ACT Test Dates: Full Guide to Choosing in 2023 & 2024
Aside from preparing for the ACT test itself, it’s also important to know the upcoming ACT test dates so you will know which schedule you should consider in relation to your college application. Once you pick an ACT test date, it will be a lot easier for you to plan out your study schedule.
That said, we have listed down the most updated ACT registration dates and test dates for 2020 and 2021 for the US and international test-takers. Also, we have included the schedule of score release dates for US test-takers.
Test Date | Deadline | Late Registration Deadline | Online Score Release |
September 12, 2020 | August 7, 2020 | August 21, 2020 | September 22, 2020 & October 6, 2020 |
October 24, 2020 | September 20, 2020 | October 4, 2020 | November 3, 2020 & November 17, 2020 |
December 12, 2020 | November 6, 2020 | November 20, 2020 | December 22, 2020 & January 5, 2021 |
February 6, 2021 | January 8, 2021 | January 15, 2021 | February 16, 2021 & March 1, 2021 |
April 10, 2021 | March 5, 2021 | March 19, 2021 | April 20, 2021 & May 4, 2021 |
June 12, 2021 | May 7, 2021 | May 21, 2021 | June 22, 2021, & July 6, 2021 |
July 17, 2021 | June 11, 2021 | June 25, 2021 | July 27, 2021 & August 10, 2021 |
Note: The above ACT schedule of the ACT registration deadline is applicable for test-takers in the US and US territories (Canada and Puerto Rico) only.
Below are the test and registration dates of the ACT for international test-takers.
Test Date | Registration Deadline | Late Registration Deadline |
February 7-8, 2020 | January 17, 2020 | January 31 ,2020 |
April 3-4, 2020 | March 13, 2020 | March 27, 2020 |
June 12-13, 2020 | May 22, 2020 | June 5, 2020 |
July 17-18, 2020 | June 26, 2020 | July 10, 2020 |
September 11-12, 2020 | August 21, 2020 | September 4, 2020 |
October 9-10, 2020 | September 18, 2020 | October 2, 2020 |
December 11-12, 2020 | November 20, 2020 | December 4, 2020 |
Important Reminders
The scores for the multiple-choice are usually available around two weeks to eight weeks after each ACT national test date. The complete scores with the essay, on the other hand, are available two weeks after the multiple-choice scores are released.
The writing portion of the ACT test is optional. However, if the college you’re applying for requires a writing/essay score, then you need to complete this section of the exam too.
Registration for the ACT
The ACT test registration can be done online. It takes only around 40 minutes to complete the online registration. The first step in doing so is to find the ACT test date that provides you with ample time to prepare and register.
What are the things you need for the ACT online registration?
- Computer with an internet connection
- Your ACT student account (1).
- Your high school course information
- A recent photo of yourself. The quality of the photo should meet the ACT photo requirements (2).
- Form of payment to pay for the registration fee (credit card, debit card, and other accepted forms of payment). You do not need to pay for the registration fee IF you qualify for a fee waiver (3).
Once you’re done with the online registration, don’t forget to print out the ticket to the test center. You will need to present it during the ACT test day.
Tips When Choosing an ACT Test Date
- You can take the ACT test as early as sixth grade, but we recommend you take the test after your sophomore year. This will give you plenty of time to prepare and repeat the test if you need to while being not too early to overwhelm you with concepts that you’re not yet aware of.
- Choose an ACT test schedule AT LEAST two months before your college and scholarship applications. Keep in mind that your ACT test results should be available before you submit an application to colleges and scholarship institutions.
- We recommend you prepare for the ACT test when you have ample time and when you can truly focus on it without other distractions like extracurricular activities. It is still possible to prep for the ACT test even if you have other obligations, but it’s more ideal to prep when you’re not loaded with many things to do. Having focus for your ACT test prep will give you more chances of attaining high scores.
- The best time to prepare for the ACT is during your summer break, which is around September. With this in mind, practice hard before the next ACT test date and while you still have the luxury of time!
- If possible, retake the ACT test more than once, so you can target to improve your score each time you try. This will also allow you to be more accustomed to the ACT test itself and how it’s done overall. However, keep in mind that you can retake up to three times only.
Wrapping it up
When is the next ACT test date? You can easily find the answer online. Once you do, make sure to plot your schedule accordingly so you’ll be fully equipped to take the exam and ace it the first time. Also, research on both the ACT test dates and locations so you can time your commute and avoid being late during the actual examination day.
References
- https://services.actstudent.org/OA_HTML/actibeCAcdLogin.jsp
- http://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/registration/photo-submission-requirements.html
- http://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/registration/fees.html#feewaivers