them a little more breathing room. We see a lot of seniors put all of their efforts toward the September test, and then panic when they don’t meet their goal score. The additional summer date will take some of the pressure off.
Students who will be exceptionally busy once school starts may prefer to take the ACT earlier. Then they can put their energy toward their GPA and extracurriculars during the school year.
For students considering this option, taking a pre-test in May of sophomore year is important for a couple of reasons. First, students set on taking the July test need to start preparing in the early spring, and the pre-test will help them focus their practice. Second, sometimes the pre-test will show a need for more intense skill-building in reading or math. If this is the case, students should use the summer to build up a strong foundation of skills rather than taking the test too early.
The June test is tough because it comes at the tail end of the school year, right around finals, when students aren’t in the ideal headspace to do their best work. Waiting until July gives them time to take a break, refresh, and fit in some more prep if needed.
Away from the demands of the school year, students can truly focus on test prep. We know that scores jump when students meet regularly with a tutor, complete independent work between sessions, and take practice tests. When that prep isn’t competing for time with school-related work, students are able to really dig in and make connections.
Not sure if the July date makes sense for you? Give us a call, and we’ll help you decide!
*The July date will not be offered in California and New York.
Sarah graduated from Marquette University with a bachelor’s degree in education and sociology, and she’s completed coursework in childhood literacy and museum studies. After nine years as a fifth grade teacher in Wauwatosa, Portland, and Chicago, Sarah initially joined NW as a tutor. Learn more about her below!
A tip I’d give to a student to make the most of tutoring would be… that you get out of it what you put into it. If you put in time and energy, and bring a positive attitude, you’ll achieve so much!
I loved Marquette University because… it put me on the path to teaching, introduced me to amazing, life-long friends, and made me fall in love with Milwaukee.
On a day off, you’ll find me… taking a long walk to a coffee shop, chatting with friends, or going on a bike ride and cooking while listening to my latest podcast obsession.
What sets Nurturing Wisdom apart is… that everyone on the team is a life-long learner at heart, and that we care about the whole student. Everyone is dedicated to getting to know families in order to find a great fit for students and tutors.
Shannon has a degree in marketing from Creighton University. After working in the business world for over five years, she decided to go back to school to get her master’s degree in elementary education from Quincy University. Learn more about her below!
My favorite book is… The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway. This is an amazing book that made me want to travel and see more of the world.
My favorite subject in school was… history because I loved learning more about the world and how the past helped shape who we are today.
On a day off you’ll find me… hanging out with family and friends. In the summer, usually doing something fun outside.
What sets Nurturing Wisdom apart is… it’s team approach to tutoring as well as it’s individualized curriculum! Both the team approach and the curriculum make tutoring and learning more fun and efficient.