When Do ACT Scores Come Out in 2024: Key Dates

Picture of a calendar displaying the days of the week and their respective dates
Updated:
November 30, 2023
Contents

”Rohan

Reviewed by:

Former Admissions Committee Member, Columbia University

Reviewed: 10/30/23

Wondering when ACT scores come out? Keep reading to find out more about ACT score release dates!


female student checking phone and computer


The ACT is an exam used for college admission decisions in the U.S. It’s a standardized test covering English, mathematics, reading, science, and an optional writing portion. The test scores reflect what students have learned throughout high school. 

Colleges use the ACT score to determine a student's academic preparedness for college. In recent years, half of the U.S. graduating class had taken the ACT.  Good ACT scores, along with other factors, can improve your application. If you’re asking yourself when ACT scores come out, keep reading to learn more! 

2024 ACT Score Release Dates

ACT score results are typically available approximately two weeks after you take the test, although it can take up to eight weeks to receive your scores. Your MyACT account will show your scores when they’re ready. Writing test results are available approximately two weeks after the rest of your scores. 

It's important to note that the colleges you've designated to receive your scores will only gain access to your official ACT score report once your essay has been evaluated and graded.

Score release dates are given only in time ranges. If your ACT is scheduled for an upcoming date, the table below will provide a general timeframe. You can expect your results within this window; however, ACT doesn’t provide any other timeline or explain delays.

National Test Date Score Release Timeframe
December 9, 2023 December 19 – February 2
February 10, 2024 February 20 – April 5
April 13, 2024 April 23 – June 7
June 8, 2024 June 18 – August 2
July 13, 2024 July 23 – September 6

Source: ACT.org

If your results are unavailable within two to eight weeks and you’re wondering when ACT scores come out, this may be due to a number of irregularities. Although ACT doesn’t notify students about delays, knowing the reasons for the wait can be helpful.

ACT Test Score Delays 

Some common reasons your ACT scores wouldn’t come out within the given time frames. ACT doesn’t provide status reports but has provided some information as to what could be causing delays: 

  • Test dates were rescheduled: If, for any reason, you had to reschedule your ACT test date, it can impact the timing of your score release.
  • Student provides incomplete or incorrect information: Errors or omissions in your test registration or answer document can slow down the score reporting process. Ensure that all the information you provided during registration is accurate and complete to prevent potential delays.
  • Personal information on the answer document doesn’t match the admission ticket: If the personal information on your answer document doesn't match the details on your admission ticket, it can trigger a delay in your score release. Consistency in your information is crucial.
  • Irregularities reported at testing center: Any issues or irregularities reported at the testing center where you took the ACT can impact the score processing timeline. These may include incidents during the test administration.
  • Outstanding registration fees: Unresolved registration fees can lead to a hold on your scores until the fees are settled. Make sure all your registration fees are paid to avoid any delays in accessing your ACT scores.

While you're in the waiting period for your ACT scores, it's wise to take a proactive approach to ensure a smooth score release process:

  • Review Your MyACT Account: Periodically check your MyACT account to verify that your personal information is accurate. This includes your name, address, and other identifying details. Ensuring the correctness of this information can prevent delays related to discrepancies.
  • Fee Payment: Confirm that all registration fees are paid in full. This simple step can help eliminate one of the common causes of score release delays.

Understanding these potential reasons for score delays and taking the necessary steps to address them can contribute to a more streamlined and stress-free experience when waiting for your ACT scores to become available.

2024 ACT Delivery Timeline

Now that you’ve built and utilized your study schedule, you’ll need to schedule for the ACT.

It's also essential to understand the timeline for the delivery of your score reports to various recipients. Here's a breakdown of the key elements in the ACT delivery process:

ACT Score Report to Your MyACT Account

Your Student Report, containing your ACT scores and valuable college and career planning information, will typically become available in your MyACT account. However, the exact timing can vary.

