Waiting for your ACT results can feel nerve-wracking. You’ve worked hard, taken the test, and now you’re wondering when those important scores will come. Knowing the timeline for receiving your ACT results can help ease some of the stress and give you a better idea of what’s next.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the timeline, explain the different types of scores, and give tips on what you can do while you wait.
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Key Takeaways
- Multiple-choice scores are available online a few weeks after the test.
- Writing test scores are released about two weeks after the multiple-choice scores.
- You’ll get an email once your scores are available in your ACT account.
- Colleges receive your scores within about a week after they’re posted online.
- Delays in getting your scores can occur due to high test volume, holidays, or registration issues.
When Do ACT Scores Come Out?
ACT results are not released all at once, and the wait time can depend on how you took the test and which scores you’re waiting for.
Standard Timeline for Receiving ACT Scores
For most students, multiple-choice scores are available online within 2-8 weeks after the test date. If you took the ACT online, you can expect your scores in about two weeks. However, taking the paper version may take 3-8 weeks for your results to appear.
If you take the optional writing section, your writing score will be released about two weeks after your multiple-choice scores. This means taking the multiple-choice and writing sections could take up to 10 weeks to get your complete score report.
What Happens After Test Day?
Once you’ve taken the test, your answers are processed. If you took the test online, your answers are submitted and processed immediately. This is why online test-takers get their scores faster. Paper test-takers, however, have to wait for their answer sheets to be collected, scanned, and processed, which takes more time.
When your scores are ready, you’ll get an email notifying you. You can then view your scores in your ACT account. If you request to send your scores to colleges, they’ll receive them about a week after your scores are posted.
How Are ACT Scores Delivered?
After completing the ACT, you’re probably eager to know how you’ll receive your scores. Thankfully, getting your results is simple. You can check your results online or receive them by mail. If you’re a parent trying to understand the admission process, check out our complete guide for college admissions for parents. It will help you through each step.
Online Access to ACT Scores
The fastest way to get your ACT scores is through your online ACT account. Most students receive an email notification when their scores are ready, usually 2-8 weeks after the test date. Taking the ACT online will make your scores available in about two weeks. For paper test-takers, it may take 3-8 weeks.
To view your scores, log in to your ACT account. You can also send your scores directly to colleges from there.
Receiving Your Scores by Mail
If you choose to receive your scores by mail, you’ll need to wait a bit longer. Paper score reports are sent out 3-8 weeks after the test date, depending on whether you took the test online or on paper. If you took the optional writing test, it will take about two additional weeks for the complete report to be mailed.
Mailed scores may take extra time, depending on where you live. So, while you wait for your paper report, checking online is much quicker if you need your results sooner.
How Long Does It Take to Get Multiple-Choice Scores?
Once you’ve taken the ACT, getting your multiple-choice scores is likely your top priority. These scores are crucial for your college admission process, so knowing when they’ll arrive can help ease the wait. Fortunately, multiple-choice results are processed relatively quickly.
Typical Turnaround for Multiple-Choice Results
If you took the ACT online, you can expect your multiple-choice scores in about two weeks. Online tests are processed faster because they are submitted instantly. For those who took the paper version, results typically take 3 to 8 weeks. While this can feel like a long wait, most students receive scores closer to the earlier part of this range.
Why Multiple-Choice Results Are Processed Faster?
Multiple-choice scores are available sooner because they’re scored electronically. Online test results are processed immediately after submission. For paper tests, answer sheets must be collected and scanned, which adds time to the process.
Unlike the optional writing section, which requires human grading, multiple-choice answers are graded automatically. This quicker process explains why these scores are the first to be released, even if you took other test sections.
How Long Does It Take to Get the ACT Writing Test Results?
While multiple-choice scores are released quickly, the writing section takes more time. This wait is because scoring essays is more complex than scoring multiple-choice questions.
Timeline for ACT Writing Scores
ACT Writing scores are typically available about two weeks after your multiple-choice scores are released. If you took both sections, receiving your complete score report could take up to 10 weeks, especially if you took the paper test.
Why Do Writing Scores Take Longer?
Unlike the multiple-choice sections, which are graded electronically, the ACT Writing test is scored by human reviewers. Each essay is evaluated based on a specific rubric that looks at argument structure, organization, and language use.
This manual process is why receiving your writing score after your other scores takes two more weeks. The extra time ensures that your essay is reviewed thoroughly and fairly.
What Delays Can Affect ACT Score Release Date?
While the ACT usually follows a set timeline for releasing scores, some factors can cause delays.
