How to Register for the ACT Test: A Comprehensive Guide

The ACT (American College Testing) is a standardized, multiple-choice test, crucial for college admissions in the US. Many colleges and universities consider ACT scores during the application process, making it a powerful supplement to your college applications. The ACT assesses skills in English, Math, Reading, and Science, with an optional Writing section. This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to register for the ACT, ensuring you navigate the process smoothly and efficiently.

Understanding the ACT

The ACT consists of four main sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science, with an optional Writing section. To prepare effectively, focus on reviewing grammar rules and rhetorical skills for the English section, algebra, geometry, and trigonometry for Math, and comprehension strategies for Reading. The Science section tests data interpretation and critical thinking rather than specific science knowledge.

Key Considerations Before Registering

Before diving into the registration process, there are several important factors to consider:

Test Dates and Deadlines: ACT test dates are available multiple times a year. It’s important to check the ACT portal to view the available test dates, fees, and deadlines. International test dates and locations may vary. ACT typically releases test dates in September, April, and June for the following academic year.
Registration Deadlines: Make sure to check registration deadlines, so that you’re able to sign up for test day you want. Register early, well before the deadline. Put a note on your calendar to register at least six weeks before your test date. Missing the regular deadline will result in late registration fees.
Early Registration: We recommend registering as early as possible, as the number of spots on each date and at each testing location is limited. If you're a high school senior planning on applying to college through early action or early decision, we recommend taking the ACT before December. If you're applying through regular decision, we recommend taking the ACT before January.
Fee Waivers: The ACT offers fee waivers, which allow eligible students to take the exam for free. Students that qualify for fee waivers will also receive access to the ACT's free study and learning resources.
Test Location: Choose the best location. This isn’t an automatic decision - many students take it at their high school, but this might not be the best location!
ACT with or without Writing: The ACT essay is optional so it’s up to you to decide if you will register for the ACT Plus Writing or the ACT (No Writing).
Photo Requirements: You will need to upload a photo of yourself you must upload in order to complete your registration. This photo will be used on test day for identification purposes. On this page are all the requirements the photo must meet, such as being a picture of only you, showing your full face, and having a plain background. You won't be uploading the photo just yet; instead you'll do that after you finish the registration process.
College Choices: ACT allows you to send ACT scores to up to four schools for free. You can name those schools up to 24 hours after you complete the test for no additional fee. These free reports will only include results for that test date. You do not have to select schools during registration.
Accommodations: You can also research the requirements and processes to apply for extended time or other accommodations. Indicate whether you’ll need any accommodations during the exam for a documented disability. If you do not need accommodations, select “No, None Needed”.
Computer-Based vs. Paper-Based Testing: Some students have good reasons for preferring a computer-based test. It is much harder for testing sites to offer computers, so you will likely find more seats available if you bring your own computer. You may want to check availability for both options - test center computer and your own computer - because not every site offers both. Compass recommends that you practice on whatever device you’ll use on test day, so bringing your own computer is the better option. You will need to download the ACT Gateway app in advance of test day. The ACT Gateway application is currently supported on Windows, Chromebook, and Macbook computers.

Step-by-Step Registration Process

Here’s a detailed guide to help you through the ACT registration process:

Step 1: Create a MyACT Account

Before registering for the ACT, you must make a MyACT account. The fastest way to register is online, through your ACT Web Account.

Read also: UCF Application Strategies

Step 2: Access the Registration Portal

Visit Your ACT Dashboard and Click “Register for the ACT”After creating a MyACT account, you can begin the process of registering for the ACT. You will start at this ACT portal to view test dates, fees, and deadlines.

Step 3: Personal Information

The first section, “Your Personal Profile,” has only one important page. Every other page in this section is irrelevant to your ACT score. If you’re not sure yet which colleges you might want to apply to and want schools to contact you, then take the time to fill this out accurately.

Step 4: Interest Inventory

The next major section is “Your Interest Inventory.” Much like the previous section, this is purely optional. The registration process includes filling out ACT’s survey on your grades and interests, but you are not required to answer these questions.

Step 5: Test Selection

Next, we move to “Your Test Selection.” This is where your choices really start to matter. First, you have to agree to Terms and Conditions. You must also decide whether you plan on taking the ACT with or without the optional Writing component.

Step 6: Photo Upload Requirements

The next page goes over the requirements of the photo of yourself you must upload in order to complete your registration. This photo will be used on test day for identification purposes. On this page are all the requirements the photo must meet, such as being a picture of only you, showing your full face, and having a plain background. You won't be uploading the photo just yet; instead you'll do that after you finish the registration process.

Step 7: High School Coursework

Next, the ACT asks for the high school courses you’ve taken, and then it asks you to enter grades for each course. The ACT says they’ll send your colleges the GPA with your score report. Note that most colleges don’t actually take this as your record - they’d much rather use your transcript directly.

