The ACT is a curriculum-based achievement test that measures what a student has learned in school. This standardized test is accepted by all four-year colleges and universities in the U.S. and helps them evaluate candidates.
COVID 19 Update from ACT: As CDC and local guidelines for safety allow, the ACT is giving students more opportunities to take the test this fall by adding additional dates to the ones already scheduled! Changes are announced weekly, so this may mean additional test dates will be announced. Parents and students can monitor the situation closely here.
ACT has also announced that in addition to the regularly-scheduled fall ACTs, they will be offering a remote proctoring option for the ACT test in late fall/early winter 2020, allowing students to take the test at home. Learn more.
ACT TEST DATE | ACT REGISTRATION REG DATES | ESTIMATED SCORE RELEASE DATES | SUGGESTED PREP DATES |
---|---|---|---|
February 8, 2020 | January 10, 2020 | February 18 - March 3, 2020 | December |
April 4, 2020 (Rescheduled) | ACT has rescheduled its April 4th national test date to June 13th. Learn more. |
June 13, 2020 (make-up date June 20, 2020) | May 8, 2020 | June 23 - August 7, 2020 | April |
July 18, 2020* (make-up date July 25, 2020) | June 19, 2020 | July 28 - August 31, 2020 | May |
September 12, 2020 | August 14th, 2020 | September 22nd - Oct 6, 2020 | July |
September 13, 2020 | August 14th, 2020 | September 23rd - Oct 7, 2020 | July |
September 19, 2020 | August 14th, 2020 | September 28nd - Oct 12, 2020 | July |
October 10th, 2020 | September 18, 2020 | October 20 - November 3, 2020 | August |
October 17th, 2020 | September 18, 2020 | October 27 - November 10, 2020 | August |
October 24th, 2020 | September 18, 2020 | November 3 - November 17, 2020 | August |
October 25th, 2020 | September 18, 2020 | November 4 - November 18, 2020 | August |
December 12, 2020 | November 6, 2020 | December 22 - January 5, 2021 | October |
*No test centers are scheduled in New York for the July test date.
Note: Multiple choice scores are normally available within two weeks after each national test date, but it can sometimes take up to eight weeks. Writing scores are normally available about two weeks after your multiple-choice scores. For more information regarding ACT score release dates, please visit www.act.org .
ACT TEST DATE | ACT REG ISTRATION DATES | ESTIMATED SCORE RELEASE DATES |
---|---|---|
February 9, 2019 | January 11, 2019 | February 20, 2019 |
April 13, 2019 | March 8, 2019 | April 23, 2019 |
June 8, 2019 | May 3, 2019 | June 18, 2019 |
July 13, 2019 | June 14, 2019 | July 23, 2019 |
You can register online for the ACT , a process which takes about 40 minutes. First, find a test date that works for you, and make sure that you register early, before the deadline. To do so, you'll need the following:
The ACT can be taken with or without the writing portion. To determine if you need it, find out if the colleges you're applying to require it. When you register, you can opt into ACT’s Educational Opportunity Service, which will connect you with financial institutions and colleges based on your interests and future plans.
Be sure to print out your ticket to the test center after you register, as you'll need it to take the ACT.
The ACT can be taken as early as grade six. However, most students take the test for the first time during the spring of their junior year. Scores are provided anywhere from two to eight weeks after the test. Those unsatisfied with their scores will then have enough time to retake the ACT during the fall of their senior year.
Depending on when you're planning to take the ACT, it's never too soon to begin the prep process. However, the majority of students take their preparations more seriously in the spring and summer before their junior year. If you do the same, you'll be ready to take the test in the spring of your junior year. This plan also gives you enough time if you want to retake the ACT in the fall of your senior year.
The ACT is directly related to the high school courses you're currently taking — English, math, reading and science. As you attend classes and work hard to excel, you're actually preparing to do well on the ACT. However, to get a top score, you'll want to turn to the trusted results provided by The Princeton Review. You can take our free practice test online . After that, we'll give you your personalized report that lets you know which areas you're strong in and which areas need improvement.
The best way to prepare for the test is to sign up for our ACT Prep course . Our team has over 35 years of experience teaching the ACT and can ensure you get the maximum results in a minimum amount of time.
The best thing you can do for yourself on your ACT test day is to be calm and prepared. During the test and the breaks, you cannot use a prohibited electronic device or cell phone. If you do, you'll be dismissed, and your test will not be scored. However, there are a few things you should be sure to bring with you, including:
Come early the day of your test. The center opens at 7:45 a.m., and doors close promptly at 8 a.m. If you're late, you will not be admitted. Once you break the seal on your booklet, the test has begun. There are four separate tests covering English, math, reading and science, as well as a fifth test that helps develop future ACTs but is not reflected in your score.
After the first two tests, you'll be allowed to leave the room for a short break. During this time, cell phones and other electronic devices are still prohibited. Once the test administrator collects all the test booklets, students are dismissed.
If you took the ACT® with writing, multiple-choice scores are posted first, and your writing scores will be posted online as soon as they are ready.
*No test centers are scheduled in New York for the February test date.
**No test centers are scheduled in New York or California for the July test date.
For more information regarding ACT score release dates, please visit www.act.org.
Confirm ACT dates and get information on ACT test registration today! You can also call 319-337-1270.