What are the ACT test dates for 2026?

The ACT test dates for 2026 are: February 14, April 11, June 13, and July 11 for national testing. Additional dates may be available for state and district testing. All tests are administered on Saturday mornings, with limited Sunday testing available for students with religious obligations.

When should I register for the ACT?

Register by the regular deadline (about 5 weeks before the test date) to avoid late fees. Late registration closes approximately 2 weeks before the test date and costs an additional $39. Register early to secure your preferred test center location, as popular centers fill up quickly.

How much does the ACT cost?

The ACT registration fee is $68 for the ACT without Writing and $93 for the ACT with Writing. Late registration adds $39. Test date changes cost $50. Fee waivers covering two free tests are available for eligible low-income US students in grades 11-12.

Should I take the ACT with or without Writing?

Check the requirements of your target colleges. Some schools require the Writing section, others recommend it, and many don't consider it at all. If any of your target schools require or recommend Writing, take it to keep all options open. The Writing section costs an additional $25 and adds 40 minutes to test time.

When should I take the ACT for college applications?

Most students take the ACT in spring of junior year (April or June) and fall of senior year (September or October) if needed. For early decision/action applications, take the ACT by October of senior year. For regular decision applications, December is typically your last opportunity. Taking it early in junior year provides flexibility for retakes.

ACT Test Dates 2026: Complete Schedule & Registration Guide

Everything You Need to Know About ACT Dates, Registration, Locations & Test Preparation

Planning to take the ACT in 2026? This comprehensive guide provides all upcoming ACT test dates for national and international students, registration deadlines, test center locations, and proven preparation strategies to help you achieve your target score and gain admission to your dream college.

What is the ACT?

The ACT (American College Testing) is a standardized college entrance exam used by colleges and universities across the United States to assess applicants' readiness for college-level coursework. Developed by ACT, Inc., the test provides a common measure that allows admissions officers to compare students from different high schools, states, and educational backgrounds on an equal footing.

The ACT evaluates academic skills in four core subject areas: English, mathematics, reading, and science reasoning. Unlike the SAT which focuses more on critical thinking and problem-solving, the ACT tests content knowledge directly aligned with high school curriculum. An optional writing section assesses essay composition skills. The ACT is accepted by all four-year colleges and universities in the United States, making it a valuable credential for college applications.

Complete ACT Test Dates Schedule 2026-2027

ACT offers multiple national test dates throughout the year, providing flexibility for students to choose dates that align with their preparation timeline and college application deadlines. The ACT is administered on Saturday mornings at test centers nationwide, with limited Sunday testing available for students with religious observances or other documented conflicts.

2026 National ACT Test Dates

Test Date	Registration Deadline	Late Registration	Score Release*
February 14, 2026	January 9, 2026	January 23, 2026	March 3, 2026
April 11, 2026	March 6, 2026	March 24, 2026	April 21, 2026
June 13, 2026	May 8, 2026	May 29, 2026	June 23, 2026
July 11, 2026**	June 5, 2026	June 24, 2026	July 21, 2026

Fall 2026 ACT Test Dates (Anticipated)

Test Date	Registration Deadline*	Late Registration*	Recommended For
September 5, 2026	July 31, 2026	August 14, 2026	Seniors (early decision)
October 24, 2026	September 18, 2026	October 2, 2026	Most popular senior date
December 5, 2026	October 30, 2026	November 13, 2026	Regular decision deadline

Spring 2027 ACT Test Dates (Anticipated)

Test Date	Registration Deadline*	Late Registration*	Recommended For
February 5, 2027	January 1, 2027	January 15, 2027	Winter testing option
April 9, 2027	March 5, 2027	March 19, 2027	Juniors (first attempt)
June 5, 2027	April 30, 2027	May 14, 2027	End of school year
July 10, 2027	June 4, 2027	June 18, 2027	Summer testing

Important Notes:

*Score release dates are approximate and may vary by 2-8 weeks from test date
**July test date not available in New York state
*Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 dates are anticipated based on historical patterns
Late registration adds $39 fee; must register by late deadline
Always verify current information at act.org before finalizing registration

ACT International Test Dates 2026

International students can take the ACT at authorized test centers in more than 200 locations worldwide. International ACT test dates often align with US national dates but may be offered on different days of the month. Some countries have limited test center availability, making early registration critical for students testing outside the United States.

2026 International Testing Windows

✓ February 6-7, 2026: International testing for February administration
✓ April 10-11, 2026: Spring international testing period
✓ June 12-13, 2026: Late spring international administration
✓ September 4-5, 2026: Fall international testing (anticipated)
✓ October 23-24, 2026: Most popular international date (anticipated)
✓ December 4-5, 2026: Winter international testing (anticipated)

International Fees

Outside US: $166.50

With Writing: +$25

Late Registration: +$39

Test Date Change: $50

Key Differences

International test dates may differ by 1-2 days from US national dates to accommodate time zone and logistics differences across countries.

