ACT test dates and deadlines, 2026–27
ACT offers seven national test dates in 2026–27. The regular registration deadline comes about five weeks before each test, and a late fee applies after it until the late deadline.[1]
| ACT date | Registration deadline | Late deadline | Paper initial score release |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 19, 2026 | August 14 | September 1 | October 6 |
| October 17, 2026 | September 11 | September 29 | October 27 |
| December 12, 2026 | November 9 | November 29 | December 22 |
| February 27, 2027 | January 22 | February 9 | March 16 |
| April 10, 2027 | March 5 | March 23 | April 20 |
| June 12, 2027 | May 7 | May 25 | June 23 |
| July 10, 2027 | June 4 | June 22 | July 20 |
The September and October 2026 dates have passed. Starting in 2027, July testing is available to students in New York, and ACT notes that projected dates can change.[1]
Setting a target score before you register
Pick a target composite before you choose a date, so you know how much practice time you need. On ACT’s 2026–27 national ranks, a 20 ranks at 63%, a 24 at 80%, a 28 at 91% and a 32 at 97% (the share of recent graduates who scored that or lower), and the average composite is 19.1.[4]
| Composite | At or below |
|---|---|
| 20 | 63% |
| 24 | 80% |
| 28 | 91% |
| 32 | 97% |
| 36 | 100% |
ACT test dates 2027–28
ACT has posted projected national dates for the next school year that begin September 11, October 16 and December 11, 2027.[1] Confirm them on ACT’s site before registering.
What you take on test day
The enhanced ACT has three required sections and two optional ones. Since September 2025 the composite is the average of English, Math and Reading only.[2][3]
| Section | Questions (scored) | Minutes | Counts in composite |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 50 (40) | 35 | Yes |
| Mathematics | 45 (41) | 50 | Yes |
| Reading | 36 (27) | 40 | Yes |
| Science (optional) | 40 (34) | 40 | No, STEM score |
| Writing (optional) | 1 essay | 40 | No, 2–12 score |
The required sections take 2 hours 5 minutes; adding Science makes it 2 hours 45 minutes.[2]
- Scores: paper initial scores are released on the dates in the table; each section is scored 1–36.
- Science: optional, reported with a STEM score; it no longer counts in the composite.
- Retakes: spacing two dates a couple of months apart leaves time to practice the sections that moved least.
Know your numberTurn practice-test answers into scale scores and a composite with the ACT score calculator, see where it ranks in average ACT score, and compare with the SAT using the ACT to SAT conversion. Weighing both tests? See the SAT dates.
Frequently asked questions
When is the next ACT test?
December 12, 2026. The regular registration deadline is November 9 and the late deadline November 29.
What are the ACT test dates in 2027?
February 27, April 10, June 12 and July 10, 2027; projected fall 2027 dates start September 11.
When do ACT scores come out?
Paper initial scores for the December 12, 2026 test are released December 22; each date’s release is in the table above.
Does the ACT still have Science?
Yes, as an optional section. It no longer counts toward the composite.