High Testing Volume
During busy times, like the fall and spring, many students take the ACT, which can slow down the processing time. This is especially true for paper-based tests, which might take up to 8 weeks to get your multiple-choice scores.
Incomplete or Incorrect Information
A mistake in your registration details, such as incorrect personal information or missing data, could delay your score release. ACT may need extra time to verify your identity or clarify any errors, which can delay the process. In some cases, they may contact you for more information.
Test Security Concerns
ACT may delay scores if there are concerns about test security. This can happen if there’s suspicion of cheating, test irregularities, or violations of ACT rules. When scores are under investigation, it can take longer for them to be released while ACT reviews the situation. While ACT is hard, make sure you do not jeopardize your career by choosing unfair methods.
Special Accommodations
If you took the ACT with special accommodations, such as extended time or alternate formats, your scores may take a little longer to process. These special cases often require extra handling, adding a few more weeks to the standard release time.
How to Handle Delayed Scores?
Waiting for delayed ACT scores can be stressful, especially if you’re nearing college application deadlines. While delays are rare, knowing what to do can help you stay calm and focused.
Stay Calm and Check Your ACT Account
First, check your ACT account regularly. Scores are usually posted there first; you’ll receive an email when they’re available.
Contact ACT Customer Support
If your scores are delayed beyond the expected timeframe, reach out to ACT customer support. They can help you determine if there’s a problem with your registration, test security, or another issue causing the delay. You can contact them by phone or email; they’ll guide you on what to do next.
Inform Colleges About the Delay
If you face a deadline and your scores are delayed, contact the colleges you’re applying to. Tell them about the delay and ask if they’ll accept your scores after the deadline. Most schools are flexible and may grant an extension if you provide proof of the delay, like communication with ACT.
How to Check Your ACT Scores Early?
If you’re eager to see your ACT scores as soon as possible, there are a few things you can do to access them early. While you can’t speed up the official release process, you can take steps to ensure you see your results immediately.
- Ensure your ACT account is set up and ready to access scores online.
- Check your account regularly.
- Start checking early, around two weeks for online and three weeks for paper tests.
- Opt into email notifications to be alerted once your scores are posted.
- Keep an eye on the ACT website for updates on score release timing.
How Colleges Receive ACT Scores
Colleges receive your official ACT scores directly from the ACT organization, ensuring they are accurate and verified. Here’s how it works.
When you register for the ACT, you can choose up to four colleges to receive your scores for free. After your scores are processed, they are sent electronically to these schools. Most colleges receive them within one week of posting online, though it might take a little longer during busy periods.
You can do this through your ACT account if you want to send your scores to more colleges after the test. There is a fee of $12 for each additional score report, which is usually dispatched within 1-2 weeks after you make the request. Colleges receive your official score report, which includes your composite score, individual section scores, and writing test scores, if applicable.
Rush Score Reporting Options
If you’re running short on time and need your ACT scores sent to colleges quickly, the Rush Reporting option can help speed things up. This service allows you to send your ACT scores to colleges faster than the standard reporting process.
With Rush Reporting, your scores are typically processed and sent to colleges within two business days after you make the request. This is much faster than the usual 1-2 week timeframe for standard score reports. Rush Reporting costs $31 per report, in addition to the standard fee for sending scores.
But, before requesting rush delivery, it’s essential to check if the college you’re applying to accepts rush scores, as not all schools do.
Conclusion: Planning for ACT Score Release
Waiting for your ACT results can be stressful, but understanding the timelines helps you stay prepared. Knowing what to expect makes the process easier, whether you’re waiting for your multiple-choice scores or the writing test results. With options like online access and rush reporting, you can manage how quickly your scores reach colleges.
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FAQ
Do colleges see all my ACT attempts?
Colleges only see the scores you choose to send. If you take the ACT multiple times, you can select which test date results to send to schools.
Can I choose which ACT scores to send to colleges?
ACT allows you to use Score Choice, meaning you can choose which test dates’ scores to send. However, you must send all scores from a single test date—colleges will see all section scores from that date.
How long are ACT scores valid?
ACT scores are valid for five years from the test date. After that period, you may need to retake the test for valid results.
What should I do if I find an error in my ACT score?
If you believe there’s an error in your score, you can request a score verification for a fee. This allows ACT to review your multiple-choice or writing scores manually.
Can I cancel my ACT score?
Once you’ve taken the ACT, you cannot cancel or delete your scores. However, you can choose not to send them to colleges if you’re not happy with the results.
