ACT Test Dates and Registration Deadlines for 2026–2027

The ACT is offered multiple times throughout the year, most commonly in February, April, June, July, September, October, and December, and students can expect a similar testing schedule in 2026 and 2027.

Planning ahead helps reduce stress and prevent missed opportunities. This guide highlights the key ACT test dates and deadlines for 2026–2027 so you can plan with confidence and stay on track.

• When Can You Take the ACT?
• Official ACT Test Dates and Deadlines for 2026-2027
• When Is the Best Time to Take the ACT?
• How to Register for the ACT
• Get Expert Help Preparing for the ACT
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

When Can You Take the ACT?

The ACT is administered several times each year. In the United States, the exam is most commonly offered in February, April, June, July, September, October, and December, though exact dates and availability can vary by location and testing center.

Because the ACT follows a predictable annual schedule, students can choose test dates that best align with their academic progress and admissions goals.

Spring, summer, and fall dates

Earlier spring and summer test dates are often ideal for juniors, as they allow time to build a strong baseline score and make improvements before senior year begins.

Taking the ACT in February, April, June, or July gives students the opportunity to assess their performance, focus on targeted preparation, and retest if necessary without the pressure of immediate application deadlines. These earlier attempts also help students enter senior year with confidence and finalized—or near-final—scores.

Fall test dates, including September, October, and December, are especially important for seniors applying through Early Action, Early Decision, or Regular Decision. These test administrations often represent the last opportunities to submit scores before college deadlines.

Since ACT score reporting typically begins a few weeks after the test date, advance scheduling is essential to ensure scores are received on time. Planning ahead allows students to avoid unnecessary stress and ensures their test results are available when colleges begin reviewing applications.

Official ACT Test Dates for 2026–2027

The table below outlines confirmed ACT test dates for the 2026-2027 testing year:

The July 11, 2026 ACT is offered nationally but no test centers are scheduled in New York State on that date. Please note that official dates and deadlines are set by ACT Inc. and are subject to change.

Early 2027 test dates (like February and April) can be especially useful for gap-year applicants or seniors applying Regular Decision, giving ample time to receive and submit scores before late fall and winter deadlines.

When Is the Best Time to Take the ACT?

Choosing the most strategic ACT test date depends on your readiness, grade level, coursework schedule, and college goals. Because the ACT is offered multiple times each year, you can plan smartly to give yourself the best opportunity to achieve your target score and meet application deadlines. Here’s how:

Step 1: Factor in your grade level.

Your best testing timeline starts with your grade level and academic preparedness. Most students take the ACT during junior year after completing the majority of core coursework, giving them a solid foundation for testing.

Here’s how ACT timing typically breaks down based on where you are in high school:

• Sophomores can benefit from an early baseline score that provides insight into current strengths and areas for improvement. This early feedback allows them to plan a thoughtful, multi-year approach to skill development and test preparation.
• Juniors often aim for spring or fall of junior year for their first official test, as this timing typically aligns with completed coursework and provides time for retakes.
• Seniors may take the ACT in the fall or summer before senior year as a final chance to improve scores or meet deadlines for scholarships and college admissions.

Step 2: Match ACT dates to college application deadlines.

When planning test dates, you should schedule them so your scores arrive well before application deadlines. ACT scores are usually available about 10–14 days after testing, with delivery to colleges taking additional time, so earlier is better.

For Early Action and Early Decision, many students aim to test as early as June or July before senior year or September of senior year so scores arrive on time. For Regular Decision, testing in September, October, or even December can still work, provided you allow enough time for score reporting before winter deadlines.

Step 3: Leave room for retakes.

Many students see score improvements on a second or third attempt, so leaving space between test dates is important.

Start with an early test date (e.g., spring of junior year) to establish a baseline. If you want a higher score, you can then retake the ACT in summer or fall without rushing. Planning 6–8 weeks between test dates gives you time to revise and focus your prep for improvement.

Step 4: Consider Preparation and Coursework.

Aligning your ACT prep with your coursework and practice testing helps you capitalize on what you’re learning in school. Taking the test after you’ve completed classes like Algebra II, English, and other core subjects can boost confidence and performance.

Use practice tests throughout your study timeline to gauge readiness and pinpoint areas where you need more review. Starting prep several months before your chosen test date often leads to better results than last-minute studying.

