Knowing when your child wants to finalize their ACT® scores can give them adequate time to prepare and adjust their plans as necessary. This can help them make the most of upcoming study sessions, while giving them ample time for retakes. It can also inform when your child should register for their desired exam date.
2024-25 ACT Exam Dates, Registration Deadlines, and Test Information Release
Regardless of whether your child chooses the traditional or digital format, the ACT exam dates remain the same.
| ACT Exam Dates | Regular ACT Registration Deadlines | Late Registration Deadlines | Photo Upload and Standby Deadlines |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 26, 2024 | September 20 | October 7 | October 18 |
| December 14, 2024 | November 8 | November 22 | December 6 |
| February 8, 2025 | January 3 | January 20 | January 31 |
| April 5, 2025 | February 28 | March 16 | March 28 |
| June 14, 2025 | May 9 | May 26 | June 6 |
| July 12, 2025 | June 6 | June 20 | July 4 |
If your child takes the ACT in September, December, or February, they can purchase Test Information Release (TIR) once they register. While TIR is available each year, it isn’t available for every exam date.
| TIR-Eligible ACT Exam Dates | Availability |
|---|---|
| September 2024 | Saturday testing only |
| December 2024 | Saturday testing only |
| February 2025 | Saturday and non-Saturday testing |
Opting into TIR will send a digital copy of your child’s test, completed answer sheet, the answer key, and a conversion chart. Those who choose to take the writing portion of the exam can also receive the essay prompt, grading rubric, and writing scores. They will also have the opportunity to order photocopies of their answers for both the multiple-choice questions and writing segments.
This information is only available a few weeks after your child’s score has already been released.
TIR is a valuable tool for your child if they intend to take the ACT more than once since it allows them to review their answers, the correct answers, and review the material within the appropriate context. This resource can also help your child better understand their overall scores and gain more insight into their results.
How to Register for the ACT
- To help your child register for the ACT, you’ll need:
- A computer with internet access
- A credit card or another form of payment
- Details on high school coursework
- A recent photograph or headshot
The first step is to create an account on ACT.org. Then, navigate the dashboard to find the registration link. Students will answer a series of questions, including the desired test format, required accommodations, and which supplemental exams they would like to take. Once your child has completed each field and selected their ACT exam date, you’ll use your card to pay the registration fee.
Students who miss the regular registration period can still sign up for the ACT during late registration for an additional fee. Those who want to change the format of their exam can do so until the late registration deadline for an additional fee. If your child plans to take the exam on a date that is not yet available, you can sign up for registration reminders on the official ACT website.
If your child chooses a TIR-eligible testing date, you can order TIR either during registration or up to six months following their exam date.
ACT Enhancements Coming in 2025
In the spring of 2024, the ACT rolled out a new digital option for students taking the exam on national testing dates to improve accessibility for all students. The online exam is currently only available at qualified testing centers and schools.
Starting in April 2025, the ACT National exams will offer a new digital option, which offers fewer questions, an adaptive format, and the chance to customize their testing experience. The core sections on the ACT will consist of the math, reading, and English sections. Your child will have the chance to choose whether or not they want to take the writing test, science section, both or neither.
Students will still have the option to take the longer current exam in the paper format until September. Then, both the paper and the digital format will feature fewer questions with the science section becoming optional.
The ACT is removing 44 questions from the test, and students will have 125 minutes to complete the exam instead of 195 minutes. While the reduced time may sound like a disadvantage, it’s important to note that your child will have more time to answer each question. On the math portion of the exam, students will have four multiple-choice options for each question instead of five.
If your child opts for the digital ACT, they will have a suite of accessibility features. Advantages like text-to-speech, option eliminators, and answer masking can help improve your child’s performance on test day.
Prepare Your Student for Success with ACT Prep
ACT prep courses can help students navigate the standardized testing process, get comfortable with the material, and learn valuable test-taking strategies. While free online resources are available through the ACT website, many students find that hands-on guidance makes a big difference in their final scores.
From intensive summer boot camp programs to individualized sessions, C2 Education provides practical resources to meet your child’s needs.
At C2, ACT test prep begins with a full-length diagnostic exam to gauge your child’s current performance. Our expert tutors use the results of this assessment to craft a personalized lesson plan. As they work through our program, your child can take practice tests in test day conditions to monitor their progress and build confidence in their test taking skills.
Next Steps
The ACT has entered a new era, offering more options for students to take the exam on their own terms. Students should prepare in advance to stay on top of upcoming ACT exam dates and registration deadlines.
Whether your child opts for the traditional paper test or the digital ACT, adequate preparation is key. C2 Education’s highly qualified tutors can help your child familiarize themselves with the exam and feel confident when the big day arrives.
Parents and guardians can request more information today to prepare your child for success!
