ACT test dates, ACT exam scores and registration
The next ACT test dates are December 12, 2026 (register by November 6) and February 27, 2027 (register by January 22). ACT exam scores run from 1 to 36 per section and for the Composite, and the average ACT score for the 2026 graduating class was 19.2.
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ACT test dates 2026 and 2027
These are ACT’s national test dates for the 2026 to 2027 school year in the United States, US territories and Puerto Rico. Deadlines fall at 11:59 pm Central Time. The September and October 2026 dates have already passed.
- September 19, 2026: registration deadline August 14, late deadline September 1, paper scores from October 6
- October 17, 2026: deadline September 11, late deadline September 29, paper scores from October 27
- December 12, 2026: deadline November 6, late deadline November 29, paper scores from December 22
- February 27, 2027: deadline January 22, late deadline February 9, paper scores from March 16
- April 10, 2027: deadline March 5, late deadline March 23, paper scores from April 20
- June 12, 2027: deadline May 7, late deadline May 25, paper scores from June 23
- July 10, 2027: deadline June 4, late deadline June 22, paper scores from July 20
Source: ACT — National test dates 2026-2027. Checked 19 October 2026.
ACT exam schedule: late deadlines and older dates
The ACT exam schedule has two deadlines per date. Registering or changing your date in the late period costs a $42 late fee, and a later change of test date, center or form costs $49. ACT says scores are released approximately 2 to 4 weeks after each test. ACT also says July testing will be available in New York starting in 2027.
If you are looking for ACT test dates 2025, those dates have passed, and ACT’s test-date page now lists only the current school year. Students outside the US use ACT’s separate non-US site for their dates.
Source: ACT — National test dates 2026-2027. Checked 19 October 2026.
ACT test registration
ACT test registration runs through a MyACT account online; you need internet access and a credit card or other payment. To register for the ACT exam you pick a test date, paper or online testing (online can mean bringing your own laptop or a school-managed one), and a test center searchable by state, city or zip code. You also upload a photo, which appears on your admission ticket.
Source: ACT — Register for the ACT. Checked 19 October 2026.
ACT score range and how ACT exam scores are calculated
The ACT score range is 1 to 36 for each multiple-choice section and for the Composite; 36 is the maximum for both. The range for ACT scores in writing is 2 to 12, and writing does not count towards the Composite.
The Composite is the average of English, math and reading, rounded to the nearest whole number: fractions below one half round down, one half or more round up. If you test more than once, the superscore averages your best section scores across dates.
Source: ACT — Understanding your ACT scores. Checked 19 October 2026.
ACT score calculator: work out your Composite
You do not need a separate ACT score calculator for the Composite, because the rule is simple: add your English, math and reading scores, divide by three and round. Example: 25, 27 and 24 give 76 divided by 3, which is 25.33, so the Composite is 25.
To turn practice results into scale scores, ACT gives a scoring key with its free practice tests. After a digital practice test, you use that key to convert your raw score, the number of questions answered correctly, into a 1 to 36 score.
Source: ACT — Free ACT practice tests and prep. Checked 19 October 2026.
Average ACT score
According to ACT’s national profile report, the average ACT score for the 2026 graduating class was a Composite of 19.2, across 1,463,293 students tested.
- English: 18.2
- Math: 19.0
- Reading: 19.8
- Science: 19.4
Source: ACT Profile Report 2026, National. Checked 19 October 2026.
What is a good ACT score?
ACT’s answer: a good ACT score is one that meets or exceeds the average score of students admitted to the colleges you are applying to. So what’s good? ACT score targets depend on your list, and ACT gives these rough tiers:
- 18 to 20: many colleges
- 20 to 23: mid-tier colleges
- 24 to 28: selective colleges
- 30 to 36: top-tier schools
Source: ACT — Understanding your ACT scores. Checked 19 October 2026.
ACT exam: questions people ask
What are the next ACT test dates?
December 12, 2026 (register by November 6), February 27, 2027 (by January 22) and April 10, 2027 (by March 5). Source: ACT, checked 19 October 2026.
What is the ACT score range?
1 to 36 for each section and for the Composite. Writing is scored 2 to 12. Source: ACT, checked 19 October 2026.
What is the average ACT score?
A Composite of 19.2 for the 2026 graduating class. Source: ACT Profile Report 2026, checked 19 October 2026.
What are good ACT scores?
ACT defines a good score as one that meets or exceeds the average of students admitted to your colleges; 24 to 28 is its tier for selective colleges and 30 to 36 for top-tier schools. Source: ACT, checked 19 October 2026.
When do ACT scores come out?
ACT says approximately 2 to 4 weeks after each test. For December 12, 2026, paper scores start from December 22. Source: ACT, checked 19 October 2026.
How do I register for the ACT exam?
Create a MyACT account, choose a date, format and test center, upload a photo and pay online. Source: ACT, checked 19 October 2026.
