The ACT (American College Testing) is a critical milestone for millions of students applying to colleges in the United States. The primary purpose of the ACT is to measure a student’s readiness for college coursework by testing core academic skills in English, Math, Reading, and Science with an optional Writing section. In 2025, the ACT is continuing to make changes with the introduction of new updates and technology to take an important step toward the complexities of the test process and create additional options for applicants. If you’re a first-time test-taker or an applicant looking to retake the exam, the current testing structure is necessary to evaluate for success.
As colleges and universities continue to emphasize standardized testing scores for admissions, scholarship consideration, or course placement procedures, it will be critical for you to know the ACT application process. This article will detail everything you need to know about registering for the ACT in 2025, including the registration structure, fees, recent changes to the testing process, digital testing options, and other valuable resources for preparing.
ACT Application Process for the Class of 2025 – survey and Timeline
The ACT application follows a systematic progression from starting an official ACT account to sitting for the ACT at an approved testing center or taking it online. Students will want to select their test date and test center very carefully; test dates and locations are dependent on availability and students’ other academic committments. The 2025 ACT application cycle will have several registration periods (windows) with a set of deadlines and late registration options.
It’s crucial to monitor the deadlines so that you do not miss an opportunity and/or pay extra in fees. Students will also need to decide whether they want to take the ACT Writing test (optional) based on the requirements of target colleges. The registration system will require students to upload a valid photo, pay the necessary fees, and review test day procedures. Students will also be able to choose (up to 4) colleges to send their ACT scores for free at the time of registration.
2025 ACT Application Timeline and Deadlines
The ACT will apply for 2025, for test administration during February, April, June, July, September, October, and December. Each of these test dates has an application deadline and a late registration period, along with the applicable fees.
| Event | Start Date | End Date | Information |
| Registration Opens | May 1, 2024 | Rolling | Early access via the ACT official portal |
| Regular Registration Ends | Varies by test date | Typically 4–5 weeks | Avoid late fees by registering on time |
| Late Registration Period | +1 week after reg. | ~2 weeks before | Late fee applicable |
| Test Dates (First Half) | September–December | Depends on center | Offered multiple times in different regions |
| Test Dates (Second Half) | February–June 2025 | Depends on center | Includes special testing accommodations as applicable |
| Score Release | ~10 days post-test | Via online dashboard or mailed report |
How to Submit the ACT 2025 Application – Step-by-Step Guide
Act application 2025 applications are submitted online at the official ACT website. Students begin by creating a web account, choosing their test type (with or without Writing), and selecting the best date and testing site. The registration process culminates when a student has a valid photo and their payment has been made. Students will be assessed standard registration and late registration fees. Once the registration has been submitted, an email confirmation is sent to the student, which they can use to download an admission ticket.
ACT Application Fees and Waiver Options for 2025
The standard test fee for the 2025 ACT is $68 (without the writing portion) and $93 (with the writing portion). Students who are eligible for the ACT Fee Waiver Program are allowed to take the test up to four times (including the writing section). Other benefits of the ACT fee waiver program include extra reports of student scores and free approved access to test preparation resources vetted by ACT.
Changes and Updates in ACT 2025
Act application board has instituted several significant changes in 2025 to improve the accessibility and usability of the testing process. One of the most significant changes is the expansion of digital testing, as well as the old-style, paper format testing at most U.S. testing locations. Accessing results faster, providing a new interface, and creating a more usable experience for students with special needs will all be enhanced with the digital option.
In the future, students will be able to retest certain particular sections of the test without having to complete the entire ACT process; this will provide the student with a savings of both time and money. In addition, in 2025, sample score reports will be available and will give each student greater detail, including performance analytics, college match recommendations, and readiness indications for a career.
