Picking an ACT test date can feel overwhelming, whether you’re a high school freshman or a senior. When will you know enough to take the exam but still have time left over for a re-take if necessary? No fretting–Magoosh can help you decide! In this post, we’ll give you up-to-date information on both international and U.S. ACT test dates and score release dates for the 2021-2022 school year, as well as ACT test dates for 2021.
ACT Test Dates 2021-2022
Curious about ACT 2021-2022 test dates? Here’s the ACT schedule for 2021-2022 so you can find the next ACT test date that fits your planner! Unfortunately, none of the 2021-2022 tests will be available as ACT at-home tests. It’s not clear whether ACT still plans to roll out this option, which was announced in 2020.
| Test Date | Deadline | Late Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| February 6, 2021 | January 8, 2021 | January 9-15, 2021 |
| April 17, 2021 | March 12, 2021 | March 13-26, 2021 |
| June 12, 2021 | May 7, 2021 | May 8-21, 2021 |
| July 17, 2021* | June 18, 2021 | June 19-25, 2021 |
| 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 6, 2022* | June 17, 2022 | June 24, 2022 |
* ACT national test dates exclude New York and international locations.
ACT Registration and Fees
You’ll register for the ACT on ACT’s website. The ACT costs $60 without writing and $85 with writing. Late registration (after the official ACT sign up dates) is $36. Standby testing is $57 (but can be refunded under certain circumstances). To change the date or center, it’s $25. Score reports to more than four colleges cost $16 for the fifth and sixth, then $16 each. To get your test information released (a copy of your questions and answers), you’ll need to pay $30.
FAQs about ACT Test Dates and Locations
Now that you’ve read our guide, you may still have some questions. Here are our answers to some of the most frequently asked questions!
What should I know about ACT test dates and locations in 2021?
First, find the closest test center to you using this ACT test center locator!
Next, and this is most crucial for students in New York, the July ACT date is not an option in New York. This is because of certain educational legislation in the state (we won’t bore you with the details here). So if you are a New York student, heads up!
You should also know that the September ACT is a very popular test date, followed by June and July. Make sure you register well in advance so you can get the ACT test location you want and don’t have to wake up extra early to drive across town (or the state).
For international students, the upcoming ACT test dates are the same as those in the U.S. Learn more on the ACT global website.
When is the best date to take the ACT?
If you are going into the test planning for retakes (which you should), try to take the ACT for the first time when Test Information Release is offered (this means December, April, or June). This will allow you to get a copy of the test you took and your answer sheet, so you will be able to study exactly what you got wrong and why.
You’ll have to allow 6-8 weeks for this information to arrive, however, so it may not arrive in time for you to take back-to-back tests. But if you take the April and/or June test during your junior year, you’ll have plenty of time to work with this information for a July or fall retake.
Use this handy quiz to find out the best test date for you! Then, check out How long should I study for the ACT? to start planning your prep timeline.
What if my ACT test date is rescheduled?
If you are unfortunate enough to be affected by an isolated incident, you’ll probably be rescheduled for the next test date. You can find when that next ACT date is in the table above. For more widespread closures, the ACT might decide to hold a makeup date.
