2012 and 2013 ACT Test Dates

ACT Test Dates In most states, the ACT Test is given six times a school year, as shown in the tables below. The tests are administered on Saturdays. The regular registration deadline is approximately one month before the test date. Most high school students choose to take the ACT Test during the spring of their junior year and/or the fall of the senior year. Many student take the ACT test twice (once as a junior and once as a senior). 57% of repeat test takers increase their ACT composite score on a retest.

2011-2012 ACT Test Dates and Registration Deadlines

The ACT Test Dates for the 2011-2012 testing season are shown below.

ACT Test Date	ACT Regular Registration Deadline	Late Registration Period (additional fees apply)
September 10, 2011	August 12, 2011	August 13 – 26, 2011
October 22, 2011	September 16, 2011	September 17 – 30, 2011
December 10, 2011	November 4, 2011	November 5 – 18, 2011
February 11, 2012	January 13, 2012	January 14 – 20, 2012
April 14, 2012	March 9, 2012	March 10 – 23, 2012
June 9, 2012	May 4, 2012	May 5 – 18, 2012

Free ACT Practice Tests - use Test-Guide.com's Free ACT Practice Tests to improve your ACT scores!

2012-2013 ACT Test Dates and Registration Deadlines

The ACT Test Dates for the 2012-2013 testing season are shown below.

ACT Test Dates - 2012-2013

ACT Test Date	ACT Regular Registration Deadline	Late Registration Period (additional fees apply)
September 8, 2012	August 17, 2012	August 18-24, 2012
October 27, 2012	September 21, 2012	September 22-October 5, 2012
December 8, 2012	November 2, 2012	November 3 – 16, 2012
February 9, 2013	January 11, 2013	January 12 – 18, 2013
April 13, 2013	March 8, 2013	March 9 – 22, 2013
June 8, 2013	May 3, 2013	May 4 – 17, 2013

2013-2014 ACT Test Dates and Registration Deadlines

The ACT Test Dates for the 2013-2014 testing season are shown below.

ACT Test Dates - 2013-2014

September 21, 2013
October 26, 2013
December 14, 2013
February 8, 2014
April 12, 2014
June 14, 2014

ACT Test Centers

ACT Tests are given at local high schools, career schools, colleges and other locations. To find a test site in your area, go to http://actstudent.org/regist/centers.html. Tests are typically given on a Saturday. If you require a non-Saturday test because of religous reasons, there a select number of test locations that can accomodate your needs. Please note that you will not be admitted to a non-Saturday test site unless you bring a letter from your cleric or a notarized statement that your religious beliefs prohibit taking the test on a Saturday.

Picking your ACT Test Date

Typical High School students choose to take their ACT exam for the first time during their junior year. It is advised that you select a test date that is at least 2-3 months before the application deadlines of your preferred colleges and universities. You should also be aware of any deadlines for scholarships that you are pursuing. It normally takes between three and eight weeks after your test before your scores are reported. If you have taken the ACT Plus Writing exam, the reporting period is usually five to eight weeks after your test date.

The advantages of taking your ACT Test in your junior year include:

You will have completed most of the courses covered by the ACT.
If you do not score as well on the ACT Test as you would like, you can retake the test in the fall of your senior year.
You will be prepared for when colleges contact you during the summer before your senior year.
You can use your test results to help plan what courses you want to take during your senior year.

ACT Registration can be conveniently completed online. An advantage of online ACT registration is that you will know instantly whether your chosen test center has open availability. Additionally, you can print your ACT admission ticket. Beginning with the 2010-2011 testing year, online options were added for students with disabilities who choose to take the ACT at national test centers as well as for students who wish to test in a standby mode.

ACT Scores

ACT scores are given in each of the four tests (english, mathematics, reading and science). An ACT composite score is given as well. The ACT Scores will range from 1 to 36 and the ACT Composite score will be an average of the four subject area tests.

In addition, you will be given subscores for the English, Mathematics and Reading subject area tests. The subscores range from 1 to 18 and do not necessarily add up to your subject area ACT scores. The subscores are intended to help you identify areas of strengths and weaknesses within the subject areas.