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ACT Testing Updates

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Preparing to take the ACT? Your first step (in addition to studying!) is to register for the test. We鈥檝e compiled test dates and registration deadlines for 2026-2027, plus other need-to-know facts about the test.

Although of four-year colleges do not require SAT or ACT scores, counselors often recommend that students prepare for and take one of the tests. Strong test scores can help your application stand out, even at test-optional colleges. Also, several highly selective colleges require test scores, as do some scholarships, honors programs, and competitive majors.

ACT Test Dates for 2026-2027

In some states, the ACT is a state-funded, mandatory test required for graduation or to assess student learning. If you鈥檇 like to take the ACT but it isn鈥檛 required by your state or school district, you鈥檒l need to take the test at an ACT National Test Center on a weekend, and register for it in advance.

Since spots are limited, it鈥檚 a good idea to register for the test as early as possible. The chart below is current as of March 2026 and includes dates and registration deadlines for 2026-2027.

act-dates-2026-27-edit

5 ACT Facts You Should Know

  1. The ACT features three mandatory test sections: English, math and reading, plus two optional tests in writing and science. 
  2. Students can take the ACT digitally or on paper. Students taking the digital test may bring their own device or use one provided at the test center. They may also use a calculator as long as it is an .
  3. The composite ACT score is calculated based on the English, math, and reading sections of the test. The optional science and writing tests are scored separately.
  4. Students who opt to take the science test will receive an additional STEM score derived from the average scores from the math and science tests. Students who opt to take the writing test will receive an additional ELA (English Language Arts) score. Although the ACT writing and science tests are optional, some colleges may require them. If you鈥檙e planning to major in STEM or English, you may want to consider taking these tests even though they are not required.
  5. The ACT is a linear test, not an adaptive test. This means the difficulty of later questions won't change based on earlier performance.

ACT FAQ

  • How many questions are on the ACT?
    The ACT has 131 required questions: 50 questions in the English test; 45 questions in the math test; and 36 questions on the reading test. The optional science test has 40 questions. The writing test has one essay question.
  • How long is the ACT test?
    The core ACT test is 125 minutes. The English test is 35 minutes; the Math test is 50 minutes; and the Reading test is 40 minutes. 
  • When do ACT scores come out?
    Students usually receive their ACT scores in their MyACT account within 10 days of taking the test. The scores for the writing test are often released later.
  • What is a perfect ACT Score?
    ACT scores range from 1 to 36, with 36 being a "perfect" score. Students who take the ACT more than once will automatically receive a 鈥�,鈥� which is a higher composite score taken from the average of their best scores on the English, math, and reading tests from different test dates. The composite ACT score corresponds to a percentile that compares how well a student did on the test compared to the general population of ACT test-takers from the same academic year. 
  • What is a "good" ACT score?
    According to the test prep website , a composite ACT score of 24 was at the 80th percentile in 2025. A score at the 80th percentile means that the student scored the same or better than 80% of all ACT test-takers that academic year. A score of 18 fell at the 52nd percentile. A 鈥済ood ACT score鈥� may also depend on the colleges to which you are applying. Generally, a score that falls within or well above the average for admitted students is considered 鈥済ood鈥� for that college. You can find average ACT scores of admitted freshmen in CollegeData鈥檚 college profiles, which you can access using College Search.

  • Where can I find Test Prep Resources for the ACT?

    The ACT website offers, study guides, and quizzes, as well as from Kaplan. Several are also available from various booksellers. Some for-profit test prep companies, such as , also offer free ACT practice tests, videos and other resources.


How to Register for the ACT

It鈥檚 important to register for the ACT as soon as possible so you have a spot reserved and can plan your study time. Here are some tips for registering for the ACT.

  1. Register online. You can register online from the ACT website. When you register and set up an account, you can print your admission ticket, make changes to your registration, and view your scores as soon as they are available.
  2. Select the online or paper version of the test. If you select the online option, you can opt to bring your own device or use a computer provided at the test site. Students may not use personal Chromebooks, Windows S mode, iPads or tablets.
  3. Submit a photo. You must submit a photo of yourself by the photo submission deadline for your test date. Photos can be uploaded from a computer or mobile device or submitted by mail. Visit the ACT website for .
  4. Find out if you need to take the writing or science tests. Some colleges require that you take either or both the optional writing and science tests. You can register for these tests when you register for the ACT.
  5. Pay your fees or apply for a fee waiver. The registration fee for the ACT is $68 for the core exam. The writing test is an additional $25 and the science test is an additional $4. The fee includes reports for you, your high school, and up to four colleges. There is a fee of $20 for each report sent to additional colleges. Visit the ACT website for , as well as more information about registration, fee waivers, and the test itself.
  6. Decide if you want colleges to contact you. When you register for the ACT, you can opt-in to ACT鈥檚 free service, which will connect you with colleges, universities, and financial aid opportunities.

ACT Fee Waivers

ACT fee waivers are available to qualifying students who cannot afford the ACT registration fee. Students can receive up to four fee waivers which cover an unlimited number of score reports and free access to self-paced test prep. If you qualify for an ACT fee waiver, you may also qualify for college application fee waivers. Visit the ACT website for .

PLAN AHEAD

The ACT can be a critical part of your college application and so it鈥檚 important to give yourself time to study and practice. We hope that having the ACT test dates, registration deadlines, and facts about the test all in one place will help you plan your practice and study time accordingly.

Good luck!

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