ACT Test 2025: Registration, Exam Dates & Centres, Fees, Eligibility, Results

There is no such comparison that can be drawn between ACT or SAT difficulty levels. While ACT focuses more on Maths section plus Reading and Writing with an analytical bend, SAT on the other hand is more about understanding and then answering the questions of Math & Reading + Writing. The difficulty of the exams depends upon the applicant's preparation and what choice they make between ACT or SAT. It is all about the applicant's knowledge and how he/she perceives the test they wish to take. 

No, the ACT is not only for US students. While it's more commonly taken by students in the United States, students from around the world take this exam to prove their college readiness. The ACT exam is accepted by the universities in the USA and some universities in Canada. 

No, there is no additional fee for choosing an ACT exam centre in India. The fee is charged holistically from applicants when they are finally submitting their ACT exam forms. However, a "Change Fee" of $48.00 will be charged if you request a change in your chosen ACT test date and/or centre after making an appointment.

Thus, students must exercise caution while applying for the ACT exam and choosing the ACT exam centre and, of course, the date. Plus, make sure that you apply through the official website by logging in to the MyACT account only and do not pay any extra amounts unnecessarily. There are no additional exam centre costs; all costs are included within the overall ACT exam fee only.

ACT exam or American College Testing is an exam that international students give if applying for undergraduate admissions to universities abroad. This exam tests applicants based on their previous knowledge of high school in subjects of Maths, English + Reading and Science. The ACT syllabus is more or less similar to high school knowledge and tests a certain level of understanding, analysis and analytical skills of the applicants. The ACT is scored on a scale of 1 - 36 based on sectional performance and then coming down to a total overall score of ACT.

ACT stands for American College Testing. It's a standardized test commonly used for college admissions in the United States.

The ACT exam is primarily used for college admissions in the United States. It measures a student's readiness for college-level work in four core areas: English, mathematics, reading, and science. Many colleges and universities use ACT scores as part of their admissions process to evaluate applicants.

Starting form September 2025, the ACT will have a shorter test duration, fewer questions, and more time per question. The Science section will become optional, similar to the Writing section. Additionally, the ACT will transition to a digital format, allowing students to take the test on a computer, laptop, or tablet.

Yes, prospective students are eligible to apply for as many ACT exam dates as they wish to. Be it both dates in a month or other future dates. However, the ACT exam registration will have to be done separately for both dates of a month, they cannot be registered through the same email ID. Students must also note that sometimes, the ACT dates may vary and two dates may not be available in a month, hence they can check for the next possible dates on the official website.

As a best practice, it is always better to appear for one exam date first and if the need arises, applicants can register for the ACT once again if they are dissatisfied with their current scores. 

Although one can take the ACT test 12 times, students usually take the exam 2-3 times. Candidates retake the exam to improve their scores. For the next ACT exam, one needs to check for ACT exam dates and also if the applicant has enough time to sit for ACT once more and then apply to various colleges and universities.

One can make changes to the test date no later than the late registration deadline. Even if making changes during the last minute or during late registration deadline students must ensure to correctly choose the ACT exam date and the centre too. Because once the choice is made there will be no changes allowed and the next option will b apply again for another date in future. Applicants can change or cancel a given ACT exam date for which registrations have already happened, provided it is within the late registration timeframe. In case it falls out of the late registration timeframe of ACT exam dates, then applicants may be levied an additional charge also.

If the applicant has chosen to appear for ACT exam, then he/she needs to first devise their strategy of preparation. ACT preparation may seem difficult for some while the others may be easy for others. Applicants need to first check how much are they prepared to give the exam. In case the applicants have some confidence in any one or maybe two sections of the ACT, they can easily prepare for the third section of ACT and prepare easily in a month's time. 

This should be the ideal strategy of ACT exam preparation if aiming for a month:

• Attempt mocks and check how much preparation you need and then identify the green and red areas. 
• Identify the topics or areas which need maximum help in terms of prep.
• After the applicants have identified the areas that need maximum preparation, they should devote time to it and work on it. 
• Keep revising the strong sections or topics at regular time period or on alternate days so that they keep in touch.
• Finally, attempt mocks so that they help the applicant in understanding their progress overall, plus they are able to target those areas of lapse also.

