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	January 3
April 11, 2026	March 6	March 24	February 28
June 13, 2026	May 8	May 29	May 2
July 11, 2026	June 5	June 24
September 19, 2026	August 14	September 1
October 17, 2026	September 11	September 29
December 12, 2026	November 6	November 29

For more info, visit the ACT Official Website

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