Understanding the 2024 ACT Delivery Timeline
Understanding the routine for ACT score release dates helps students patiently await their results. Delays are particularly common for the February and October test dates, attributed to the specialized equating process employed during these periods.
To deliver millions of ACT scores, ACT goes through a complex behind-the-scenes process:
- Tests are shipped to scanning centers after administration
- Scanning calculates students’ raw scores
- Raw scores are converted into scaled scores on the 1-36 scale
- Essays receive scores from two independent graders
- Final scores get processed and released in batches
Accessing ACT Score Reports
To check your ACT scores, log in to your ACT account. Click on the SCORES link near the left-hand side of the top menu bar. Then click on your test date. This will open the score report.
Here are a few additional notes about accessing your ACT score reports:
- You can print an unofficial copy of your scores using your browser's print function
- Official score reports are sent to the high schools and colleges you designated
- Scores are typically available in your online account 2-8 weeks after your test
- You'll receive an email notification when your score report is ready
Beyond the numerical scores, the ACT score report offers a comprehensive analysis of the student's strengths and weaknesses, identifying areas for improvement. This can be particularly helpful for students planning to retake the exam to achieve a higher score.
The report also includes college and career planning tools that are tailored based on the student's performance. For students applying to colleges, ACT scores can be sent directly to institutions from the ACT account.
Students should be aware that when they register for the ACT, they can choose to send their scores to up to four colleges for free. However, if they want to send scores to additional colleges beyond those initial four choices, there are fees involved:
- To add a 5th and 6th college choice when registering, there is a $18.50 fee per score report. This must be done before the test date.
- After taking the ACT and receiving your scores, you can request additional score reports for $18.50 per college per test date. For example, if you want to send scores from the September test date to 3 additional colleges beyond your original four choices, that would be $55.50 ($18.50 x 3 colleges).
There are also deadlines students should keep in mind:
- The deadline to change score recipients without incurring the archive research fee is 12 PM Central Time on the Thursday after your test date.
- If you want scores sent from a test date older than 3 years, there is a $30 archive fee per test date per order.
MyACT Account
From the moment a student decides to register for the ACT, the MyACT account becomes the gateway to managing their test preparation, registration details, ACT score release timeline, and college planning resources. It is designed to streamline college admissions, making the process as smooth as possible for students and their families.
Creating and using a MyACT account has several benefits and features that can improve your ACT experience. With a MyACT account, you can:
- Access your personalized score insights, including detailed breakdowns of your performance in each section of the ACT.
- Explore resources and recommendations tailored to your specific needs, such as study guides and practice materials.
- Track your progress over time by tracking your previous test scores and comparing them to your current performance.
- Gain access to additional college and scholarship opportunities aligned with your ACT scores and academic goals.
Creating a MyACT account is highly recommended to make the most out of your ACT score reports and access valuable resources.
High School Report
The High School Report is a comprehensive overview of a student's academic journey through high school. It is typically prepared and sent by the high school's guidance counselor or administrative office and includes a student's transcript, which details their coursework, grades, and often their class rank and GPA.
Beyond the numerical data, the High School Report provides context for the student's academic achievements within the framework of the school's curriculum, highlighting the rigor of the courses taken relative to what is available at the school.
Your high school ACT report provides important information to colleges during the admissions process. Admissions officers use it to:
- Assess your academic readiness for college-level coursework
- Evaluate your potential to succeed based on ACT scores and high school grades
- Determine your eligibility for academic scholarships
While some colleges have adopted test-optional policies, ACT scores still carry weight in admissions decisions and financial aid awards.
High school GPA and ACT scores together best predict college performance and graduation. So, your ACT report validates your transcript and demonstrates your abilities to admissions teams.
The High School Report often accompanies counselor recommendations, which add a qualitative dimension to your application. These recommendations can provide insight into your character, work ethic, and contributions to the school community, factors that grades alone would be difficult to convey.
College Report
Your ACT scores continue to provide value even after you enter college. Academic advisors and program directors use your college ACT report to:
- Determine accurate course placement to match your abilities
- Offer tailored academic advising based on your strengths and weaknesses
- Identify any additional support or resources you may need to thrive
So beyond admissions, your ACT scores play an integral role in setting you up for college success. With a strong ACT score report earned through the perfect study plan, you can prove your academic talents and invite more college and scholarship opportunities.
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