Following these tips, applicants can prepare for ACT exam in a month's time. 

ACT exam is conducted throughout the year in the months of February, April, June, July, September, October, and December. ACT is conducted once every month, hence, those who are planning to appear for ACT again will have to plan their dates and university applications accordingly. The ACT exam dates usually do not change once announced, hence caution must be exercised when opting for ACT exam dates, centre and while making the final payment too.

The ACT score report includes your section scores, composite score, and reporting category scores. There are different types of ACT score reports and each of them are delivered in a certain time frame and each of them record a certain set of things. The students have to be clear as to what type of ACT score report they are wanting to receive or want their recipients to receive on their behalf. The score reports of ACT includes ACT scores, college plus career planning, performance prediction, etc.

With your ACT account, applicants can:

• Register for ACT,
• View their ACT scores,
• Send additional score reports to colleges or universities they are applying to, and
• Register for the next test if at all required.

Currently there are 5 subjects in the ACT exam, two of which are optional, starting April 2025. The main subjects in the ACT exam are - English, Maths, Reading, while the Science section is made optional along with the optional Writing section. One has to pay some extra fee to opt for either the Writing section or the Science section or both. Check out our fee section to learn more about the extra fee. 

Candidates can register online for the ACT, this is the most popular method of registering for the ACT. Mail registration is also available to register for the ACT. Students must ensure that they register for ACT before hand and if possible before the late registration deadline to avoid extra charges. Applicants should also check out the fee and exam dates before regstering for ACT exam.

There is no minimum eligibility criteria to register for ACT exam, thus, applicants must make up their minds as to when they have to take the ACT exam and ensure that they register in time to avoid late registration charges. The late registration charges are additional charges, hence, if avaoidable, applicants must avoid.

There are no age restrictions for the ACT exam. However, students under the age of 16 years may be asked to provide a parental consent form at the time of registration. The ACT exam is aimed at assessing the college readiness of students after their high school. Note that there is no upper age limit in the ACT exam.

There is no specific age restriction or the level of grades required to register for ACT exam. Applicants who are willing to apply to foreign universities and are required to submit ACT scores can register for the exam first and then appear for it at the chosen date and centre. There is no bar in terms of the number of times an applicant wishes to appear for ACT exam as well. Thus, applicants can ideally apply and sit for ACT before applying to universities abroad.

Yes, prospective students are eligible to apply for as many ACT exam dates as they wish to. Be it both dates in a month or other future dates. However, the ACT exam registration will have to be done separately for both dates of a month, they cannot be registered through the same email ID. Students must also note that sometimes, the ACT dates may vary and two dates may not be available in a month, hence they can check for the next possible dates on the official website.

As a best practice, it is always better to appear for one exam date first and if the need arises, applicants can register for the ACT once again if they are dissatisfied with their current scores. 

Although one can take the ACT test 12 times, students usually take the exam 2-3 times. Candidates retake the exam to improve their scores. For the next ACT exam, one needs to check for ACT exam dates and also if the applicant has enough time to sit for ACT once more and then apply to various colleges and universities.

The definition of a good ACT score varies from university to country. However, to get into the top 100 universities, you must aim for a score higher than 31 on the ACT.

There is a deadline for each ACT exam date where no extra fee is charged for registration. But those who still haven't made up their minds and still wish to appear for an ACT exam date whose late registrations are open, are free to still register but with a late fee charge. Thus, there are two deadlines one is actual deadline when students can register for the ACT exam date and the next is the late registration when an additional fee is charged for the same ACT exam date's registration. 

A. Analyse the time you will take to prepare for the ACT and when you are planning to apply to colleges. Make sure you have the ACT score with you at the time of filling the application. Also, prepare to take ACT based on your preparation, see how much you'd take to complete the ACT syllabus plus reserve some time for taking mock tests as well. Once all these pointers are checked, you can choose your ACT exam date and register for it as soon as you make up your mind. 

