Which ACT® test date is the easiest?

​This question comes from students. =) There isn't an easier one.
​I've heard students say the rumor that June is easier because athletes are more likely to take it then. ... 

There are many steps that the ACT puts into place to make it a "standardized" test. This allows your results to be compared to someone 5 years from now and be a level comparison.
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There isn't an ACT test date that is easier. Now, certain tests may feeeeel easier for a student due to the content. For example, on the math test the types of questions will fluctuate here and there. If a student is more skilled in a particular type, then the test may seem easier. For the reading test, I have seen scores go up and down based on the passages in the test. The student could be more familiar with that topic in the passage and score a bit higher due to that factor. The test difficulty level isn't easier or harder. The student just knew more about that content, which would lead to a small increase (maybe a point or two in that subject). This can go the opposite direction as well. If your score drops a couple of points in reading, you didn't lose your ability to do well on the test; it just included a passage that didn't play to your strengths. Don't lose heart. This is one of the reasons that taking the test officially 3 times is a good suggestion. 

Here is some advice on when you should take the ACT:

FIRST TEST: February of Junior year (after many practice tests)
SECOND TEST: June of Junior year
THIRD TEST: October of Senior year

In Tennessee, students take it in their schools typically in March of Junior and October of Senior years. So here is my suggestion specifically to Tennessee families:

FIRST TEST: February of Junior year (after many practice tests)
SECOND TEST: March of Junior year (at school)
THIRD TEST: October of Senior year (at school)

If you haven't met your goals towards scholarships dollars by October, I would take it every test afterwards as long as the student is motivated, working on it, and has a clear goal is in mind.  If a college takes an ACT superscore, your student may work with a tutor to improve in for the tests in December, February, and April of his or her Senior year, depending on how long the college will accept those scores. Keep pushing forward towards your goal if real scholarship dollars are at stake.  December is the end of the road for some schools while April is the ACT deadline for others. This is an important question to ask.  

About the author:
​Cynthia Head, founder of CAP prep and ACT English tutor extraordinaire