Short answer: The ACT is offered nine times across the 2026-2027 cycle, roughly once every six to eight weeks from September 2026 through July 2027. Registration typically closes five to six weeks before the test date, and the base test fee is $68, with Writing as an optional add-on most colleges don't require.
Key takeaways
- The ACT runs seven to nine dates per year, spread from September through July.
- Most families should register five to six weeks ahead to avoid the late fee.
- A 10-12 week prep window is typical; bigger score gaps may need 14-16 weeks.
- Most colleges superscore the ACT, which is why a second attempt is common and often worthwhile.
ACT test dates: 2026-2027
The ACT is offered roughly seven to nine times a year, with the 2026-2027 cycle running from September 2026 through July 2027. Exact dates shift slightly year to year, so it's worth confirming the current date on the official ACT registration site when you're ready to book.
Which ACT date should your child choose?
Students applying Early Decision or Early Action should build in enough runway for scores to arrive before a November 1 deadline, which generally means testing no later than September or early October. Students with more flexible timelines have more room to choose a date that lines up naturally with their prep schedule.
Recommended prep timeline by test date
- 10-12 weeks of prep is typical for a first attempt.
- 14-16 weeks is more realistic for students with a bigger gap between their current and target score.
- 6-8 weeks is workable for an accelerated plan, but usually means a narrower focus on the highest-impact fixes.
How to register for the ACT
Registration happens online and generally closes five to six weeks before the test date, with a late window open for about two more weeks at an added fee. A current photo and basic student information are required, and most families complete the process in well under an hour.
ACT costs
- Base registration: $68
- With Writing: add roughly $25 to the Writing-optional add-on
- Late registration fee: approximately $35
- Test center or date change: approximately $34
- Extra score reports: $16 each
What to expect on test day
Without the Writing section, test day runs close to 3 hours including a short break; with Writing, plan for closer to 3 hours 35 minutes. Scores are typically available within about two weeks, with the full report including Writing taking a bit longer.
ACT testing for Texas families
Texas students have access to the same national test dates as everywhere else, and many Texas colleges, including in-state public universities, accept the ACT on equal footing with the SAT, so the choice usually comes down to which test fits the student better rather than any state-specific preference.
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