Test center availability varies significantly by country. Major cities have multiple centers; remote areas may require travel to regional hubs.

International Testing Tip: Register at least 6-8 weeks before your preferred test date to ensure seat availability. International test centers have limited capacity and fill up quickly, especially in Asia-Pacific regions and popular testing periods. Check act.org for approved test centers in your country and verify all requirements.

How to Register for the ACT

Registering for the ACT is a straightforward online process through the MyACT portal that takes approximately 35-45 minutes to complete. Follow these detailed steps to ensure smooth registration and avoid common mistakes that could complicate your test day experience.

Create MyACT Account

Visit act.org and create your free MyACT account with accurate personal information. This account is required for registration, score access, and college applications.

Complete Profile

Fill out your student profile including high school information, grade level, intended major, and college preferences for score reporting.

Choose Date & Location

Select your preferred ACT test date and search for nearby test centers by zip code. Choose your first-choice and backup locations.

Select Writing Option

Decide whether to take the ACT with Writing based on your target colleges' requirements. Check each school's policy before deciding.

Upload Photo

Submit a recent color photo meeting ACT requirements: clear headshot, plain background, taken within the last 6 months.

Score Recipients

Select up to four colleges to receive your scores for free. Additional score reports can be sent later for a fee.

Pay & Submit

Complete payment using a credit/debit card or fee waiver. Review all information carefully before submitting your registration.

Print Admission Ticket

Download and print your admission ticket after registration is processed. Bring it with valid photo ID on test day.

Registration Requirements Checklist

Valid email address for MyACT account and test communications
Recent color photo (passport-style headshot with plain background)
High school code (CEEB/ACT code) and graduation year
Valid credit/debit card or ACT fee waiver approval
Zip code for test center search and location selection
List of up to 4 colleges to receive free score reports

ACT Fee Waivers

Eligible US students in grades 11-12 can receive ACT fee waivers that cover two free tests (with or without Writing). To qualify, you must meet income-based criteria:

Currently enrolled in or eligible for the Federal Free or Reduced Price Lunch program
Enrolled in a program serving income-eligible students (GEAR UP, TRIO, Upward Bound)
Family receives public assistance or lives in subsidized housing
Resides in a foster home or is experiencing homelessness

Pro Registration Tip: Register by the regular deadline to avoid the $39 late fee. Early registration (2-3 months before test day) ensures you secure your preferred test center and gives you a concrete deadline to structure your preparation timeline. Popular urban test centers fill quickly, so don't wait until the last minute.

ACT Exam Format and Structure

Understanding the ACT format is essential for effective preparation. The ACT consists of four required multiple-choice sections plus an optional writing section. Unlike the SAT which focuses on reasoning skills, the ACT tests content knowledge directly aligned with high school curriculum. Each section requires different strategies and time management approaches.

ACT Quick Facts

Total Time

2h 55min

(without Writing)

Total Questions

215

(multiple choice)

Score Range

1-36

(composite)

Sections

4-5

(Writing optional)

English

Time: 45 minutes

Questions: 75 questions

Score: 1-36 scale

Tests standard English conventions including grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and rhetorical skills through five prose passages with underlined portions and questions.

Mathematics

Time: 60 minutes

Questions: 60 questions

Score: 1-36 scale

Covers pre-algebra, elementary algebra, intermediate algebra, coordinate geometry, plane geometry, and trigonometry. Calculator permitted throughout entire section.

Reading

Time: 35 minutes

Questions: 40 questions

Score: 1-36 scale

Evaluates reading comprehension through four passages: prose fiction/literary narrative, social science, humanities, and natural science. Each passage has 10 questions.

Science

Time: 35 minutes

Questions: 40 questions

Score: 1-36 scale

Tests scientific reasoning and data interpretation through passages containing graphs, tables, and research summaries. Doesn't test specific science facts—focuses on analysis skills.

Writing (Optional)

Time: 40 minutes

Format: 1 essay prompt

Score: 2-12 scale (separate)

Measures writing skills through an essay analyzing multiple perspectives on a complex issue. Scored separately and doesn't affect composite score.

Understanding ACT Scoring

The ACT uses a unique scoring system where each of the four sections receives a scaled score from 1-36. These four scores are then averaged to create your composite score, which is the primary score colleges consider. The Writing section receives a separate score from 2-12 and does not impact your composite score.

Composite Score Calculation:

$ \text{Composite} = \frac{\text{English} + \text{Math} + \text{Reading} + \text{Science}}{4} $

Example: English 28 + Math 30 + Reading 26 + Science 29 = 113 ÷ 4 = 28.25 → rounds to 28 composite

The national average ACT composite score is around 20-21, with scores of 24 or higher placing students in the top 25% of test-takers. Use our ACT Score Calculator to convert raw scores to scaled scores, understand your percentile ranking, and see how your performance compares to admission requirements at specific colleges.

