Question: What do I do if I've missed late registration for the ACT?
Answer: If you want to take the ACT on a certain date but have already missed the normal and late registration deadlines, you can try to take the ACT on standby. Testing standby means that you'll show up early at the ACT test center on test day with your registration form and ID, and hope that there's an empty seat and extra test left for you after all of the previously registered testers are admitted. ACT standby testing will cost you an extra $39 in addition to regular ACT fees, but that may be worth it to you if you need to test by a certain date.
Here's what to do:
- Get an ACT registration folder at your high school.
- Completely fill in the ACT registration forms and calculate how much you need to pay (including the $39 standby fee): $121 for the ACT plus writing test, or $107 for the ACT without writing.
- Seal the registration folder into the envelope, and make sure to write your name and address on the outside. You'll be bringing this with you to the testing center on ACT test day.
- Prepare! If this test date means alot to you, make the most of it.
- On test day, arrive early at the testing center (before 8 am) with your current photo ID and registration envelope.
- Notify the registrars that you've arrived as a standby tester - they need to know that you've arrived early, so your spot won't be taken by another standby tester.
Now, I have to let you know the drawbacks of standby testing:
- There may not be a spot for you on test day. You'll only be given a spot after all registered students are admitted, as well as all other standbys who arrived before you. So maximize your chances by showing up early.
- You won't be able to change the college codes after turning in your registration form.
- You won't be able to cancel score reports after the test date.