Let me tell you a quick story.
A few years ago, my cousin Emma had her heart set on a top college. She studied like a champ for the ACT—but then, she missed the registration deadline. She had to wait another two months for the next test date.
It wasn’t her score that held her back—it was timing.
That’s why this blog exists. Because if you’re planning to take the ACT in 2025, you can’t afford to miss the ACT registration deadlines. In this post, I’ll walk you through all the key dates, tips for late registration, how to avoid mistakes, and everything else you need to know.
When it comes to college admissions, timing is everything.
You want your scores ready in time for applications, scholarships, and even some early decision deadlines. Missing an ACT test date can throw your entire timeline off.
So staying ahead of the ACT registration deadlines 2025 is not just helpful—it’s crucial.
Here are the official ACT test dates for 2025, along with their corresponding registration deadlines and late registration periods:
ACT Test Date | Registration Deadline | Late Registration Deadline |
---|---|---|
February 8, 2025 | January 3, 2025 | January 17, 2025 |
April 12, 2025 | March 7, 2025 | March 21, 2025 |
June 14, 2025 | May 9, 2025 | May 23, 2025 |
July 12, 2025 | June 6, 2025 | June 20, 2025 |
September 13, 2025 | August 8, 2025 | August 22, 2025 |
October 11, 2025 | September 5, 2025 | September 19, 2025 |
December 13, 2025 | November 7, 2025 | November 21, 2025 |
Note: These dates are based on historical ACT scheduling and may be updated by ACT.org.
Yes—but you’ll pay a late registration fee. This window usually lasts about two weeks after the regular deadline. However, seats fill up fast, especially at popular test centers, so don't wait!
As of now, the ACT late registration fee is $36 on top of the regular test cost.
Here’s how to lock in your spot:
Pro tip: Don’t wait until the last minute—technical issues or full centers could mess things up.
Even if you’re unsure about your prep, register early. You can always reschedule if needed (for a small fee), but at least your spot is saved.
Mistakes like typos in your name or wrong test dates can cause stress later. Review everything before submitting.
Once you register, print your admission ticket. You’ll need it on test day along with your photo ID.
Here’s a quick way to decide:
You're a... | Best Test Date |
---|---|
Junior (planning ahead) | April, June, July |
Senior (college deadlines approaching) | September, October, December |
Early decision applicant | June or earlier |
Don’t forget:
Know your test date
Register early—before the deadline
Watch for late registration windows
Save your confirmation and ticket
Stay organized and don’t panic
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Think of it as a smart tutor who understands your child’s unique learning needs, helping them tackle challenging subjects with confidence.
With ZuAI, you can feel reassured knowing your child is getting the extra help they need to succeed and build a bright future.
We genuinely care about your child's success and are here to support them every step of the way.
Looking for free solutions to previous year's question papers? Check out ZuAI's YouTube channel.
A: You can register during the late registration period (with a fee), or wait for the next test date.
A: The ACT is typically offered seven times per year in the U.S.—February, April, June, July, September, October, and December.
A: Yes! You can change your test date or location, but there’s a change fee (around $40).
A: ACT offers fee waivers for eligible students. Talk to your school counselor to apply.
Missing an ACT deadline might seem like a small slip—but it can throw off your college plans. That’s why staying on top of the ACT registration deadlines 2025 is one of the smartest moves you can make.
Whether you’re taking it for the first time or aiming for a higher score, the earlier you register, the better your chances of success.
So do yourself a favor—mark your calendar, sign up early, and take control of your future.