ACT Exam Dates : Important Information 2024-25

The American College Testing (ACT) is a standardized MCQ-based exam that many universities in the US require when evaluating admission applications. Therefore, for those who are considering the US as their study abroad destination, the ACT is a crucial exam, and knowing the upcoming ACT exam dates is important to ensure you are on the right track for college applications. 

A good ACT score can make a student's application more attractive to top universities and may even result in scholarships. The exam assesses the examinee's English language, mathematics, and science skills, offering admission committees a comprehensive assessment of the applicant's academic abilities.

ACT Exam Dates 2024

Here are the ACT exam dates for students residing outside the US: 

ACT Exam Date	Registration Deadline	Registration with Late Fee
13-14th September, 2024	16th August, 2024	30th August, 2024
25-26th October, 2024	27th September, 2024	11th October, 2024
13-14th December, 2024	15th November, 2024	29th November, 2024
7-8th February, 2025	10th January, 2025	24th January, 2025
4-5th April, 2025	7th March, 2025	21st March, 2025
13-14th June, 2025	16th May, 2025	30th May, 2025
11-12th July, 2025	13th June, 2025	27th June, 2025

How to Choose the Right ACT Exam Date

Choosing the right ACT exam date is crucial for maximizing your performance. Consider your academic schedule, extracurricular commitments, and college application deadlines. Allow ample time for preparation and factor in the possibility of retaking the exam if needed. It's also important to check the registration deadlines and plan accordingly to avoid late fees.

How to Book ACT Exam Dates

Booking an ACT exam date involves the following steps:

1. Visit the official ACT website.
2. Create an account or log in if you already have one.
3. Select your preferred test date and location.
4. Complete the registration form with your personal and educational details.
5. Pay the exam fee to finalize your booking.

ACT Exam Format

The ACT exam consists of four sections: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science, with an optional Writing section. Each section is scored on a scale of 1-36, and the composite score is the average of the four section scores, excluding the optional Writing section. 

The exam duration is approximately 2 hours and 55 minutes without the Writing section and 3 hours and 35 minutes with it. Here is a detailed breakdown of the exam format.

Section	Total Questions	Topics Covered	Time Limit
English	75	Production of Writing  Knowledge of Language  Conventions of Standard English	45 minutes
Mathematics	60	Number & Quantity (7–10%) Algebra (12–15%) Functions (12–15%) Geometry (12–15%) Statistics & Probability (8–12%) Integrating essential skills (40-43%) Modeling	60 minutes
Reading	40	Key ideas and details  Craft and structure  Integration of knowledge and ideas	35 minutes
Science	40	Interpretation of data  Scientific investigation  Evaluation of Models, inferences, and experimental results	35 minutes
Writing (optional)	1 essay		40 minutes

ACT Exam Fees 2024

ACT Test Type	Fees in USD	Fees in INR (approximated)
ACT exam with no writing	$69	Rs. 5776
ACT exam with writing	$94	Rs. 7870
ACT test option change	$25	Rs. 2093

List of ACT Test Centers in India 

While the ACT does not list any test centers in India, it is possible to find a test center in your city if available during registration. When registering, click on “find the nearest test center” to finalize your test date and location. In general, ACT is conducted in test centers located in the following cities.

• Delhi
• Mumbai
• Bangalore
• Chennai
• Hyderabad
• Kolkata
• Pune
• Ahmedabad
• Jaipur
• Bhubaneshwar
• Kodaikanal
• Mohali
• Vijayawada
• Coimbatore

Rescheduling or Canceling ACT Exam Dates 2024

To reschedule or cancel your ACT exam date, log in to your ACT account, select the test date you wish to change, and follow the instructions. Note that an additional fee of $44 is applied for rescheduling. It's important to check the deadlines for making changes to avoid extra charges.

How to Apply for Special Accommodations for 2024 Exam

Students with documented disabilities can apply for special accommodations for the ACT exam to ensure they have a fair testing environment. The process begins by registering for the ACT test and indicating the need for accommodations. Next, students must complete the "Request for ACT Special Testing" form available on the ACT website. 

Along with this form, they need to provide comprehensive documentation of their disability, usually a medical or psychological evaluation report dated within the last three years. This documentation should clearly describe the disability, how it impacts the student's ability to take standardized tests, and the specific accommodations being requested. 

Common accommodations include extended time, additional breaks, and alternate test formats such as large print or Braille. After submitting the form and documentation, the ACT will review the request and notify the student of the decision. It is crucial to submit all materials well before the registration deadline to ensure sufficient time for review and any necessary follow-up. If approved, the student will receive detailed instructions on how to proceed with the accommodated testing arrangements.

Deadlines and Documentation Required

When planning to take the ACT, it's crucial to be aware of the registration deadlines to avoid late fees or missing the test date altogether. Typically, the ACT is offered multiple times a year: in February, April, June, July, September, October, and December. 

Registration deadlines are usually about five weeks before the test date. Late registration is available for an additional fee and generally extends for about two weeks beyond the regular registration deadline.

To register for the ACT, you will need the following documentation:

• Personal Information: Full name, date of birth, and contact details.
• Photograph: A recent passport-sized photo that meets the ACT's photo requirements.
• Identification: Valid ID such as a passport or government-issued ID card.
• Payment Information: Credit card or other accepted payment methods to cover the registration fee.
• High School Code: The code of the high school you attend, which can be found on the ACT website.
• Special Accommodation Documentation: If you require special accommodations due to a disability, you'll need to provide documentation and receive approval from the ACT.

Conclusion

Preparing for the ACT exam requires careful planning and consideration of various factors, such as the ACT exam dates, fees, and special accommodations. By understanding the process and requirements, students can effectively plan their test-taking strategy, enhancing their chances of achieving a high score and gaining admission to their desired colleges abroad.