When should I start preparing for college admission?

You should start preparing in freshman year of high school. This includes focusing on grades, exploring extracurricular activities, and beginning to think about your interests and potential career paths.

What are the most important college admission deadlines?

Key deadlines include: Early Decision/Early Action (November 1-15), Regular Decision (January 1-15), FAFSA opens (October 1), and CSS Profile deadline (varies by school). Our timeline tracker helps you never miss a deadline.

How many college admission tasks are there?

There are 374+ tasks across all four years of high school, including academic preparation, standardized testing, extracurricular activities, college research, applications, and financial aid.

What is included in the admission timeline?

The timeline includes tasks for: A-G requirements tracking, standardized test prep (SAT/ACT/AP), college research and visits, application essays, letters of recommendation, financial aid (FAFSA/CSS), and scholarship applications.

ACT February option - Junior Year College Admission

Overview

The February ACT is a great option if you've decided the ACT suits you better than the SAT!

Test Date

February 14, 2026

Registration deadline: January 9, 2026
Late registration: January 23, 2026

Consider This Date If...

You prefer ACT over SAT based on practice tests
You want a baseline ACT score before spring
You prefer paper-based testing (ACT offers this option)

ACT vs. SAT Quick Comparison

| Feature | ACT | SAT | |---------|-----|-----| | Pacing | Faster (~35-60 sec/question) | More time per question | | Science Section | Yes (tests reasoning) | No | | Format | Paper or online | Digital only |

Registration

my.act.org

$68 without writing
$93 with writing (rarely required — check your schools)

Prep Resources

ACT Academy — free official prep
Official ACT Prep Guide book

Timing Note

If taking February ACT, you still have April and June ACT dates plus SAT options in March/May/June.

Overview

The February ACT is a great option if you've decided the ACT suits you better than the SAT!

Test Date

February 14, 2026

Registration deadline: January 9, 2026
Late registration: January 23, 2026

Consider This Date If...

You prefer ACT over SAT based on practice tests
You want a baseline ACT score before spring
You prefer paper-based testing (ACT offers this option)

ACT vs. SAT Quick Comparison

Registration

my.act.org

$68 without writing
$93 with writing (rarely required — check your schools)

Prep Resources

ACT Academy — free official prep
Official ACT Prep Guide book

Timing Note

If taking February ACT, you still have April and June ACT dates plus SAT options in March/May/June.

ACT February option

Step-by-Step Guide

Overview

Test Date

Consider This Date If...

ACT vs. SAT Quick Comparison

Registration

Prep Resources

Timing Note

Task Details

Track Your Progress

Related Tasks

ACT February option

Step-by-Step Guide

Overview

Test Date

Consider This Date If...

ACT vs. SAT Quick Comparison

Registration

Prep Resources

Timing Note

Task Details

Track Your Progress

Related Tasks