Choosing ACT test dates doesn’t have to be a complicated process. On the contrary, finding the right date for you is quite simple. In this article, we’ll go over upcoming national ACT test dates, discuss what to consider when choosing an ACT test date, and explain how to register for the ACT test date of your choice. Finally, we’ll throw in a bonus: how to prepare for and/or improve your ACT score!

Upcoming ACT Test Dates

This article is from the 2021-22 school year. Read about upcoming ACT test dates for the 2022-23 school year in our updated article: “When Do You Take the ACT?“

ACT has already announced its test dates for the 2021-2022 school year, along with the corresponding registration dates. Next to each ACT test date is listed the regular registration deadline and the late registration deadline. Note that a late fee (an extra $36) applies for registrations between the regular registration deadline and the late registration deadline.

There is also a deadline for standby registration accompanying each test date, which shares its deadline with your required headshot photo. Remember that regardless of which kind of ACT test you take you will need to provide this photo.

ACT test dates

As you can see, many test dates have already passed for this school year. Remember, though, that these are only the National ACT test dates. There are also state and district ACT test dates so it should be fairly easy to find a date that works well for you.

If you’re concerned about the cost of taking the ACT, we recommend our thorough look at ACT costs and fee waivers.

Which ACT Test Date is Best For You?

To determine which ACT test date is best for you, there are a few questions you should take into consideration. First, are you taking both the ACT and the SAT? (Should you take both the SAT and ACT? All told, the answer is probably yes.) If this is the case, you will want to make sure your ACT test date doesn’t conflict with your SAT test date, and that you allow enough time to prepare for each test.

Next, if you decide you would like to only take one of these tests, you’ll need to ask yourself, “Should I take the ACT or SAT?” This is a loaded question, and we highly recommend that you carefully weigh the pros and cons of each (listed within the linked article). Note also that your state or school of choice may require or prefer one test over the other. If you’re only taking one of these tests, make sure to pick the one which best fits you as an individual learner. For instance, if you thrive across many subject areas, or you’d like to have your calculator on hand, choosing the ACT may be best.

Once you’ve decided to take the ACT, the next thing to consider before choosing your ACT test date is “Should I take the ACT with writing?”  Again, this section of the test may be required of you by your state or chosen colleges. If it isn’t required of you, but you excel at writing, consider taking the ACT essay anyways. This added impressive score will make you stand out amidst  tough competition. Keep in mind that if you register for the ACT without writing, and realize later that you need to do the essay, you will need to pay an additional $25.

act test dates

As you consider where to take your ACT, you probably wonder “Where can I take the ACT exam?” Well, there are literally hundreds of testing locations where you can take the ACT, and sometimes it is even offered at your current high school. To see all of your options, use the ACT Test Center Locator.

To summarize—the path to choosing your ACT test date involves four things:

  1. Know if you want to take the SAT, ACT, or both.
  2. Plan enough preparation time in accordance with your decision.
  3. Decide if you are taking the ACT with writing.
  4. Know where you would like to take the ACT test.

Then, you will be ready to start the ACT registration process.

The ACT Registration Process

Wondering how to sign up for the ACT? Good news—the process only takes about thirty minutes. Here’s everything you need:

  • Computer with internet access
  • High school course details
  • Credit card (or other payment method)
  • Headshot photo

Collect these items before you begin the process to minimize confusion.

Then, register for your ACT! Keep ACT deadlines in mind while browsing your options, and be mindful of any late registration fees.

What if you make a mistake when choosing your ACT test date? Can you change your ACT test date? Yes, but again, it will cost you—the change fee for ACT test dates is another $40.

Prepare for your ACT Test Date with Piqosity

Now that you have chosen from a host of ACT test dates, it’s time to begin preparing for the test itself. The best way to prepare for this test is to find quality test prep resources online. That way, your materials are available to you on any device wherever there is internet.

Piqosity’s Reasonably Priced ACT Test Prep Packages Include:

  • Up to 10 Full ACT Practice Tests
  • Tutorial Lessons with Video Explanations
  • Adaptive, Gamified Practice
  • Options for Parent-Tutor Consultations
  • Score Reports and Real-Time Score Predictions
  • Personal “Strengths and Weaknesses” Analysis
  • Printable PDFs
  • Piqosity Virtual Tutor
  • …and Much More!

Still not convinced? That’s okay—you can register for FREE (no credit card information required) for our Community package, which gives you access to a FREE diagnostic test and many of our key platform tools. If you decide you want more, we offer several tiers of competitively priced test prep packages, bursting with helpful test prep resources.

If you’ve already taken the ACT and are wondering how to improve your ACT Score, Piqosity’s extensive, exceptional online test prep offers an incredible set of resources, including full-length ACT practice tests with answers and explanations, designed to help you identify your weak areas and keep improving.

When you sign up for Piqosity, you have access to our test prep materials for 365 days. So, no matter how many times you take the test, you will have the resources of Piqosity on your side. So, don’t hesitate, join Piqosity for free today!

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