2019-20 ACT Score Release Dates

ACT scores are typically available within two weeks of the exam date. Scores on the optional ACT writing exam take longer than the multiple-choice scores, often an additional two weeks. Also, requests for score reports to be sent to colleges are typically processed within one week.

ACT Score Release Dates Information

Once you've taken the ACT, chances are you're eager to get your scores. The good news is that ACT gets scores to students faster than the SAT, and most applicants will receive scores for the multiple-choice section of the exam about ten days after the test date. The great majority of test-takers will receive scores online at the beginning of the date range listed in the table below. 

If your score report isn't available when expected, don't panic. Some scores can take longer to be reported if, for instance, the personal information you provided on your answer sheets, like your name or birthday, did not match up with your admission ticket.

You can also be delayed in receiving your score reports if you have outstanding registration fees or if there was a delay receiving answer sheets from your testing center. Also, on the rare occasion, an irregularity at a testing center (such as potential cheating) can delay score reporting until after the issue is sorted out.

The ACT recommends that you check the website to see if your scores are available via your ACT Web Account on the first score release date for your ACT administration date. The dates are listed below for your convenience. If you do not see your scores listed when you log in to your account, simply wait a week and check the website again. Since the ACT group processes scores on Wednesdays and Fridays, there will be differences in times when your scores are posted.

But, if you haven't received your scores eight weeks after your examination date, you'll need to report it to ACT.org to ensure there hasn't been a mistake. 

ACT Plus Writing Score Release Dates

If you took the ACT Plus Writing test, your Writing score will come about two weeks after your multiple-choice scores are posted. The ACT does not publish precise dates for the posting of writing scores since the evaluation of the essays is a time-consuming and labor-intensive process.

If you took the ACT Plus Writing, you'll still get your multiple-choice scores on the dates listed in the table above. However, your scores will not be "officially" posted until your writing score is reported, and you won't be able to send the score report to colleges until both the multiple-choice and writing sections have been scored. 

Reporting Scores to Colleges

Once you have your scores, you need to get them to the colleges that require them. When you take the ACT, you have the option of identifying four colleges that will automatically receive the scores. These score reports are included in your exam fee, and the reports will go out very shortly after your complete score report is posted.

If you need to send additional reports, they cost $13 each and are typically sent out within a week of your request. Note that you can't request the reports until your complete score report is available. Especially if you're applying to a college through an Early Action or Early Decision program, you'll want to take this time delay into account when planning your test dates.

If you take the ACT Plus Writing Test, it is likely to be four to five weeks after the test date before a college would receive your scores. For $16.50 you can order a priority score report. With this option, your report will be processed within two days of your request rather than one week, but you'll still be looking at a delay of over three weeks between the date of your exam and the date when your scores will be sent out to colleges.

Learn More About the ACT

Once you've received your scores, it's important to understand the numbers. The definition of a good ACT score will vary depending on the college. (Just remember that there are many colleges and universities that have a test-optional policy and don't require you to provide them with your ACT scores at all.)

However, if your college is strongly set on ACT scores and your results aren't what you had hoped for, try not to worry too much. There are many strategies for getting into a good college with low ACT scores.

Edited and expanded by Allen Grove