ACT Test Preparation Tools & Resources for 2025
Students who take preparation seriously have a chance of scoring high on the Act application in 2025. The official ACT Online Prep provides online lessons, complete practice tests, and a track record of how students performed. Free sample questions can also be found on the official ACT website for quick preparation and practice. The most common and popular preparation books are from Barron’s, Kaplan, and Princeton Review. Many students continue to rely on these popular resources and study materials to prepare for classroom and standardized school assessments.
ACT 2025 Process for International Applicants
International applicants looking to take the ACT in 2025 will follow a similar process to any U.S. applicant while doing some homework before completing the application. Since there are fewer testing centers abroad, students need to register early on the Saturday test day of the ACT in 2025 to get preferred choices for testing location. Extra processing fees for international applicants enable the ACT to manage logistics outside of the U.S. A student must have a valid passport to act as their identification on test day.
Why Taking the ACT in 2025 Still Is a Great Idea
All four-year colleges and universities in the US still accept the ACT, so it is still a good option to credential yourself. It has multiple dates each year and provides flexibility based on students’ preparation timelines. Many institutions now accept superscoring, so they are looking at the total score across multiple tests. If you are fortunate enough to earn high marks, it also has numerous scholarship implications, sometimes tied to honors program admissions.
Wrapping up
As ACT also will eventually morph beyond 2025, based on the ongoing developments of an ever-changing education landscape, students will have to stay on top of their application and preparation processes. From test dates to using the digital testing options expanded for this year, available fee waivers, and test preparation, consideration must be given to the steps that lead to a successful ACT!
It might not seem important to you if you are applying to a highly ranked university or locally based college; whichever path, it might all depend on your performance on the ACT for a variety of reasons: Admission, scholarships, and placement. Therefore, by taking the time to truly comprehend the new process this year and preparing properly, you are not just preparing yourself for a better test day; you are setting yourself up for a strong academic future.
FAQs
What is the final date I can register for ACT 2025?
The last date to register for the ACT in 2025 depends on what test date you choose. Regular registration typically closes about 4 – 5 weeks before the test date. Late registration, for an additional fee, is provided up until 10 days before the test date. Please refer to the official ACT registration website to find the specific deadlines for each exam window.
Can I take the ACT online in 2025?
Yes, in 2025 ACT continues its expansion of computer-based testing (CBT) options throughout the United States. Most official ACT testing centers presently offer both digital and paper-based testing. The online formats allow faster delivery of results and better access. When registering make sure your testing center is able to provide CBT testing.
How many times will I be able to take the ACT in 2025?
Students can take the ACT a total of 12 times, but most students take the ACT 2 or 3 times to get better results. In general, taking the test multiple times will improve the section scores. Additionally, students will benefit from the superscore policy that exists with many colleges and universities. When colleges and universities review applications, they will often consider the highest composite or superscore. It is always best to take sufficient time to prepare for the test before each attempt.
Will the writing be required in ACT 2025?
No, in 2025, the ACT Writing section is still optional. However, some universities are requiring the Writing section as part of the admissions requirements or for scholarship programs. Provisions for writing are an important part of focus in some programs, in these cases, taking the Writing test may benefit the applicant.
When can you expect ACT scores in 2025?
ACT multiple-choice scores are generally available online about 10 business days after your test date. If you took the optional Writing section, those scores may take an additional 2–3 weeks. You will receive an email notifying you when your scores are posted to your ACT account. Early scoring access is helpful for college applications.
What is the process for sending ACT scores to colleges in 2025?
During registration for the ACT, you may opt for up to four colleges that will receive free ACT scores. After that, you can send score reports for $16 each in your online ACT account. When sending ACT scores, the delivery time varies, so plan accordingly. Be sure that all colleges on your list receive your scores before their application deadlines.
Are there fee waivers for students from low-income families applying for the ACT in 2025?
Yes! In 2025, ACT will provide fee waivers to students from low-income families. The waiver provides up to four ACTs for free (including the Writing section if selected), along with other benefits such as free score reports and waived application fees to colleges. Check with your school counselor to get the waiver and check your eligibility.