Choosing the Best ACT Test Date

Selecting the optimal ACT test date is a strategic decision that impacts your college admissions success. Your choice should balance adequate preparation time, college application deadlines, school commitments, and the possibility of retaking the exam. Most students take the ACT 2-3 times, with scores typically improving on subsequent attempts as familiarity with the format increases.

Strategic Test Date Selection by Grade

Juniors (Class of 2027):

First attempt: April or June 2026 after completing most of your high school coursework. Second attempt: September or October 2026 if needed. This timing allows summer preparation and fall retakes while leaving spring senior year available for final attempts.

Rising Seniors (Class of 2026):

Critical dates: September or October 2026 for early decision/action applications. Final opportunity: December 2026 for regular decision deadlines. Scores from December tests typically arrive in time for most January college deadlines.

Sophomores (Getting Started Early):

Consider taking the ACT in June 2026 at the end of sophomore year for baseline scoring and early preparation advantage. This provides multiple retake opportunities throughout junior year without pressure.

Best Test Dates

April: Spring junior year, ideal first attempt
June: End of school year with most coursework complete
September: Early senior year for early apps
October: Most popular date overall

Dates to Consider Carefully

February: Winter break interrupts prep
July: Not available in New York state
December: Holiday stress and application crunch

Strategic Timing Tip: The ACT allows score choice—you can choose which test scores to send to colleges. This policy makes retaking the ACT relatively low-risk. Plan to take the test at least twice: once in spring of junior year for your baseline score, and again in fall of senior year if you need improvement. Early testing provides maximum flexibility for retakes.

ACT Preparation Timeline and Study Strategies

Effective ACT preparation requires a structured approach that builds content knowledge and test-taking skills simultaneously. The amount of preparation time needed depends on your starting score, target score, and available study hours per week. Research shows that focused, strategic practice targeting your weak areas produces better results than unfocused marathon study sessions.

3-Month Medium Intensity Study Plan

Best for: Students targeting 4-6 point composite score improvements, studying 6-8 hours per week

Month 1 (Weeks 1-4): Take a diagnostic practice test to establish baseline scores and identify weaknesses. Study fundamentals of English grammar rules, math concepts, reading strategies, and science data interpretation. Focus on accuracy over speed with untimed practice.
Month 2 (Weeks 5-8): Begin timed section practice to build speed. Learn test-specific strategies for each section including time management and question-type approaches. Take one full practice test mid-month to measure progress. Drill weak content areas identified in your diagnostic.
Month 3 (Weeks 9-12): Take 2-3 full-length practice tests per week under realistic conditions. Thoroughly review every mistake. Practice test-day routines including pacing strategies, break management, and mental stamina techniques. Fine-tune section-specific approaches.

6-Month Comprehensive Study Plan

Best for: Students seeking significant improvements (6+ points) or studying 4-6 hours per week with a flexible timeline

Months 1-2 (Foundation Phase): Take initial diagnostic test. Deep dive into content review: all English grammar rules, pre-algebra through trigonometry, reading comprehension strategies, and science reasoning approaches. Build strong fundamentals with untimed, accuracy-focused practice.
Months 3-4 (Skill Development): Introduce timed practice gradually. Master section-specific strategies and question-type patterns. Take one full practice test every two weeks to monitor improvement. Create and maintain an error log categorizing mistakes by type and concept.
Months 5-6 (Test Readiness): Increase to 1-2 full practice tests per week. Simulate exact test conditions including timing, breaks, and environment. Focus on consistency across all four sections. Identify and eliminate persistent error patterns. Practice calculator efficiency for Math section.

Proven ACT Study Strategies

Official Practice Tests

Use official ACT practice tests exclusively for the most accurate assessment. The ACT Official Prep Guide contains real retired tests that perfectly match actual test difficulty.

Section Order Strategy

The ACT always follows the same order: English, Math, Reading, Science. Practice in this exact order to build mental stamina and develop effective pacing for the test-day experience.

Time Management

The ACT is extremely time-pressured. Practice strict timing for each section and develop a pacing strategy. For Reading: 8-9 minutes per passage. For Science: 5-6 minutes per passage.

Content Review Priority

Focus on high-yield topics: English grammar rules, algebra and geometry for Math, passage-reading strategies for Reading, and graph interpretation for Science. Master the fundamentals first.

Study Efficiency Tip: The ACT tests content knowledge more directly than the SAT. Spend significant time reviewing actual academic content—grammar rules, math formulas, reading strategies—rather than just taking practice tests. One well-reviewed practice test with thorough content review of weak areas beats three tests taken without analysis.

