The ACT is a crucial standardized test for college admissions in the US. Registering on time is the first step to taking the test. This article answers all your questions about ACT registration deadlines, helping you prepare for this important exam.
The ACT is administered seven times a year, typically on Saturdays. However, specific test dates can vary annually. You should regularly check the official ACT website for the most up-to-date schedule and plan your registration accordingly.
Typically, multiple-choice test scores are available approximately two weeks after the national test date, but can sometimes take up to eight weeks. Writing test scores are usually available about two weeks after you receive your multiple-choice scores. Understanding the score release timeline will help you proactively plan your college application submissions.
If you miss the ACT registration deadline, you can still try to register for standby testing. However, standby registration doesn’t guarantee a seat. You’ll need to contact ACT to see if space, test materials, and a test supervisor are available.
If you miss your test date for any reason—including illness, injury, being denied admission to the test center for lack of ID, or arriving late—you have a couple of options: Request a Test Date Change and Pay a Fee. Log in to your MyACT account and select “Make Changes to Your Registration” or call ACT Registration at 319.337.1270 before the regular registration deadline for the new test date. You will have to pay the full fee for the new test date plus the test date change fee.
If you call during the late registration period, you will also have to pay the late registration fee. In either case, the basic fee for your original test date will be refunded. (If you register for a new test date instead of changing your test date, the basic fee for your original test date will not be refunded.)
If you decide you do not want to test on a different date, your registration fee and any additional fees (such as the late registration fee or the test center change fee) will not be refunded. If you do not test, no score report will be sent. Important Note: Once you have broken the seal on the test booklet, you will not be able to request a test date change afterward, even if you do not complete all tests. You must reregister and pay the full fee for your testing option if you wish to retest.
After you register for the test, you can make changes to your registration information. For a small fee, you can change your test center and test date (if the changes are made at the same time). Learn more about your options. The current test date change fee is $44. Learn more about additional fees.
If you are sick on the day of the ACT, please refer to the question “What happens if I miss the ACT test date?”. Similarly, if you do not show up for the ACT, please refer to the question “What happens if I miss the ACT test date?”. Regarding test cancellation and refunds, please refer to the section “Request a Test Date Change and Pay a Fee”.
