How to Handle ACT Test Cancellations Due to COVID-19

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Nadyja Von Ebers

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Editor’s note: This post has been last updated on April 10, 2020. For the latest information about ACT testing during the COVID-19 crisis, please check out our live COVID-19 updates post.

You can also read more about how Covid has changed the ACT here!

First and foremost, we hope you are healthy and safe and home. We know this is a challenging time for everyone, and your wellbeing is our #1 concern. We also want to share some important information about how to navigate ACT cancellations and what to do next.

Most recently, the April 4 ACT test date has been cancelled in compliance with new rules about social distancing in an effort to stop the spread of Covid-19. While inconvenient, this is to protect you and the community at large.

So what does this mean for you? Let’s take a look at the next potential testing dates as well as some advice for staying on track with your ACT prep and college application process.

Key Information About ACT Cancellations

  • You must reschedule your ACT testing date yourself. You will not be automatically rescheduled for a later date.
  • There are no fees to reschedule.
  • Colleges are aware that ACT test dates are delayed and many are extending their deadlines as well. If you are a current high school senior in the process of deciding on and committing to a college, please be in touch with each of your colleges directly to keep them updated and to learn more about modifications to their application processes.

Next ACT Test Dates

So then, when should you plan on taking the ACT? Here’s what you need to know as of right now:

  • The next ACT testing dates are June 13 and July 18 for students residing in the United States. Until further notice from the ACT, we are operating under the assumption that these testing dates are still happening.
  • For international students, the next testing dates are June 12 or 13 and July 17 or 18. Again, as of now, these registration dates are open.
  • Magoosh’s live updates about Covid-19 will continue to include the newest information available. Please check back frequently!
  • The ACT also has Covid-19 updates and FAQs that we highly recommend you check out.

Studying for the ACT: How to Stay on Track

With major schedule disruptions, it can be hard to get back in the swing of things. Here are some tips for finding your rhythm again and moving forward with the ACT and college prep process.

Take breaks

Your brain might be a little scrambled right now. That’s OK. Give yourself the necessary time to mentally prepare for test prep again. It’s okay to take a break before jumping back into a study schedule. It’s also okay to take a break during your study sessions; in fact, we highly recommend it! Burnout is real, and you’ll do better on the ACT if you avoid it.

Create a new daily routine

Most of us are working on creating new routines and habits right now, which takes a minute to adjust to. You’re probably not able to go to the gym or your favorite cafe and you might be on a major budget if your job was impacted.

So reflect on how you can still take care of your physical, emotional, and social health. Here are some tips for doing so:

  • Keep consistent sleep and wake times.
  • Eat a healthy breakfast and eat meals at consistent times.
  • Get a little exercise (for example, do a YouTube workout video or go for a walk at least 6 feet away from other people)
  • Set timers to incorporate test prep and other responsibilities (like homework, if you’re still in class) and take breaks.
  • Spend some time journaling, meditating, or listening to relaxing music.
  • Stay informed, but take breaks from reading or watching the news.
  • Reach out to friends and loved ones frequently via phone, video chat, and/or social media.

For more tips, such as what types of foods are scientifically proven to increase your happiness or how to break up the monotony of quarantine, check out our post on how students can reduce their stress during this time.

Get in the right mindset if you’ve fallen off of your plan

First, embrace the mindset that the test will still be happening. College will still be happening. Get prepared and excited to move forward.

Next, be gentle with yourself if you’ve lost your momentum. Ease into studying for the ACT slowly and for small bursts of time. If you normally study for an hour at a time, for example, try 20 minutes. If and when you’re able to sustain that focus, bump up these chunks of study time.

Above all, know that everyone is distracted right now, and don’t beat yourself up if you’re struggling to plow through.

Use these study resources

Great practice tools will help keep you stay on track without getting overloaded:

Good luck, stay healthy, and don’t hesitate to reach out to us here at Magoosh with any questions or concerns!

Author

  • Nadyja Von Ebers

    Nadyja von Ebers is one of Magoosh’s Content Creators. Nadyja holds an MA in English from DePaul University and has taught English and at the high school and college levels for twelve years. She has a decade of experience teaching preparation for the AP exams, the SAT, and the ACT, among other tests. Additionally, Nadyja has worked as an academic advisor at college level and considers herself an expert in all things related to college-prep. She’s applied her college expertise to posts such as UCLA Admissions: The SAT Scores, ACT Scores, and GPA You Need to Get in and A Family Guide to College Admissions. Nadyja loves helping students reach their maximum potential and thrives in both literal and virtual classrooms. When she’s not teaching, she enjoys reading and writing for pleasure and loves spending time in or near the ocean. You can connect with her on LinkedIn!

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