ACT Test Dates

Need to get signed up for upcoming ACT test dates? You came to the right place. Here are the official national ACT test dates for the 2026-2027 testing year, plus registration deadlines and score release dates.

ACT Test Dates 2026-2027

*The July ACT is not offered at New York test centers. All deadlines close at 11:59 PM Central Time. Always verify the most current schedule on act.org before registering.

How to choose the right ACT test date for your student

Most DFW students do best taking the ACT in the fall of junior year, with an option to retake in the spring or summer. The right test date depends on three things: where your student is in their math sequence (Algebra II coverage matters for ACT math), how busy their school year is, and how much prep time we can build in before the test.

For Coppell ISD, Plano ISD, Frisco ISD, Lewisville ISD, and the major DFW private schools, August and September are typically the best months to begin a focused ACT prep schedule for the September or October test. If your student is testing for the first time, we usually recommend 6-10 weeks of structured prep — but we tailor every plan around the student’s starting score and target.

Need help deciding?

Schedule a free 30-minute phone consultation and we’ll help you build a test plan around your student’s specific schedule, target schools, and current ACT score. Or call us at (877) 467-8886.

Once you’ve chosen your ACT test date, you can register directly at act.org. If you’d like guidance on the registration process, fee waivers, or how to request testing accommodations, please schedule a free consultation or call (877) 467-8886.