Understanding ACT Scores and Percentiles

ACT scores range from 1 to 36 for each of the four sections (English, Math, Reading, Science) and for the composite score, which is the average of the four section scores. Understanding what constitutes a "good" score depends on your college goals and the competitiveness of your target schools. Percentiles show how you compare to other test-takers nationwide.

Composite Score	Percentile	Performance Level	Typical College Access
32-36	97th-99th+	Excellent	Ivy League, Top 20 schools
28-31	88th-96th	Very Good	Top 50 universities
24-27	74th-87th	Good	Strong state universities
20-23	48th-73rd	Average	Most colleges, state schools
Below 20	Below 48th	Below Average	Community colleges, open admission

ACT vs SAT: Which Test Should You Take?

All US colleges accept both the ACT and SAT equally. Choose based on your strengths: the ACT tests more direct content knowledge and includes a Science section, while the SAT focuses more on reasoning and problem-solving. Many students take both tests once to see which yields better results.

Calculate Your ACT Score →

Use our comprehensive ACT Score Calculator to convert raw scores to scaled scores, understand your percentile ranking, and see how your performance compares to admission requirements at specific colleges. This tool helps you set realistic target scores and track your improvement throughout your preparation journey.

Frequently Asked Questions About ACT 2026

The confirmed ACT test dates for 2026 are February 14, April 11, June 13, and July 11 for national testing. Anticipated fall 2026 dates include September 5, October 24, and December 5. All tests are administered on Saturday mornings with limited Sunday testing available for students with religious observances. International test dates typically align with US dates but may vary by 1-2 days depending on the country.

Register by the regular deadline (approximately 5 weeks before the test date) to avoid late fees. Late registration closes about 2 weeks before the test date and adds $39 to the registration fee. Register as early as possible—ideally 2-3 months before your test date—to secure your preferred test center location. Popular urban centers fill up quickly, especially for September and October dates. Early registration also helps you commit to a structured preparation timeline.

The ACT registration fee is $68 for the ACT without Writing and $93 for the ACT with Writing (includes $25 Writing fee). Late registration adds $39. Changing your test date after registration costs $50. International students pay $166.50 (plus $25 for Writing if selected). ACT fee waivers covering two free tests are available for eligible low-income US students in grades 11-12 who meet specific income-based criteria. Check with your school counselor about fee waiver eligibility.

The ACT consists of four required multiple-choice sections totaling 2 hours 55 minutes: English (45 minutes, 75 questions), Math (60 minutes, 60 questions), Reading (35 minutes, 40 questions), and Science (35 minutes, 40 questions). The optional Writing section adds 40 minutes for one essay. Each section is scored 1-36, and these scores are averaged to create your composite score (also 1-36). The Writing section receives a separate score from 2-12 and does not affect your composite score.

Check the specific requirements of your target colleges before deciding. Some schools require the Writing section, others recommend it, and many don't consider it at all. If even one of your target schools requires or recommends Writing, take it to keep all options open. The Writing section costs an additional $25 and adds 40 minutes to your test time. Most selective colleges no longer require Writing, but policies vary, so research each school individually or take Writing to be safe.

Most students take the ACT for the first time in spring of junior year (April or June) after completing most high school coursework. Take it again in fall of senior year (September or October) if you need score improvement. For early decision or early action applications with November deadlines, take the ACT by October at the latest. For regular decision applications with January deadlines, December is typically your final opportunity. Taking the test early in junior year provides maximum flexibility for retakes and reduces senior year stress.

Yes, calculators are permitted throughout the entire ACT Math section. However, not all calculator models are allowed. Permitted calculators include most four-function, scientific, and graphing calculators. Prohibited devices include smartphones, tablets, laptops, calculators with QWERTY keyboards, calculators with CAS (Computer Algebra System) functionality, and calculators requiring electrical outlets. The TI-84 and TI-Nspire (non-CAS) are popular approved models. Practice with the same calculator you'll use on test day to build efficiency.

Most students benefit from 2-4 months of consistent ACT preparation. A 3-month plan with 6-8 hours of weekly study can raise your composite score by 4-6 points. Students seeking larger improvements (6+ points) should plan for 4-6 months of preparation with focused content review. The key is consistent practice with thorough error analysis rather than just accumulating study hours. Start with a diagnostic practice test to establish your baseline score and identify specific content areas needing improvement, then create a targeted study plan addressing those weaknesses.

Essential ACT Resources and Tools

Maximize your ACT preparation with comprehensive tools designed to help you achieve your target score. Our ACT Score Calculator provides instant feedback on your performance and helps you understand where you stand relative to your college goals.

Calculate Your ACT Score

Use our comprehensive ACT Score Calculator to convert raw scores to scaled scores, understand your percentile ranking, and determine your competitiveness for target colleges. Track your improvement and set realistic goals.

Calculate Your Score →