Also, for those who would need more time for preparation must first check the university deadlines and then apply for ACT exam based on the timeline of preparation. ACT exam dates are usually released beforehand, thus, applicants must check them as soon as they are released. 

You can change the type of ACT exam you want to undertake. You can also change the day and date of your booked ACT exam appointment or even change your test centre. However, all this can be done by paying an additional "Change Fee" towards your booked ACT exam appointment. The amount of Change Fee that you would need to pay is $48.00.

The ACT exam is conducted 7 times (for two consecutive days) in a year. The ACT exam dates typically fall in the months of February, April, June, July, September, October and December. 

Yes, there is an option to interchange an ACT exam date chosen with a future exam date. Students will have to pay an additional amount for interchanging or changing ACT exam date. It is always better to choose one ACT exam date and stick to it and avoid cancelling or changing the exam date as it requires a fee for every request. Thus, register for ACT in one go with final dates in mind. 

Thus, those who are willing to pay will have to submit an additional fee for ACT date shifting request and apply or register in accordance with new instructions and details. It is always advised that applicants check the ACT exam dates prior to their registrations to avoid last-minute confusions and alterations.

ACT exam is conducted throughout the year in the months of February, April, June, July, September, October, and December. ACT is conducted once every month, hence, those who are planning to appear for ACT again will have to plan their dates and university applications accordingly. The ACT exam dates usually do not change once announced, hence caution must be exercised when opting for ACT exam dates, centre and while making the final payment too.

If you make a change to your booked ACT exam date or are registering in the late period of the national test date, then you will be required to pay an additional late registration fee for the ACT exam. The late registration fee for the ACT exam is $40.00.  

International candidates need to pay USD 186.50 (without the Science and Writing test) as an ACT registration fee in 2025. the ACT exam fee with the Science section in 2025 is USD 196.50 and the ACT exam fee with teh writing section is USD 186.50 + USD 25 = USD 211.50. The ACT exam fee with the Science and Writing section is USD 221.50.  

Candidates can make changes to registration through their MyACT account. Candidates are allowed to make the following changes:

• Add or remove the writing test
• Changes to test date or test location
• Any updation to personal information
• Any changes to selected colleges

If these changes are made after the registration deadlines, then the applicant may have to bear an extra fee also. Thus, applicants must ensure that they fill their applications with the right set of information in one go as far as possible.

As Indian students (or international students), candidates need to have their high school scores if available and if not they can enter their predicted scores, a valid photo ID, one recent photograph, and a credit card. The registration of ACT exam also requires applicant's high school educational background along with interests of the applicants. The ACT registration also includes students including the colleges and universities they wish to send their scores across to as well. Hence, its quite a lengthy process which requires a lot of attention so that all information provided is correct.

Applicants must be accurate with the details they enter so that they do not need to come back and make amends in the ACT exam application. The ACT registrations do not require a lot of documentation but just predicted scores to understand the applicant's progress academically so far.

You should request for accommodations before the late registration period ends. However, you yourself cannot submit the request for a special accommodation for your ACT exam, it can only be done by one of your school officials through the Test Accessibility and Accommodations (TAA) system. 

The following things that an applicant is permitted to take at the ACT test centre are as follows:

• A valid photo ID
• A calculator (read the ACT Calculator policy for selecting the right calculator)
• As it is a lengthy test it is advised to carry some water and snacks with you (you can consume them only during the break)

• Pen or pencil
• Any electronic gadget
• Food or beverages including water

Yes, the ACT exam centres follow the same exam timings as proposed. For the morning shift test-takers need to be seated at 8:00 AM and for the afternoon shift, test-takers should be present at 1:30 PM. A short break is thereafter the first two tests. Test takers giving the ACT with writing get a brief break before the writing test. Thus, applicants should reach the ACT exam centre well within time with whatever is required to give the exam without any last minute hassles.

