ACT test results dates: when scores come out and how to get them

2026-27 ACT test results dates

These are the first release dates. ACT says over 97% of scores are online within 1 to 4 weeks, but some take longer, for example when an answer document arrives late or your details don’t match. Writing scores come out only after all the other scores from that date are ready.

Sending your scores to colleges

Pick up to four colleges when you register and their reports are included in your fee. A 5th and 6th college chosen before test day cost $20 each, and any report you order later is $20 per test date, per college. Reports usually go out the same day your scores are ready.

A report always includes every score from that test date. You can’t send just one section. Once you’ve tested more than once, you can choose to send one test date or your Superscore.

Retaking the ACT

ACT doesn’t set a limit: you can take it as many times as you want, paying the full fee each time. ACT says 43% of test takers test more than once and more than half of those improve.

Your Superscore is automatic once you’ve tested twice. It takes your best English, best math and best reading from any test since September 2016 and averages them. Not every college superscores, so check each one’s policy.

Old scores and score copies

Scores from September 2011 onward can be sent through MyACT. For older scores, ACT has a paper order form, the ACT National Additional Score Report Order Form, on its How to Send Scores page. Scores that are 3 or more years old carry an extra archive fee.

ACT doesn’t publish an expiry date for scores. How old a score a college accepts is up to the college.

If something looks wrong

You can ask ACT to hand-check your scores for up to 12 months after the test. As of October 2026, score verification costs $67 for multiple-choice, $67 for writing or $134 for both, and results usually take 3 to 5 weeks. For a mistake in your own details, ACT suggests contacting it within three months of getting your report.