When Is the ACT? Key Dates, Deadlines, and Score Release Info for 2025
2025 ACT Test Dates & Important Deadlines
The ACT is offering seven national test dates in 2025:
| Test Date | Regular Registration Deadline | Late Registration Deadline | Photo Upload & Standby Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 8, 2025 | January 3, 2025 | January 24, 2025 | January 31, 2025 |
| April 5, 2025 | February 28, 2025 | March 16, 2025 | March 28, 2025 |
| June 14, 2025 | May 9, 2025 | May 26, 2025 | June 6, 2025 |
| July 12, 2025* | June 6, 2025 | June 20, 2025 | July 4, 2025 |
| September 6, 2025 | August 1, 2025 | August 19, 2025 | August 29, 2025 |
| October 18, 2025 | September 12, 2025 | September 30, 2025 | October 10, 2025 |
| December 13, 2025 | November 7, 2025 | November 24, 2025 | December 5, 2025 |
*Note: The July test date is not available in New York state. New York students wanting to test in July will need to travel to a neighboring state.
All registration deadlines end at 11:59 PM Central Time. Missing the regular deadline doesn't mean you're out of luck – you can still register during the late period, though you'll need to pay an additional fee (more on that below).
Classic vs. Enhanced ACT: Important Changes for 2025
The ACT is undergoing significant changes in 2025 with the transition from the "Classic" to the "Enhanced" format. Here's what you need to know about this rollout:
| Test Date | Paper-Based Test | Digital Test |
|---|---|---|
| February 2025 | Classic Format | Classic Format |
| April 2025 | Classic Format | Enhanced Format |
| June 2025 | Classic Format | Enhanced Format |
| July 2025 | Classic Format | Enhanced Format |
| September 2025 & beyond | Enhanced Format | Enhanced Format |
Key Changes in the Enhanced ACT Format
The Enhanced ACT introduces three major changes:
- Optional Science Section: The Science section becomes optional and won't be included in the main composite score (now based only on English, Math, and Reading). Students taking the Science section will receive a separate STEM score combining Math and Science results.
- Shorter Test: The Enhanced ACT is significantly shorter: 2 hours and 40 minutes with Science, and just 2 hours and 5 minutes without. The English, Math, and Reading sections will have 44 fewer questions total.
- More Time Per Question: Students will have more time for each question, especially in Reading where they'll get nearly 15 seconds more per question.
This rollout means students taking the digital test from April through July 2025 will experience the Enhanced format first, while paper test takers will use the Classic format until September 2025.
What About the Costs? ACT Fees for 2025
Testing isn't free, unfortunately. Here's what you can expect to pay for the ACT in 2025:
| Fee Type | Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| ACT (no Writing) | $65.00 | Covers the standard four sections (English, Math, Reading, and Science) |
| ACT with Writing | $90.00 | Includes the optional essay portion ($25 additional) |
| Science Section Option | $4.00 | Fee to add Science section for Enhanced ACT (digital format) tests |
| Late Registration | $38.00 | Additional fee if you register after the regular deadline |
| Test Date/Center Change | $44.00 | Fee to change your test date or location after registering |
| Standby Testing | $69.00 | Waitlist fee if you miss both registration deadlines (refundable if not admitted) |
| Additional Score Reports | $19.00 each | Your registration includes 4 free reports; each additional school costs extra |
| Test Information Release | $32-$40 | Get a copy of test questions and answers ($32 before test, $40 after) |
Most of these fees are non-refundable, so it's best to plan carefully. If cost is a concern, check if you qualify for an ACT fee waiver, which can cover up to four test registrations for eligible students.
When Will Scores Be Released?
The wait for scores can feel endless, but here's approximately when you can expect to see your results:
| Test Date | Score Release Window |
|---|---|
| February 8, 2025 | February 18 - April 4, 2025 |
| April 5, 2025 | April 15 - May 30, 2025 |
| June 14, 2025 | June 24 - August 8, 2025 |
| July 12, 2025 | July 22 - September 5, 2025 |
| September 6, 2025 | September 16 - October 31, 2025 (projected) |
| October 18, 2025 | October 28 - December 12, 2025 (projected) |
| December 13, 2025 | December 23, 2025 - February 6, 2026 (projected) |
For all test dates, multiple-choice scores typically begin appearing online about 10 days after the test date, with most students receiving their scores within 2-3 weeks. If you take the Writing test, expect to wait approximately two additional weeks after your multiple-choice scores arrive to see your complete results.
Important Things to Remember
A few final tips to help your ACT experience go smoothly:
- Don't forget the photo requirement. You must upload a recent photo to your ACT account by the photo upload deadline (typically one week before the test). Missing this deadline can result in your registration being canceled – even if you've paid all the fees.
- Standby testing is available but not guaranteed. If you miss both registration deadlines, you can try for standby testing by paying the $69 fee and printing a standby ticket. You'll only be admitted if there's space available at the test center on test day.
- Choose your format strategically. During the transition period (April-July 2025), consider whether you want the Classic format (paper test) or the Enhanced format (digital test) based on your preferences and strengths.
- Always verify dates with the official ACT website. While this guide is based on the official 2025 schedule, ACT occasionally updates its policies and deadlines. For the most current information, check act.org before making your plans.
Planning ahead for the ACT can make a big difference in reducing stress and helping you perform your best on test day. By knowing these dates, deadlines, and what to expect with the transition from Classic to Enhanced formats, you're already one step ahead in your college preparation journey.
Good luck with your ACT!