The following items are not allowed at the ACT exam centre:

• Any snacks, drinks, or reading materials in the test room are not permitted while sitting for the ACT exam.
• Chits or any cheating material.
• Gadgets besides calculators. 
• Any sharp material and metal materials.
• Also books are also equally prohibited to carry at ACT exam centre.

Applicants not abiding by the rules may be penalised and may also be barred from appearing for the ACT exam at the designated exam centre.

In case a very far off ACT exam centre is available and the applicant doesn't have another nearby option, he or she will have to choose that far away centre only. The next best solution to find a nearby ACT exam centre is to change the date of exam and check for the nearby exam centre's seat availability. In case seats are available at the nearby centre with a mere change of date, then applicants can switch over. But if there's not much time in hand and scores cannot be delayed to be sent across to the universities then the current preference should be given to the far off ACT exam centre. So choose wisely.

It's recommended to select a test date that is at least two months before the application deadlines for any colleges and scholarship organizations you plan to apply to.

There is no specific answer to this, usually, tier 1 universities prefer candidates with ACT composite scores of 30 or more. Since a lot of universities have become test-optional the may not require applicants to submit an ACT score at all. But there are applicants who would still submit an ACT score to prove their academic knowledge and analytical side too. Thus, there is no answer to the question as to what is a good ACT composite score, it all ultimately depends upon how th student wants to portray it. 

The ACT score report includes your section scores, composite score, and reporting category scores. There are different types of ACT score reports and each of them are delivered in a certain time frame and each of them record a certain set of things. The students have to be clear as to what type of ACT score report they are wanting to receive or want their recipients to receive on their behalf. The score reports of ACT includes ACT scores, college plus career planning, performance prediction, etc.

One can make changes to the test date no later than the late registration deadline. Even if making changes during the last minute or during late registration deadline students must ensure to correctly choose the ACT exam date and the centre too. Because once the choice is made there will be no changes allowed and the next option will b apply again for another date in future. Applicants can change or cancel a given ACT exam date for which registrations have already happened, provided it is within the late registration timeframe. In case it falls out of the late registration timeframe of ACT exam dates, then applicants may be levied an additional charge also.

The updated duration for the ACT exam in 2025 is 125 minutes. This includes the time needed to attempt only the English, Reading and Maths sections in the ACT test since the Science section is made optional since April 2025. If you add the optional writing section then add 30 minutes more, and if you add the Science section too, then add 40 minutes more. 

Then the total duration of ACT is 195 minutes after adding the writing and science sections. 

Starting September 2025, the duration of the ACT exam for all the non-US test takers, will be shortened. This will be achieved by reducing the number of questions asked earlier on the ACT exam. The new test format will have 44 fewer questions than earlier. 

Yes, if the applicant feels that they have been marked incorrectly on a correctly answered question on the ACT exam, they can raise a request for score verification. For this they will have to fill up a pdf form and attach a cheque for ACT Customer Support. Once the form is submitted, the applicant's responses will be checked as per the correct score key and match the answers, in case of essay also, they would be evaluated by independent plus qualified readers to check if assessment was done correctly. In case the scores increase or even if they decrease the applicant would get a new score from ACT in both cases.

The ACT is scored on a scale of 1-36, with 1 being the lowest and 36 being a perfect score. No university or college demands a perfect ACT composite score of 36, thus, students should aim for a score of 30+ and score slightly above the minimum ACT score requirements. Hence, its good to aim for the perfect ACT score but not aimlessly targetting for 36 will be a more sensible approach.

The ACT exam has a scoring scale of 1 to 36 for each of the four main sections: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science. The Composite Score, which is the average of these four section scores (rounded to the nearest whole number), also ranges from 1 to 36.

Each of the ACT sections whether Reading, Math, English, and Science are scored on a range of 1-36. You get an overall ACT score depending on the number of correct answers you gave. The average ACT score of four sections, also known as the composite score, is the final score. This means that the scores of all the sections are added together and divided by four to get the composite score.

There is no negative marking for incorrect answers plus unattempted questions. Based on the above explanation of how scoring on ACT is done, the results are compiled. 

