Official schedule & preparation planner
ACT Test Dates 2026–2027
Stay ahead of registration deadlines with official ACT national test dates and score release schedules. Use our countdown and pacing guide to time your training runway.
2026–2027 ACT national test calendar
| Test Date | Regular Deadline | Late Registration | Estimated Score Release |
|---|---|---|---|
| December 12, 2026 | November 6, 2026 | November 20, 2026 | Dec 29, 2026 – Jan 15, 2027 |
| February 6, 2027 | January 8, 2027 | January 22, 2027 | Feb 23 – Mar 9, 2027 |
| April 17, 2027 | March 12, 2027 | March 26, 2027 | May 4 – May 18, 2027 |
| June 12, 2027 | May 7, 2027 | May 21, 2027 | June 29 – July 13, 2027 |
| July 17, 2027 | June 18, 2027 | June 25, 2027 | August 3 – August 17, 2027 |
How many weeks do you need to prep for the ACT?
10 to 12-Week Foundation
3 to 4 hours per week: Ideal for building recognition speed across English grammar, Math geometry/trigonometry, and Reading passage skimming. Take 3 full-length timed tests to establish pacing rhythm.
4 to 6-Week Pacing Focus
5 to 6 hours per week: Focus almost entirely on timing drills: trimming English questions down to 30 seconds and learning to skip/guess on the hardest Math questions to preserve easy points.
2-Week Strategy Tune-up
45 minutes daily: Review high-frequency comma rules, brush up on triangle geometry formulas, practice Science graph trend reading, and ensure you have your permitted calculator ready.
ACT test day checklist
- Printed paper ACT admission ticket: Electronic tickets on your phone are strictly not accepted by ACT test centers.
- Official photo ID: Government-issued ID, school ID, or passport matching your ticket registration exactly.
- Approved calculator with fresh batteries: Permitted on all Math questions (check ACT's prohibited calculator list; no built-in computer algebra systems).
- Sharpened #2 wooden pencils: Mechanical pencils, highlighters, and pens are prohibited on the paper test.
- Non-digital wristwatch: Smartwatches and watches with audible alarms are prohibited in testing rooms.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take the ACT without the Science section?
Yes. Under current registration policies, students can register for ACT Core (English, Math, and Reading) without Science if their targeted colleges do not require it. Check your target institutions' admissions requirements before selecting your registration option.
How many times should I take the ACT?
Most students take the exam twice or three times (typically once in the spring of junior year, once in late summer/fall of senior year). Most colleges evaluate your official ACT Superscore across test sittings.
What is the difference between ACT National and School Day testing?
National test dates occur on designated Saturdays and require independent online registration through act.org. School Day testing is administered during regular school hours by participating high schools, often funded by the district or state.