Preparing Your Students for the ACT (2024-2025 Edition)

As the new school year begins, it’s time to think about how to best support your students through their ACT preparation. With every new year comes updated test schedules, resources, and strategies to ensure your students perform at their best. While some things have remained consistent, like the need for focused preparation, the ACT continues to evolve with new features and test options.

Here’s your updated guide to helping students prepare for the ACT in the 2024-2025 school year.

Equip Students With ACT Information

As always, students will rely on you to guide them through the ACT timeline and requirements. Knowing when the tests are offered and the deadlines for registration is crucial. 

Check ACT's website to have access to this essential information. Bookmark the tab for changes and updates. Head over to the "news and blog" section to find the latest news related to the ACT. This includes testing dates, test content, and other helpful content.

Of course, the ACT timeline is a concern for a lot of students. Some of the common questions they will be asking are, "When is the ACT offered?" and in turn, "When should I take the ACT?"

You'll find the answers you're looking for in this article on ACT testing dates and registration. For now, here are the current ACT testing dates for 2024-2025:

New York does not have scheduled testing centers for the July test date, as in previous years. Choosing the right ACT date is a decision each student must make, and you can support them by offering tools like ACT’s handy quiz to help determine the best test date for each student.

And when it comes to providing information about the content of the ACT itself, show your students this complete guide to the ACT. You can also send this overview of all of the ACT sections to help students know what is tested on them during the ACT.

Prepare Students for Potential Changes

As you know, the ACT continues to adapt, and it’s important to prepare your students for potential changes in both the test itself and the broader college admissions landscape. 

Superscoring is one of the more recent developments that continues to benefit students. With superscoring, students can combine their best section scores from different test dates to create a higher overall ACT score. This means your students don’t have to worry about getting it perfect on their first attempt. Instead, they can take the ACT more than once, focusing on improving specific areas each time, knowing their best scores will count.

Another factor to keep in mind is the shift in test-optional policies. While many schools moved to test-optional admissions during the pandemic, there’s a growing trend of colleges starting to reinstate test score requirements, especially at competitive institutions. For students applying to test-optional schools, remind them that submitting strong ACT scores can still enhance their application and qualify them for scholarships.

Additionally, a major update on the horizon is the expansion of computer-based testing (CBT). While the paper-based test is still widely available, many test centers are transitioning to digital formats, and the ACT is moving in that direction. It’s something to keep an eye on, as more students will likely take the test on a computer in the coming years. Also, the ACT has plans for adaptive testing, which adjusts question difficulty based on student responses, offering a more tailored testing experience. Although this isn’t available yet, it’s worth keeping your students informed as these changes roll out.

By staying up to date with these developments, you can ensure your students are fully prepared for the ACT, whether they’re aiming for their superscore or navigating shifting admissions policies. While the ACT remains a key tool for college readiness, having the latest information will help your students make smarter decisions about their testing strategies.

Find the Best Resources for Your Students

One of the best ways to help your students prepare is by providing them access to reliable and effective ACT prep resources. If your school uses platforms like Magoosh, be sure to share tutorials and walk students through the most useful materials.

In addition, the Magoosh high school blog offers a range of free ACT practice tests and study plans, which students can use to build personalized prep schedules. With plans ranging from one to three months, encourage students to pick a schedule that suits their needs.

Research shows that around 30 hours of focused ACT prep can significantly improve students’ scores. You can support your students by helping them build a study plan and sticking to it.

Integrating ACT Prep Into Your Classroom

Finding ways to incorporate ACT prep into your regular curriculum is a great way to reinforce learning without overwhelming students. Here are a few tips for integrating test prep into your classroom routine:

    •    Daily ACT question: Start class with an ACT-style question to warm students up for the day.
    •    ACT-related mini-lessons: Focus on areas students may struggle with, like reading comprehension, math, or grammar.
    •    Extra credit for prep: Offer extra credit for students who spend time on ACT prep outside of class.

If you’re an English teacher, you might even include ACT vocabulary in your literature assignments or use ACT reading passages for in-class discussions.

Be a Safe Space for Your Students

Remember, preparing for the ACT can be stressful for students, especially when they’re juggling other academic and extracurricular commitments. Being a supportive figure for them is crucial. Create a safe space where they can express concerns, ask questions, and seek guidance on how to manage the stress that comes with preparing for standardized tests.

You can also help ease their anxieties by offering positive reinforcement, giving them small incentives for completing their prep work, or simply being available to listen.

Final Thoughts

As educators, your role in guiding students through the ACT process is invaluable. By providing them with the right resources, support, and guidance, you’re setting them up for success—not just on the ACT, but for college and beyond. The ACT remains an important tool for many students, and your encouragement can make a world of difference in their preparation journey.

Stay up to date with the latest ACT news and resources to ensure you’re giving your students the most accurate information. And remember: a little preparation goes a long way!