Test Dates

Plan your ACT and SAT prep with confidence using upcoming
national test dates and realistic preparation timelines.

Plan your ACT and SAT prep with confidence using upcoming national test dates and realistic preparation timelines.

ACT 2026 National Test Dates Schedule

Test Date	Registration Deadline	Late Registration Deadline	Suggested Prep Date
February 14, 2026	January 9	January 23	Exam done
April 11, 2026	March 6	March 24	Exam done
June 13, 2026	May 8	May 29	Exam done
July 11, 2026	June 5	June 24	Exam done
September 19, 2026	August 14	September 1	August 9
October 17, 2026	September 11	September 29	September 6
December 12, 2026	November 6	November 29	November 1

For more info, visit the ACT Official Website

Test Date	Registration Deadline	Late Registration Deadline	Suggested Prep Date
March 14, 2026	February 27, 2026	March 3, 2026	Exam done
May 2, 2026	April 17, 2026	April 21, 2026	Exam done
June 6, 2026	May 22, 2026	May 26, 2026	Exam done
August 15, 2026	July 31, 2026	August 4, 2026	July 19
September 12, 2026	August 28, 2026	September 1, 2026
October 3, 2026	September 18, 2026	September 22, 2026
November 7, 2026	October 23, 2026	October 27, 2026
December 5, 2026	November 20, 2026	November 24, 2026	October 25

For more info, visit the SAT Official Website

Choose your target test date based on college timelines and readiness

Choose your target test date based

on college timelines and

readiness

Choose your target test date based on college timelines and

readiness

Count backward to identify when prep should realistically begin

If you’re unsure which test is the better fit, start with clarity before committing to a timeline

If you’re unsure which test is the better fit, start with

clarity before committing to a timeline

If you’re unsure which test is the better fit, start with

clarity before committing to a timeline

Test anxiety doesn’t look the same for everyone. The Test Taker Mindset Quiz helps identify how pressure shows up for you — and what to do about it.

In just 60 seconds, you’ll uncover:

Your dominant test-taking mindset

How stress and pressure affect your performance

Why traditional prep hasn’t fully worked

Which strategies will help you feel calmer and more in control

This quiz helps you plan your next steps with clarity and confidence.

This quiz helps you plan your next

steps with clarity and confidence.

Take the Test Taker Mindset Quiz

Get expert ACT/SAT updates, strategy tips, timelines, and parent guidance — straight to your inbox.

Still unsure where to begin?

Get guidance on choosing between the ACT and SAT

Test Prep HQ