Expect this report to be accessible approximately two to eight weeks after the test date. This timeline allows for the processing and grading of your test.

High School Report

Your high school will receive the High School Report, which includes your ACT scores and additional college and career planning insights.

The High School Report is delivered through online reporting and follows a similar timeline, typically becoming available to your school within two to eight weeks after the test date. This report is crucial for your academic advisors to guide you effectively.

College Report

The College Report is sent to each of the colleges or universities you selected and paid for during your registration process.

Delivery times for the College Report may vary, depending on the individual policies and processes of the respective colleges. It's essential to note that the timing of this report largely depends on when you placed the order and the specific requirements of the receiving institutions.

This is a rough ACT timeline for this upcoming year, especially if you plan on retaking the ACT in the upcoming year.

Understanding the approximate delivery times for your score reports allows you to plan your college application process more effectively and make informed decisions about when to schedule your ACT retake if necessary. 

Being aware of these timelines ensures that you can meet application deadlines and make the most of your ACT scores in your educational journey.

What Time Do ACT Scores Come Out? 

ACT exam scores are published daily at 12 a.m. Central time, which corresponds to 10 p.m. Pacific time, 11 p.m. Mountain time, and 1 a.m. Eastern time. If your scores are not available at this time, it is advisable to wait until the following day or week for the results, as it's not uncommon for ACT scores to have a delay. 

Male student checking watch while on computer


You’ll find your ACT scores online and are generally released in batches. We recommend checking your MyACT account after midnight on a given ACT score release date. 

Due to the gradual release of ACT score release dates and times, there’s no need for alarm if your scores are not updated at the same time as your peers.  

How to Check ACT Scores

Checking ACT test results is pretty simple. Firstly, it's important to note that ACT scores are typically released around 10 days after the test date for the multiple-choice tests, and approximately two weeks after the test date for the full ACT, which includes the optional writing section. 

You’ll receive an email when your ACT scores come out. You may go to your MyACT account to check the scores. A second password prompt will appear before allowing you to ACT score check. 

Female student on laptop in school hallway


MyACT is compatible with mobile devices and offers a user-friendly interface, ensuring that you can access your results on a PC, tablet, or smartphone.

Your ACT scores will be displayed on the screen. You can also choose to print a copy for your records if needed. It's crucial to take some time to understand your scores, as the ACT provides a comprehensive score report that breaks down your performance in different sections of the test.

If you are satisfied with your ACT score and wish to send them to colleges or universities, you have the option to do so for a fee during the registration process. Keep in mind that for the most up-to-date and detailed instructions on how to check your ACT scores, it's always best to refer to the official ACT website. 

If you haven’t received an email, check your MyACT account periodically.  

ACT Score Release Date FAQs 

If you have more questions about when ACT scores come out, read on for answers! 

1. How Long Does It Take to Get ACT Scores? 

ACT scores are typically released approximately two weeks after test day but can take as long as eight weeks. If you completed the optional writing test, your section score is estimated to be released two weeks after your other scores. 

2. When Do School Day ACT Scores Come Out? 

Students taking the ACT on a school day should receive their scores in the same timeframe mentioned above: two to eight weeks after test day. 

3. Where Do I Find My ACT Scores? 

You can log in to your MyACT account to view your scores. 

Final Thoughts 

Waiting for ACT scores to come out can be stressful. Your ACT scores represent your hard work and dedication throughout high school. They are a vital component of your college application, providing colleges and universities with a standardized measure of your academic readiness. 

While good ACT scores can undoubtedly bolster your application, it's important to remember that they are just one facet of the holistic admission process.

Stay informed about the release dates, ensure your registration details are accurate, and address any outstanding fees promptly. Taking a proactive approach to these factors can help minimize potential score release delays and ensure you have your results when you need them for college applications.

Now you know when to expect your ACT score release dates. Do your best to be patient as scores get processed, as it takes time.  

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