ACT Test Dates | 2020-2021 | Winward Academy

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When is the ACT: 2020-2021 Test Dates

ACT has released its official test dates for the 2020-2021 academic year. Be sure to register early for the best locations and follow our tips below to make sure you’re prepared to do your best on the big day.

2020-2021 ACT TEST DATES

ACT Test DateRegistration DeadlineLate Registration Deadline
September 12, 2020August 31, 2020No late fees
September 13, 2020*August 31, 2020No late fees
September 19, 2020August 31, 2020No late fees
October 10, 2020October 5, 2020No late fees
October 17, 2020October 5, 2020No late fees
October 24, 2020October 5, 2020No late fees
October 25, 2020*October 5, 2020No late fees
December 12, 2020November 20, 2020No late fees
February 6, 2021January 8, 2021January 15, 2021
April 17, 2021March 12, 2021March 26, 2021
June 12, 2021May 7, 2021May 21, 2021
July 17, 2021**June 18, 2021June 25, 2021

*ACT is allowing all students to register for non-Saturday test dates

**The July ACT is not offered in New York

Be sure to register early for the ACT as spots are filling up quickly. The exam costs $55 with an additional $15 to add the optional Writing section. If you register late, change the test date, or change your test center, the ACT will charge an extra $35.


Do you want to plan ahead for the big test day, but don’t quite know what to prioritize? Follow our tips for what to do months before you plan to take the ACT.

Tip 1: Pick the test that’s right for you

First up, take a real timed practice ACT and a real timed practice SAT, then compare your scores to each other to make sure the ACT is the right test for you. It’ll take eight hours total, but it’s worth it. Don’t take these practice assessments on back-to-back days. You’re going to be tired after taking the first test, and you don’t want the score to be artificially lower on the second. Space out the tests over a week or two. You can locate a free ACT and a free SAT online. Take one of each, get a baseline, and then compare your scores. For more information about the ACT and SAT, you can see when they’re offeredwhat they test, or a detailed comparison between the two.

Tip 2: Register early

The earlier you register for either test, the more locations you can choose from. I’ll share an anecdote; students who take a standardized test at a local university hate it, and I understand why. The lecture hall where the test is offered has desks that are a foot wide. Students have to put their tests or their scantrons on their laps because the desks are so tiny. Little things like this can affect you on test day, so plan ahead to get the preferred location. Talk to your older peers or college counselors for more information about the testing centers in your area.

Tip 3: Create a Study Schedule

Use your baseline test to recognize your weaknesses. Plan for what you’ll need to study, and then space out the workload based on how much you’ll need to review. See 8 Expert Tips for Mastering the ACT or SAT for more information about how to approach the exams to maximize success.

Tip 4: Take a few timed practice tests before test day

By the time you’re ready to take the real proctored test, you’ll want to have a few timed practice tests under your belt. Just be careful how close you’re getting to your actual test day. I’ve found that the best approach for my students is to take the last timed practice test three weeks out. That approach gives you plenty of time to hone in on your weaker areas before the real exam. Also important: take a few practice tests, not 20. There’s a really common (false) perception that the way to improve a score is to test test test test test. The problem with this approach is that if you don’t give yourself an opportunity to learn from your errors, you’ll keep making them. This test test test approach to practice is horrible for both your growth and confidence. When you take a timed practice exam, you should not take another timed practice exam until you have mastered your mistakes.

What else can you learn?

Do you feel more comfortable knowing how to get organized months before the exam? Arm yourself with more knowledge of what to do the day before, the night before, the morning of, and during and after the ACT.


Do you like what you’ve read? Please click the links to share with friends who would also benefit from getting organized months before the ACT test.

About Winward Academy – Winward Academy is one of the world’s leading innovators in the online education space, providing web-based academic support that enhances students’ knowledge, confidence, and competitiveness in middle and high school academics and in college applications. We help thousands of students every year by providing personalized, comprehensive ACT and SAT test preparation and extensive math curriculum support. The Winward Academy learning platform honors over 40 years of education and cognitive psychology research, incorporating proven techniques that promote effective learning.

Winward Academy’s unmatched reputation is wholly attributable to our students’ exceptional success and to the trust earned among students, parents, and schools around the world.

Jennifer Winward, Ph.D.

Dr. Jennifer Winward is a renowned college instructor, a distinguished 20-year veteran of high school tutoring, and the founder and lead instructor of Winward Academy. She earned her Ph.D. specializing in adolescent brain development and adolescent learning. She is a member of Phi Beta Kappa and graduated summa cum laude with highest distinction honors. Dr. Winward has been widely recognized for her academic success, published research, and philanthropic efforts with awards from the President of the United States, the California State Assembly, Rotary International, the Marin County School Administrator Association, the American Psychological Association, and the National Science Foundation.