ACT Test Dates

How to Register for the ACT

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:

• Computer with internet access
• ACT student web account
• Your high school course details
• Recent photo of yourself that meets the ACT guidelines
• Credit card or other form of payment to pay the registration fee unless you qualify for a fee waiver

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.

When 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.

When to Start Preparing for the ACT

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. Whenever you start, make sure you are taking the ACT when you have a window of 3-4 months to dedicate to continuous prep and to allow you to retake the test if needed.

How to Prepare for the ACT

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 40 years of experience teaching the ACT and can ensure you get the maximum results in a minimum amount of time.

What to Do on Test Day

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:

• Your ticket to the test center
• Acceptable form of identification
• Two number 2 pencils
• Watch without an alarm
• Permitted calculator
• Snacks for break time

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. ACT also tries out new questions on National Test Dates. These may appear in a fifth test or within each of the four regular test sections. These questions help ACT develop future tests but are 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.