The following table shows how the ACT band score is calculated based on section wise performance of the applicant in ACT exam:

Yes, you can now get a superscore for your ACT exam. The superscores will automatically be calcuated and provided to you by ACT if you have taken the ACT exam more than once since 2016. 

Do not retake the ACT just for the sake of it, go for a retest if you are convinced that your score will improve. If your score is less than the targeted score, in that case you can retake the ACT after more preparation. You can retake ACT when you have enough time in hand also to appear for another exam before applying to universities abroad and also have some extra preparation along with the previous knowledge is then sensible to appear for the ACT exam for the second attempt or beyond.

Students can view their composite and multiple-choice section scores online between two weeks to eight weeks. For writing section scores, it takes almost two more weeks since an expert has to read the essays and then mark based on the writing piece. The students who are applying to universities abroad are hence required to appear for ACT in such a manner that they receive the scores well in advance before submitting the scores to the university in their application forms. 

ACT score reports are sent to various recipients like the college or university the applicant is applying to. There are different types of ACT score reports and each of them are delivered in a different time frame, the table below gives details of the types of ACT score reports and the time frame in which they are delivered:

If you have selected score report recipients at the time of registration then they will receive the ACT score report between 4-10 weeks. Applicants can check if their scores have been released online within three weeks from taking the test and in the fourth week check if the ACT score reports have been released to the recipients that were mentioned during ACT exam registration. Once the ACT scores are released to the recipients, the status would show delivered in the status.

You can check your ACT exam scores on your dedicated "MyACT" account. You can simply just log into your account and look for the results section. Note that signing into your ACT account to look for results does not fasten up ACT's result declaration process. 

If the applicant has chosen to appear for ACT exam, then he/she needs to first devise their strategy of preparation. ACT preparation may seem difficult for some while the others may be easy for others. Applicants need to first check how much are they prepared to give the exam. In case the applicants have some confidence in any one or maybe two sections of the ACT, they can easily prepare for the third section of ACT and prepare easily in a month's time. 

This should be the ideal strategy of ACT exam preparation if aiming for a month:

• Attempt mocks and check how much preparation you need and then identify the green and red areas. 
• Identify the topics or areas which need maximum help in terms of prep.
• After the applicants have identified the areas that need maximum preparation, they should devote time to it and work on it. 
• Keep revising the strong sections or topics at regular time period or on alternate days so that they keep in touch.
• Finally, attempt mocks so that they help the applicant in understanding their progress overall, plus they are able to target those areas of lapse also.

Following these tips, applicants can prepare for ACT exam in a month's time. 

Below are some of the tips that can help you prepare effectively for your ACT exam:

1. Understand your purpose of taking the test. Research through the internet to find yourself enough explanation on why the test is important for you. Then, understand which test you need to take - whether you need to take the writing portion of the test or not. 
2. Understnd the syllabus of the ACT test - this will help you what will be expected out of you in the test. By learning bout the chapters and topics, you can start your practice of topic everyday, as soon as you can. remember - the earlier you start your preparation - the more you will be ready to adjust to any changes (if any) that comes in the exam format before the stipulated exam date. Also, you will get enough time to revise and solve practice papers. 
3. Commit important Maths, Physics and Chemistry formulas to your memory and make short notes of the same. You can go through these notes and formulas before entering the exam hall. 
4. Learn about the test strategies from the previous ACT test takers - figure which strategies worked for them. And make a customised action plan for yourself based on your preferences and needs. 

There are just a couple of tips that one must keep in mind before preparing for ACT exam:

• Check the ACT exam syllabus first, mark the topics where the students are confident enough and mark those where they lack confidence.
• See how much time will you take to prepare for ACT and then begin preparing for the exam based on the timeline keeping the above point in mind.
• Setting up a schedule and making a timetable and following it is must to crack plus prepare for ACT.
• A separate time must be kept for attempting mock exams.
• Those who still need mocks should keep a week or two for extra preparation. 

