ACT Test Dates 2025-2026: Registration Deadlines & Tips

Planning your ACT timeline is one of the most important parts of test prep. You need to know when the tests are, when to register, and how long before your college deadlines you should take the exam.

Here's everything you need to plan your ACT schedule for 2025-2026.

ACT Test Dates 2025-2026

| Test Date | Registration Deadline | Late Registration | Score Release | |-----------|----------------------|-------------------|---------------| | April 5, 2025 | February 28, 2025 | March 14, 2025 | April 2025 | | June 14, 2025 | May 9, 2025 | May 23, 2025 | June-July 2025 | | July 19, 2025 | June 13, 2025 | June 27, 2025 | August 2025 | | September 13, 2025 | August 8, 2025 | August 22, 2025 | September-October 2025 | | October 25, 2025 | September 19, 2025 | October 3, 2025 | November 2025 | | December 13, 2025 | November 7, 2025 | November 21, 2025 | December 2025-January 2026 | | February 7, 2026 | January 2, 2026 | January 16, 2026 | February-March 2026 | | April 4, 2026 | February 27, 2026 | March 13, 2026 | April-May 2026 |

Dates are subject to change. Always verify on act.org for the most current information.

Registration Costs

Standard registration (no writing): ~$68
Registration with writing: ~$93
Late registration fee: Additional ~$36
Standby testing fee: Additional ~$68
Score reports (beyond the included 4): ~$18 each

Fee Waivers

If the cost is a barrier, fee waivers are available through your school counselor. Eligible students (based on family income) can receive waivers covering registration for up to four test dates.

How to Choose Your Test Date

For Juniors (Class of 2027)

Best timeline:

Spring of junior year (April or June 2025): Take the ACT for the first time
Fall of senior year (September or October 2025): Retake if needed
December 2025: Last chance for most Regular Decision deadlines

This gives you a diagnostic score, time to improve, and a retake opportunity before applications.

For Seniors (Class of 2026)

If you haven't taken it yet:

Register for the earliest available date
Start prepping immediately — even a few weeks helps
Consider the 2-week study plan if time is short

If you want to improve a previous score:

Give yourself at least 4-6 weeks of prep before the retake
Focus on your weakest sections for maximum improvement
Read our guide on how to improve by 5+ points

Important Deadline Considerations

Early Decision/Early Action: Usually due November 1-15. Take the ACT by October at the latest.
Regular Decision: Usually due January 1-15. Take the ACT by December at the latest.
Scholarship deadlines: Often earlier than admission deadlines. Check individual schools.

When Do Scores Come Out?

ACT scores are typically released in waves:

Multiple choice scores: 2-8 weeks after the test date
Writing scores (if taken): About 2 weeks after multiple choice
Peak times take longer: September and October tests may take longer due to high volume

Scores are released on weekdays, usually on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. You can check your scores online at your ACT web account.

Can You Take the ACT Multiple Times?

Yes. There's no limit to how many times you can take the ACT. Most students take it 2-3 times.

Superscoring

Many colleges "superscore" the ACT, meaning they take your highest score from each section across all test dates and combine them into a new composite. This means:

A 30 English from April + a 32 Math from October = you get credit for both
Taking it multiple times can only help (assuming the college superscores)

Check your target schools' superscore policies — not all colleges do this, and policies vary.

Registration Tips

Register Early

Popular test centers fill up fast, especially in September and October
Late registration costs an extra ~$36
Registering early gives you your preferred test center

Choose Your Test Center Wisely

Pick a location you've been to before (your own school is ideal)
Avoid centers with long drives — test day anxiety plus traffic is a bad combo
Check reviews from other students if possible

What to Bring on Test Day

Required:

Printed admission ticket
Photo ID (school ID, driver's license, or passport)
#2 pencils (bring 3-4 sharpened)
Approved calculator with fresh batteries

Recommended:

Watch (non-smart) for time management
Snacks and water for breaks
Layers (test rooms vary in temperature)

Not allowed:

Cell phones (must be off and stored)
Smart watches or fitness trackers
Scratch paper (you'll be given space in the test booklet)
Textbooks or notes

Building Your ACT Timeline

Here's a sample timeline for a junior planning ahead:

| When | What | |------|------| | January-February | Start prep. Take a diagnostic test. Identify weak areas. | | February-March | Focused study on weak sections. Choose your prep method. | | March | Register for the April ACT | | April | Take the ACT | | April-May | Get scores. Evaluate. Decide if retake is needed. | | May-August | If retaking: continued targeted prep | | September-October | Retake the ACT if needed | | October-November | Scores in hand for college applications |

The Bottom Line

Start planning early, register before deadlines, and give yourself enough prep time between test dates. Most students perform best on their second attempt, so build in time for at least one retake.

The most important thing you can do right now? Start practicing. Whether your test date is 2 months or 2 weeks away, targeted practice is the fastest way to improve your score. Try our free 10-question demo to see exactly where you stand.