How to Register for the ACT

Registering for the ACT is a straightforward process that students can complete online through the official ACT website. Registration typically takes about 10–30 minutes, and it’s best to complete it well before the deadline to avoid late fees or limited seat availability. Follow the steps below:

Step 1: Create an ACT account.

To register for the ACT, you first need a MyACT account. This account will be your central hub for everything related to the test—from registration to score reporting and future test dates.

When setting up your account, you’ll enter basic personal information such as your full name, date of birth, email address, and contact information. Make sure the name you provide matches the name on your ID, as this will be required for test-day identification.

Step 2: Select a test date and test center.

Once your account is set up and you’re logged in, you can begin registering for a specific ACT administration. From the ACT dashboard, you’ll be able to view available test dates and testing locations. It’s important to choose a nearby test center and check availability early, as popular dates and centers can fill up quickly.

You’ll also select whether you’re testing in the United States or internationally, which can affect available sites and options.

Step 3: Complete registration and pay fees.

After selecting your test date and test center, you’ll complete your ACT registration by entering additional information, such as your high school details, optional components like the writing ($25) and science ($4) sections, and any free services you choose (like Recruit Me).

Next, you’ll pay the ACT registration fee using a credit or debit card or apply a fee waiver if you’re eligible. The base test fee is typically about $68–$69 (without writing) and increases if you add the optional sections.

ACT has regular registration deadlines several weeks before each test date, and if you miss that deadline, you can still register during a late period for an additional fee (usually around $38–$40). There are also fees for making changes after you register (such as changing your test date or center) and for standby testing if you register very late or try to test on the day of the exam without prior registration.

Once payment is submitted and your registration is processed, you’ll receive a confirmation and an admission ticket to bring with you on test day.

Step 4: Apply for testing accommodations if needed.

To apply for ACT test accommodations, students must work through their school’s Test Accommodations Coordinator (TAC) and follow ACT’s formal approval process.

All requests are submitted by the school through ACT’s Test Accessibility and Accommodations System (TAA) by the published deadline. The TAC first confirms parental consent, identifies the needed accommodations, and determines whether ACT authorization is required. Requests should reflect accommodations the student already uses in school; universal supports that do not require approval should not be submitted.

The TAC then uploads required documentation, typically a current IEP or Section 504 plan. Students without one must provide documentation from a licensed professional explaining the diagnosed disability and the need for accommodations.

ACT reviews requests in about 10–14 business days and sends a decision to the school. Approved students are added to the accommodations roster and receive appropriate testing materials, while denied requests may be reconsidered if deadlines allow.

All accommodation information remains confidential and does not appear on ACT score reports.

Get Expert Help Preparing for the ACT

Ready to ace the ACT? Our ACT Private Tutoring Program is built to help you select the most strategic test dates, follow a personalized study plan, and push your score to its full potential.

You’ll work one-on-one with expert tutors who use official ACT practice tests and targeted instruction to strengthen your skills in English, Math, Reading, and Science, while building confidence for test day.

Students who complete our ACT program regularly achieve 35+ scores, gaining a meaningful edge in competitive college admissions. With customized study plans, proven test-taking strategies, detailed progress tracking, and guidance from your first diagnostic to exam day, we support every step of your ACT journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many times should I take the ACT?

We recommend taking the ACT 2–3 times. Many see score improvements on a second attempt, and a third test can help fine-tune results if needed.

2. How many times is the ACT conducted in a year?

The ACT is typically offered seven times per year in the U.S., most commonly in February, April, June, July, September, October, and December.

3. Do ACT test dates change from year to year?

Yes. While the months remain consistent, the exact calendar dates and deadlines vary slightly each year and are officially released by ACT in advance.

4. Can I reschedule my ACT after registering?

Yes. You can change your ACT test date or test center through your ACT account, but change fees may apply and availability is not guaranteed.

5. How early should I register for the ACT?

You should register as early as possible, ideally several weeks before the regular deadline, to secure your preferred test date and location and avoid late fees.

Takeaways

• Planning your ACT test dates and registration deadlines for the 2026–2027 testing cycle can give you a meaningful strategic advantage in the college admissions process.
• The ACT is offered multiple times each year—typically in February, April, June, July, September, October, and December—giving students flexibility to test early, regroup, and retake the exam if needed.
• A strong ACT plan is a key piece of a successful college application strategy. With expert guidance, you can choose the right test dates, follow a personalized study plan, and maximize your score, while keeping your entire admissions timeline on track.