ACT Test Dates 2023

Photo of 2023 Calendar
Updated:
August 28, 2023
6 min read
Contents

”Rohan

Reviewed by:

Former Admissions Committee Member, Columbia University

Reviewed: 7/26/23

Is ACT testing required for your college application? This is your guide to all ACT testing dates. Keep reading for help planning your ACT test dates and registration. 


ACT test scores help colleges and universities determine a high school applicant’s readiness for college. While most participants take the multiple-choice exam in a testing center, some states in the US allow online testing.  

The ACT exam has four sections, though some schools require an additional writing section. Check with the college to determine if they require the additional writing section. The standard test without the essay is typically two hours and fifty-five minutes. The writing section adds forty minutes.  

ACT testing dates are limited. Students must register before the test date.

ACT Test Dates for 2023 and 2024  

The ACT test dates listed apply in the United States, US territories, and Puerto Rico. Students who cannot attend any ACT testing dates that fall on a Saturday for religious reasons can look into Non-Saturday Testing.  

ACT recommends that students register for test dates at least two months before the college deadline. It can take two to eight weeks for you to receive your results, so sending test scores to colleges at the right time is extremely important. 

Refer to the college of your choice to ensure the test dates you select are well before their deadline.    

ACT Test Dates 2023
September 9, 2023
October 28, 2023
December 9, 2023

Below are the 2024 test dates for the ACT.

ACT Test Dates 2024
February 10, 2024
April 13, 2024
June 8, 2024
July 13, 2024

To ensure that you write the ACT on one of these dates, register a couple of months before the ACT deadlines.

ACT Registration Deadlines

Infographic outlining what you will need to register for the ACT

Students cannot attend an ACT test without registering. The registration deadline is typically four to five weeks before the test date. Registration is done on the ACT website. It takes thirty minutes.  

What You’ll Need to Register for An ACT Test Date: 

  • Computer with internet 
  • Credit card or other payment methods 
  • High school course details 
  • Headshot photo 
  • ACT requires headshot photos for security reasons. Students must provide a recent photo.

Students can sign-up for late registration if they miss the regular deadline. There is a late fee required for late registration. Make sure you review the regular registration 

deadlines closely, and be sure not to miss them. 

Registration Dates

Test Date Regular Registration Deadline Late Registration Deadline
September 9, 2023
August 4, 2023 August 18, 2023
October 28, 2023 September 22, 2023
October 6, 2023
December 9, 2023
November 3, 2023
November 17, 2023
February 10, 2024
January 5, 2024 January 19, 2024
April 13, 2024
March 8, 2024 March 22, 2024
June 8, 2024
May 3, 2024 May 17, 2024
July 13, 2024
June 7, 2024 June 21, 2024

Source: American College Testing 

Ensure that you don’t miss the ACT registration dates. Once you miss the late enrollment date for the ACT, you’ll need to sign up for another date.

Standby Testing 

Students who could not manage to register in time for their preferred test dates can use standby testing as a last resort. This method is not guaranteed to secure you a spot. It functions on a first-come, first-admitted basis. Once you submit a standby testing request, it will be subject to seat and test availability.  

Standby requests are only valid for the ACT testing date they are submitted. Students cannot transfer an approved standby request to another date. Those who miss a standby date will be refunded. Standby testing can be requested through your ACT account.  

Here are the standby deadlines for this year.

Test Date Standby Deadlines for 2023-24
September 9, 2023 September 1, 2023
October 28, 2023 October 20, 2023
December 9, 2023 December 1, 2023
February 10, 2024 February 2, 2024
April 13, 2024 April 5, 2024
June 8, 2024 May 31, 2024
July 13, 2024 July 5, 2024

Source: American College Testing 

Remember that even though you may be given a standby date, it isn’t guaranteed you’ll write the ACT on your desired day.

FAQs: ACT Dates

If you still have questions, check out these frequently asked questions. 

1. When Should You Take the ACT?

The ideal time to take the ACT exam typically falls during the spring of your junior year or the fall of your senior year of high school. This timeline allows you to have a lot of preparation time and allows you to retake the exam if needed. 

It also lets you obtain your ACT score early and on time for college applications.  It's important to check the registration deadlines and available test dates. 

2. What Is the Best Month to Take the ACT?

The best month to take the ACT is either April or October because the ideal time to take the ACT is the spring of junior year or fall of senior year. 

3. How Long Before the ACT Should I Study?

The recommended duration for ACT study varies depending on factors such as prior knowledge, study habits, and availability. However, it is generally advisable to dedicate several months to prepare for the ACT exam for the best results.

4. What Are the Next ACT Dates?

The next ACT Dates for this year are: 

  • Early September
  • Late October
  • Early December

Ensure that you apply for these test dates well before the deadline!

5. What Time Does the ACT Start?

ACT test-takers must arrive at their designated test center by 8:00 am. Once students have completed the check-in process and are seated, the test typically begins around 8:30 am.

Final Thoughts 

The ACT dates are fast approaching; only five dates are left this year. Securing an ACT test date that suits your schedule is very important. Be sure to schedule your test date well before your college's deadline. Remember to check back here for test dates and registration deadlines!

ACT® is a registered trademark belonging to ACT, Inc. ACT, Inc. is not involved with or affiliated with https://www.quadeducationgroup.com, nor does ACT, Inc. endorse or sponsor any of the products or services offered by https://www.quadeducationgroup.com.

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