2025–2026 ACT Dates & FAQs: Key Info Students Are Searching For

Planning for the ACT goes beyond doing multiple practice tests. Another thing to remember is that success also comes from knowing the ACT test dates, registering before ACT deadlines, and understanding when scores will be released.  Students and parents ask the same questions, year after year, and this guide brings together the answers in one place. 

Here you will find the full ACT schedule for 2025 and 2026, an explanation of how ACT registration dates work, tips for choosing the best test day, and advice on retakes. At the end, we will also share how Park Tutoring can help students stay organized and achieve higher scores. 

When Are the ACT Dates in 2025?

The ACT is given nationally seven times each year, and 2025 is no exception. Students searching  “ACT test dates 2025” or “ACT exam dates” often need the calendar laid out clearly. 

*The July ACT is not offered in New York

Each date comes with its own registration timeline. If you are a junior, the April ACT is often a smart choice. Seniors, on the other hand, may prefer the September ACT date or the October ACT test date, since both arrive before most college application deadlines. 

What Are the ACT Test Dates for 2026?

Families planning ahead often search for “ACT test dates 2026” or “upcoming ACT test dates.” This schedule gives you every option. 

*Again, the July ACT is not offered in New York

When Is The Next ACT Test?

One of the most common searches is “when is the next ACT” or “next ACT test date.” The answer depends on the time of year. 

If it is winter, the next test is in February. Spring brings the April ACT. Summer opens the door for the June ACT and July ACT dates. Once fall arrives, you have three chances left: September, October, and December. 

Thinking in terms of season helps students see how the ACT  fits into the academic year. For example, junipers often aim for the April ACT so they can still take a summer or fall retake. Seniors racing against deadlines usually look to the September ACT or October ACT test date. 

What Is the Last Day to Register for the ACT?

1. Parents and students often worry about missing the ACT registration deadline. Every test has two cutoffs. 
2. The regular registration deadline is about one month before test day. 
3. The late registration deadline is usually two weeks later with an added fee. 
4. If you miss you both, you will need to wait for the next test date. That is why searches like “last day to register for ACT” or “ACT sign up dates” are so common. 
5. A simple way to avoid stress is to register as soon as you know your date. Early registration means better chances of getting your preferred test center, and it saves you from paying late fees. 

How Soon Are ACT Scores Released?

1. Another frequent concern is score timing. Families ask “ACT release dates” or “September ACT score release” because applications depend on it. 
2. Scores from the multiple-choice sections are usually released within two weeks. Writing scores, if you take the essay, may take longer. For example, if you sit for the September ACT date, you should expect results by the end of September or early October.
3. This is why students are encouraged not to schedule their first ACT too close to application deadlines. Always leave room for the ACT test results dates.

How Many Times Is THE ACT Offered Each Year?

1. The ACT is offered seven times each year in the United States: February, April, June, July, September, October, and December. 
2. This ACT test schedule gives juniors a chance to take the test in the spring and again in the fall. Seniors can focus on early fall dates and still have December as a backup.

Where Can I Find ACT Test Dates Near Me?

The dates are the same nationwide, but test centers differ. Students who type “ACT test dates near me” or “ACT test dates and locations” want to know where they will sit for the test. 

When you register, the system shows available centers based on your zip code. Seats fill quickly especially in urban areas so register early. If your first-choice site is full, you may need to travel to a nearby town. Always confirm directions and arrival times a week before the test. 

What Day of the Week is the ACT Given?

Students sometimes ask “what day is the ACT” or “ACT test days”. The answer is simple: the ACT is almost given on a Saturday morning, So for students with religious conflicts, alternate testing arrangements can be requested through ACT. 

How Do I Plan for ACT Retake Dates 

Retakes are common. In fact, many students improve their scores by sitting for the exam more than once. That is why searches like “ACT retake dates” and “ACT upcoming test dates” appear so often. 

A smart plan is to take the ACT in the spring of your junior year, then plan for a retake in September or October of senior year. If needed, the December ACT serves as a final option. This approach gives students two or three attempts without cramming them too close together. 

How Can Park Tutoring Help With ACT Preparation?

Knowing the calendar is important, but it is not enough. Success comes from preparation, strategy, and confidence. That is where we can help.

We offer:

• Personalize prep developed by expert curriculum developers.
• Progress tracking to monitor results and refinance strategies. 
• Tutors with Top ACT scores who are experts in pacing and timing

Families choose Park Tutoring because we make the process manageable. From choosing a date to preparing for test day, we guide students every step of the way. 

Final Thoughts

The ACT is not just another Saturday morning exam. It is a key part of the college application journey. By knowing the ACT test dates, meeting the ACT registration deadlines, and planning for ACT release dates, students can control their timeline instead of letting deadlines control them. 

Park Tutoring helps families do more than register. We help students prepare, practice, and walk into test day with confidence. Your future starts with the date you choose today. With the right support, that date can lead to the college of your dreams.