Preparation for the ACT exam begins with understanding each of its four main sections (English, Math, Reading, Science) and the optional Writing section. To start with, you can take a full-length ACT practice test to pinpoint the area of your strengths and weaknesses. Then, create a study plan that targets your weaker areas, using official ACT exam preparation materials and reputable prep books or online programs.

Yes, with a focused and consistent plan, two months can be enough to prepare well for the ACT exam. This time is enough to identify any weaknesses that you may have in a subject, review the content you are using for preparation, practice with full-length tests, and refine test-taking strategies.

The ACT exam syllabus covers 4 multiple-choice subjects and an optional essay:

• English: Assesses grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and rhetorical skills.
• Mathematics: Covers pre-algebra, elementary algebra, intermediate algebra, coordinate geometry, plane geometry, and trigonometry.
• Reading: Evaluates reading comprehension, including identifying main ideas, details, and implied meanings across passages from various genres.
• Science: Measures interpretation, analysis, evaluation, reasoning, and problem-solving skills based on scientific data, research summaries, and conflicting viewpoints.
• Writing (Optional): Requires writing an essay based on a given prompt to assess writing skills

ACT English section syllabus is based on reading comprehension and understanding of the text plus consequently answering the questions. There are other questions based on the applicant's knowledge in English language's sentence structure & formation, punctuation and how the language is used. The ACT English syllabus also includes the students to review and edit complex texts so that they are coherent and make more sense. Thus, there's mostly about how the language is put to use.

The English section of the ACT exam comprises of multiple-choice based questions based on some essays and paragraphs. Here are the topics covered along with their weightages in the English section of the ACT exam in 2025:

1. Production of Writing (38-43%)
2. Knowledge of Language (18-23%)
3. Conventions of Standard English (38-43%) 
4. Field test, embedded (20%)

There are self-contained questions and some questions that belong to a set of several questions (charts and graphs) in the Maths section of the ACT exam. The topics covered in the Maths section of the ACT exam are:

1. Preparing for higher math (80%)
   • Number & Quantity (10-12%)
   • Algebra (17-20%)
   • Functions (17-20%)
   • Geometry (17-20%)
   • Statistics & Probability (12-15%)
2. Integrating essential skills (20%)
3. Modeling (>=20%)
4. Field test, embedded (9%)

The topics covered in the Reading section of the ACT exam are:

1. Key ideas and details (44-52%)
2. Craft and structure (26-33%)
3. Integration of knowledge and ideas (19-26%)
4. Field test, embedded (25%)

There are different types of ACT registration fees for students. Candidates need to pay an additional USD 40 as a late registration fee for the ACT if they register after the regular deadline.

Around USD 48 is charged as "Change Fee" for requesting a change your test centre or date after registering for your ACT exam. The other ACT exam fee include fee for sending your ACT exam scores to teh 5th or 6th universities of your choice or for requesting extra score reports. Both cost USD 20.00 separately. 

The only solution to missing the final or late registration of ACT exam is to apply for another ACT exam date. The late registration of ACT will not open once closed, hence there is no other option but to wait for the next ACT dates registrations to open. Students must ensure that they are applying in time and for the best possible date as per convenience to avoid last-minute confusions.

Bring the following with you to the test centre:

• A valid photo ID
• 2 pencils (sharpened) with erasers
• A calculator
• Water bottle

No other item would be permitted at the ACT exam centre thus, abide by the rules and avoid going against them.

The ACT score report includes your section scores, composite score, and reporting category scores. There are different types of ACT score reports and each of them are delivered in a certain time frame and each of them record a certain set of things. The students have to be clear as to what type of ACT score report they are wanting to receive or want their recipients to receive on their behalf. The score reports of ACT includes ACT scores, college plus career planning, performance prediction, etc.

No, you cannot cancel the ACT test scores, however, you have the choice to not send the score reports to colleges. If you will cancel the sending of score reports then colleges won't receive your scores. You can cancel the sending of score reports maximum by five days after the test date. One can also request ACT to delete their records of scores from the test administration. Thus, applicants should check what all options they have before going for a score cancellation of ACT exam.