Step 8: Score Report Choices

Next, you’ll have a chance to add Score Report choices. At this point, you get the ability to send four free score reports to colleges of your choice. This is a $48 value for free! If you know which schools you’re applying to, I recommend that you fill this out as it can be a major cost savings

Step 9: Choose Your Test Center and Test Date

After specifying the type of exam you want to take (e.g., with or without the Writing section), you’ll be taken to a screen where you can select both your testing center and test date. Enter your zip code to find the closest testing centers. You can toggle views to choose from available dates or available sites. Depending on your availability, you may be unable to take the ACT at the closest testing center. At this point, I heavily recommend that you search by ZIP code. If you're registering right now, I recommend you read our guide to the best ACT test locations.

Step 10: Review and Confirm

After confirming the testing location and date, review your selections to make sure everything looks correct.

Step 11: Payment

If paying for the ACT out of pocket, this is when you can use a credit or debit card to pay the exam fee. Learners who have been issued an ACT fee waiver, voucher, or promotional code can enter the confirmation number during this step.

Step 12: Additional Options

offers a variety of practice materials, tutoring services, and self-paced ACT prep courses. Students can also access live online courses and prep guides. You can add any of these services or products as extras on the page following payment. In addition, on this page you can buy a test information release (TIR) for $30. This provides you with a copy of your answers. You’ll receive a digital copy along with your ACT scores.

Step 13: Personal Information and Photo ID

On the next page, you must provide additional information, including a photo ID that will be used to verify your identity on test day. Don't forget to upload your registration photo when you're done, and that’s the whole process!

Step 14: College Choices (Optional)

Next, you have the option of listing your prospective colleges so your ACT scores can be sent directly to these schools. allows you to send ACT scores to up to four schools for free. Many students decide to do this with schools they know they want to attend so they can save time and money. Students applying to highly competitive schools may prefer to skip this step so they can ensure their score is strong enough before sending score reports to prospective colleges.

Step 15: Parent/Guardian Information (Optional)

You may opt to enter your parents’ or guardians’ contact information so they can see your test scores as well. You do not need to complete this step and can choose to keep your ACT score reports private if you so choose.

Step 16: Finalize and Confirm

On the final registration page, you’ll complete the payment process, including any extras or add-ons you selected on the previous pages. before accepting them. After reviewing payment information and terms, submit the form and receive confirmation details.

Fees Associated with ACT Registration

Understanding the costs associated with ACT registration is essential for budgeting and planning. Here’s a breakdown of the fees:

ACT Registration Fee (No Writing): \$63
ACT Registration Fee (With Writing): \$88
Test Option Change (Writing or No Writing): \$25
Change Test Date or Test Center: \$40
Late Registration: \$36

Addressing Common Questions

Can I change my test date?

Yes, you can change the date of your ACT if that helps. To change your test date, log in to your MyACT account on ACT.org and navigate to your dashboard. From there, click the link that says “Make Changes to Your Registration.” While this does cost \$25, it can prevent you from losing your whole registration fee.

Can I register late for the ACT?

Yes, you can register late for the ACT. While the normal registration deadline is usually over a month before the actual test, the late registration deadline is typically about three weeks before the exam. Students can sign up late by paying a \$36 fee in addition to the \$63 registration fee. The ACT also provides a standby request deadline up to eight days before the exam. Students who miss the late registration deadline can apply for standby by paying \$63. Note that you’re not guaranteed a place if you’re on standby, as seats are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

What is the late registration fee for the ACT?

The late registration fee for the ACT is \$36, as of May 2022. Students who choose this option will pay \$99 to take the ACT (that’s the late registration fee of \$36 plus the regular registration fee of \$63). Learners will pay more if they add any optional services such as a test center change, additional score reports, or a test information release.

What is My Answer Key (formerly, Test Information Release)?

When registering for the October, April, or June national Saturday test administration, you have the option to add My Answer Key (formerly, Test Information Release), which includes a copy of the test booklet, key, your answers, and the conversion tables (scales) for \$34. Six to eight weeks after the test, you’ll receive a copy of the test and your answers. This service costs an additional fee and is available only for December, April, or June test dates.

What is the ACT Superscore report?

Instead of sending individual test scores, you can send a Superscore report for a fee. A “superscore” creates a Composite score from a student’s best performances on English, math, and reading across all test dates. About 75% of the competitive colleges tracked by Compass choose to superscore the ACT when evaluating applicants’ test results. The ACT Superscore report, despite its name, sends more than just your superscore. It includes all the scores from test dates that make up your superscore. ACT will now automatically generate a superscore for you, which is the average of your best score in each section across all test dates.

What happens after I break the seal on my test booklet?

IMPORTANT: Once you break the seal on your test booklet, you cannot later request a test date change, even if you do not complete all your tests. Log in to your MyACT account and select "Make Changes to Your Registration" or call ACT Registration at 319.337.1270 by the regular deadline for the new test date. If you call during the late registration period, you will also be charged a late fee. If you decide you do not want to test on another test date, your registration fee and any additional fees (such as late fee or test center change fee) are nonrefundable.

Tips for Successful Registration

Prepare in Advance: Start with a free ACT practice test to identify your strengths and weaknesses.
Check Seat Availability: Seat availability is higher for paper in most locations.
Flexibility: If you aren’t finding what you want, try returning to earlier decisions and changing your inputs. For instance, paper or computer testing may be available at different sites.

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