March is a transition month.
Seniors are making final decisions. Juniors are approaching critical testing windows. Underclassmen are planning next year’s courses. And counselors are supporting every step.
With the April 11 National ACT approaching, March becomes a strategic planning window. The next National test dates after April are in June and July, making this an important spring opportunity for students who want results before summer.
Here’s how counselors can use March intentionally.
For many juniors, April is a key opportunity within the spring testing cycle.
This administration:
Helping students see April 11 as a strategic checkpoint rather than just another test can shift preparation from reactive to intentional.
April is the next opportunity for students to select My Answer Key when registering for the National ACT administration.
My Answer Key is exclusively for ACT National and Special test takers, with three test dates each year.
When students choose this option, they can:
Without it, students receive a score. With it, they receive insight.
My Answer Key is free for students testing with an ACT Fee Waiver, ensuring students who qualify have access to detailed feedback at no additional cost.
A simple reminder during registration can make a meaningful difference.
March provides four to six weeks before April 11. That is enough time for meaningful preparation when it is structured.
Counselors can guide students to:
Encouraging students to focus on progress rather than perfection helps reduce stress and build confidence.
For students who have already tested, March is a strong time to revisit score reports.
Help students:
This shifts the conversation from “Should I retake?” to “Does retesting support my next step?”
March is not only about juniors.
Seniors may need:
Providing clear timelines and consistent communication can reduce anxiety during this high stakes season.
While focusing on April, March is also an ideal time to:
Proactive planning now reduces fall overload later.
Use this quick reference to guide your work this month:
☐ Share April 11 ACT test date and registration reminders (Check out our Social Media Counselor Resources)
☐ Remind students to select My Answer Key during national test registration
☐ Communicate that My Answer Key is free with an ACT Fee Waiver
☐ Revisit score reports with juniors considering retesting
☐ Send a spring testing and scholarship reminder to families
☐ Identify students who may benefit from summer testing
☐ Check in with seniors about financial aid and final decisions
As you guide students through March, consider taking one additional step.
Direct students and families to ACT’s free online test prep resources, including:
Providing students with structured, no cost resources can significantly increase confidence heading into April 11.
Explore and share ACT’s free test prep resources to help students prepare with clarity and purpose.
The April 11 National ACT is an important spring opportunity. Helping students register intentionally, select My Answer Key when appropriate, and prepare strategically turns this moment into growth.
March is a window to guide students with clarity and purpose.
When counselors lead intentionally now, students step into April prepared.