Trying to find the best time to take your ACT? We have listed out all ACT test dates below to help you choose the time that best fits in with your schedule.
The ACT is administered on Saturdays. With that being said, there are special exceptions made for students to take the exam on a Sunday if they cannot take the exam on a Saturday.
Most high school students will elect to take their ACT in the spring of their junior year of high school. Another common time to take the ACT is the fall of your senior year. Many students will end up taking the ACT twice (or more).
Summary: Find the best ACT test date for you below. Check out some ACT prep resources if you want to get a top score!
2021-2022 ACT Test Dates and Registration Deadlines
The ACT test dates for the 2021-2022 testing season are shown below.
| ACT Test Date | ACT Regular Registration Deadline | Late Registration Deadline |
| September 11, 2021 | August 6, 2021 | August 20, 2021 |
| October 23, 2021 | September 17, 2021 | October 1, 2021 |
| December 11, 2021 | November 5, 2021 | November 19, 2021 |
| February 12, 2022 | January 7, 2022 | January 21, 2022 |
| April 2, 2022 | February 25, 2022 | March 11, 2022 |
| June 11, 2022 | May 6, 2022 | May 20, 2022 |
| July 16, 2022 | June 17, 2022 | June 24, 2022 |
ACT Prep Resources
If you are serious about getting a high score on your ACT, try one of the following resources
2022-2023 ACT Test Dates and Registration Deadlines
The projected ACT test dates for the 2022-2023 testing season are shown below.
| ACT Test Date | ACT Regular Registration Deadline | Late Registration Deadline |
| September 10, 2022 | August 5, 2022 | August 19, 2022 |
| October 22, 2022 | September 18, 2022 | October 2, 2022 |
| December 10, 2022 | November 4, 2022 | November 18, 2022 |
| February 4, 2023 | January 6, 2023 | January 13, 2023 |
| April 8, 2023 | March 3, 2023 | March 17, 2023 |
| June 10, 2023 | May 5, 2023 | May 19, 2023 |
| July 15, 2023 | June 9, 2023 | June 23, 2023 |
ACT Test Centers
The ACT is given at local high schools, career schools, colleges and other locations. To find a test site in your area, go to the official registration website. Tests are typically given on a Saturday. If you require a non-Saturday test because of religious reasons, there are a select number of test locations that can accommodate 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 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 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 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.
Last Updated: 9/7/2021
