ACT Registration: Tips and Tricks

Ready to register for the ACT? Learn what you need to do and decide before ACT registration.

1. Registering for the ACT

The fastest way to register is online, through your ACT Web Account. You can also obtain a registration packet at your high school guidance office. (Note: If you're taking the ACT outside of the United States, be sure to register through ACT's International portal.)

2. Bookmark ACT.org

You will start at this ACT portal to view test dates, fees, and deadlines. You can also research the requirements and processes to apply for extended time or other accommodations. Use the ACT site to access your account, register, view your scores, and order score reports.

3. Keep an eye on ACT registration dates

Don’t let your perfect test date pass you by. Make sure to check registration deadlines, so that you’re able to sign up for test day you want. We’ve got the 2021-2022 ACT registration and test dates right here.

4. Decide if you will take the ACT Plus Writing

The ACT essay is optional so it’s up to you to decide if you will register for the ACT Plus Writing or the ACT (No Writing). Some schools you end up applying to may require ACT writing scores, so we recommend you take ACT Plus Writing.

5. Check the site for the latest information about fees

The ACT Plus Writing costs more than the ACT without writing, but ACT also offers a fee waiver service. While you can choose four schools to send a score report to at no charge, there are fees for score reports sent to additional schools.

6. ACT’s Registration Survey? Not required.

The registration process includes filling out ACT’s survey on your grades and interests, but you are not required to answer these questions. To save time, you can choose to provide only the required information, marked by an asterisk.

7. Sign up for the optional Test Information Release

This is a great tool to help you prepare if you decide to retake the ACT. Six to eight weeks after the test, you’ll receive a copy of the test and your answers. This service costs an additional fee and is available only for December, April, or June test dates. You can order the Test Information Release up to 3 months after the test date, but it’s easier to order it at the time you register.

8. Make a plan to prep

Now that you’re officially signed up for the ACT, it’s time to get to work. How you’ll prep will depend on the amount of time you have to study and what you need to work on. 

9. Retake the ACT if needed

Leave enough time in your testing plan to allow for taking the test again if you don’t get the score you would like. Even if only one or two sections are low, it is to your advantage to take the test again to try to boost those areas. ACT will now automatically generate a superscore for you, which is the average of your best score in each section across all test dates. Read here from more general info about superscoring and here for ACT’s superscoring policy.

Start with a free ACT practice test to identify your strengths and weaknesses. We can help you find the right ACT prep option for your goals, learning style, and schedule. Register with us for the latest information on the ACT test, free events in your area and upcoming promotions.

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