Here are all 7 ACT test dates for 2026–27, with registration, late registration and standby deadlines and score release dates from ACT. You’ll also find what the ACT costs now, how fee waivers work, and ACT’s projected dates for 2027–28.
ACT Test Dates and Deadlines 2026–27
| ACT test date | Registration deadline | Late deadline | Photo upload & standby deadline | Initial scores (paper) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sept. 19, 2026 | Aug. 14 | Sept. 1 | Sept. 14 | Oct. 6 |
| Oct. 17, 2026 | Sept. 11 | Sept. 29 | Oct. 12 | Oct. 27 |
| Dec. 12, 2026 | Nov. 6 | Nov. 29 | Dec. 7 | Dec. 22 |
| Feb. 27, 2027 | Jan. 22 | Feb. 9 | Feb. 22 | March 16 |
| April 10, 2027 | March 5 | March 23 | April 5 | April 20 |
| June 12, 2027 | May 7 | May 25 | June 7 | June 23 |
| July 10, 2027 | June 4 | June 22 | July 5 | July 20 |
These are national dates for the U.S., U.S. territories and Puerto Rico, and deadlines are 11:59 p.m. Central Time. A late fee applies after the registration deadline. The September and October tests have already happened, and July testing comes to New York in 2027. Source: ACT’s test dates page.
Score dates are ACT’s initial release for paper tests. If you take the optional writing test, your complete scores can come a little later.
Projected ACT test dates for 2027–28
ACT lists these as projected dates, so they can change:
- Fall 2027: September 11, October 16 and December 11
- 2028: February 26, April 8, June 10 and July 15
How to Register for the ACT
Register through your MyACT account. You’ll choose a test date and center (use ACT’s test center locator), choose your add-ons, and upload a photo by the photo deadline. Registration is canceled if you don’t.
You can take the ACT on paper or online, either on a test center computer or on your own laptop at the test center (bring your own device), depending on what your center offers. You can add or drop science or writing, or switch testing modes, until the late deadline if seats are available.
Missed the late deadline? You can request standby testing in MyACT up to the standby deadline. If you can’t test on Saturday for religious reasons, ACT offers non-Saturday testing on some dates.
Before test day, read our ACT test day checklist and how long the ACT takes.
How Much Does the ACT Cost?
Since the Enhanced ACT, science and writing are both optional add-ons. Your fee depends on which sections you take, per ACT’s fee page:
| Test option | Fee |
|---|---|
| English, math and reading | $70 |
| + Science | $75 |
| + Writing | $95 |
| + Science and writing | $100 |
Other ACT fees
| Service | Fee | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Late registration | $42 | Registering or changing your test date during the late period |
| Standby testing | $75 | Refunded if you’re turned away on test day |
| Change fee | $49 | Changing your test date, center or form |
| Score reports to 5th and 6th colleges | $20 each | If ordered before test day |
| Additional score reports | $20 each | Ordered after registration |
| ACT My Answer Key (formerly TIR) | $36 / $44 | Before / after the test. Only offered on some dates |
| Score verification | $67 / $134 | Multiple choice or writing / both |
ACT Fee Waivers
ACT covers the full fee, including science and writing, for up to two tests for students who qualify. To be eligible, you must be in 11th or 12th grade, testing in the U.S., a U.S. territory or Puerto Rico, and meet at least one of these:
- You’re in a free or reduced-price lunch program.
- You’re in a program for economically disadvantaged students, such as GEAR UP or Upward Bound.
- You live in a foster home, are a ward of the state, or are homeless.
- Your family receives low-income public assistance or lives in federally subsidized public housing.
- Your family’s income is at or below USDA levels for free or reduced-price lunch.
A fee waiver also gets you the Official ACT Self-Paced Course from Kaplan, ACT My Answer Key, unlimited free score reports, and a request to waive or defer college application fees. Ask your school counselor for a fee waiver code. Details are on ACT’s fee waiver page.
ACT Test Dates FAQ
When are the ACT test dates for 2026-27?
National ACT dates for 2026-27 are Sept. 19, Oct. 17 and Dec. 12, 2026, and Feb. 27, April 10, June 12 and July 10, 2027.
How much does the ACT cost?
The ACT costs $70 for English, math and reading. Adding science makes it $75, adding writing makes it $95, and all four sections cost $100. Eligible students can test free with a fee waiver.
When do ACT scores come out?
ACT says most scores are released about 2–4 weeks after the test. Initial paper scores for the December 12, 2026 test come out December 22.
Can I register for the ACT after the deadline?
Yes, during the late registration period for a $42 late fee. After the late deadline, you can request standby testing for $75, but a seat isn’t guaranteed.
Is there a July ACT in New York?
ACT says July testing will be available in New York starting in 2027, with test centers added as they become available. Check the test center locator before you register.
Next Steps
ACT recommends testing at least two months before your earliest college or scholarship deadline, which leaves room for a retake. Register before the regular deadline to skip the $42 late fee, and start prep with our best ACT prep books, ACT prep courses or free ACT practice tests. Taking the SAT instead? See the SAT test dates for 2026–27.