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.
| ACT TEST DATE | REGISTRATION DATE | SCORES RELEASE DATE RANGE | SUGGESTED PREP DATES |
|---|
| February 10, 2024 | January 5, 2024 | Feb 20 – April 5 | October 2023 |
| April 13, 2024 | March 8, 2024 | April 23 – June 7 | December 2023 |
| June 8, 2024 | May 3, 2024 | June 18 – Aug 2 | February 2024 |
| July 13, 2024 | June 7, 2024 | July 23 – Sept 6 | March 2024 |
| September 14, 2024 | August 9, 2024 | Sept 24 – Nov 8 | May 2024 |
| October 26, 2024 | September 20, 2024 | Nov 5 – Dec 20 | June 2024 |
| December 14, 2024 | November 8, 2024 | Dec 24 – Feb 7 | August 2024 |
| February 8, 2025 | January 3, 2025 | Feb 18 – April 4 | October 2024 |
| April 5, 2025 | February 28, 2025 | April 15 – May 30 | December 2024 |
| June 14, 2025 | May 9, 2025 | June 24 – Aug 8 | February 2025 |
| July 12, 2025 | June 6, 2025 | July 22 – Sept 5 | March 2024 |
*No test centers are scheduled in New York for the July test date. See Non-Saturday Testing
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 .
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. 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.
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.
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. 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.
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. 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.