As a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic, the ACT has cancelled numerous test dates in 2020, including the March, April, and May (and some June) ACT exams. They've also closed some testing centers for the July 18th test date, so not all students will be able to take their scheduled exams at that time, either.
If you're impacted by this ACT test date cancellation, you're probably wondering what's next. Our experts are answering all of your frequently asked questions below.
Which ACT Test Dates Canceled for Coronavirus?
Yes. The ACT cancelled the March, April, and May test dates.
For test takers who plan to take the ACT in June or July, there will only be certain testing locations available. You can find a complete list of testing location closures here. If you're affected by a test location closure, you can try to move your testing location, or you can reschedule your exam for a later date.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic is an evolving situation. Be sure to regularly check the ACT website to see if any other test dates become affected.
What About Testing Center Closures for the June and July Exams?
Has the ACT Rescheduled the Canceled Test Date?
Luckily, the canceled test date has been moved to June 13, 2020.
If you were registered to take the ACT in April, you'll be receiving an email in the next few days with instructions about how to complete the rescheduling of your exam.
The ACT will send this email to the address it has on file, so be sure to check that email account for information regularly. If you haven't already, make sure you've added the ACT's registration email address to your contact list so important emails aren't caught by your spam filter.
What If You Can't Take the Test on June 13?
According to the ACT website, you'll have the option to take the ACT on the rescheduling date, or you'll be able to reschedule the exam for a later test date that works for you.
In other words, you'll be able to reschedule for dates other than June 13, too.
So far, the ACT hasn't released specific information about whether you'll be limited to rescheduling for a 2020 testing date, or if you'll have a slightly longer rescheduling window. Since this is an evolving situation, be sure to continue to check the ACT website for more specific details.
Are There Additional Costs Associated With the 2020 ACT Test Cancellation?
While the ACT normally charges students to reschedule their testing dates, all students affected by the April test date cancellation will be able to reschedule their exams for free.
What If You Don't Want to (or Can't) Reschedule?
If you can't reschedule your test date, or if you don't want to reschedule your test at this time, you may be eligible for a refund of your test registration fees.
You should receive more information about this option in the ACT's forthcoming email.
If you're a senior, this test cancelation can feel pretty scary. While the ACT hasn't announced official plans for students in your position, they're working on it!
What If I'm a Senior in High School Applying for College?
If you're a senior and haven't yet taken either the ACT or SAT, you may be in a tight spot...especially with upcoming college admissions deadlines.
While the ACT doesn't yet have a plan in place for affected seniors, they're aware of the situation. They'll be releasing more information in the coming days on the ACT website.
Does This Apply to International Students?
As of now, the April test cancellation applies to US test takers only. However, according to the official ACT Twitter account, the ACT is evaluating the testing situation on a country-by-country basis.
Make sure to follow the ACT on social media and check their special COVID update page regularly for international testing information.
Next Steps for Affected Students
If you're affected by the April 4, 2020 ACT Test cancellation, there are are few action steps you can take now.
Wait for the ACT Email
The ACT is emailing all affected students with more information in the coming days. This email will contain information about the cancellation, as well as information about how to reschedule your test date or secure your test fee refund (if you can't reschedule).
Like we mentioned earlier, the ACT will send this note to the email address they have on record. Check your email account regularly so that you don't miss out on this important information. Also don't forget to check your spam filter in case the email gets caught there!
Look at the Testing Date Calendar
While you're waiting for the ACT email, go ahead and take a look at the ACT testing date calendar.
Hopefully the June 13, 2020 test date works for you, but looking at future testing dates will help you start planning ahead.
Check the ACT's Website Often
Since the COVID-19 epidemic is an ongoing situation, the ACT will be releasing new and updated information on its website. Make sure you're checking the ACT's COVID-19 page regularly to stay up on all the information you need.
This is especially important if you're an international test-taker or a high school senior that's applying for colleges. That's because the ACT hasn't yet released specific information for these two groups of test-takers.
We also recommend that you follow the ACT on social media. Any new and/or breaking news will show up there as well as on the ACT website. Here are the links to their relevant social media accounts:
What's Next?
Be sure to check out our list of ACT Test dates. Our article compiles future test dates through 2021. This list will help you as you try to pick a new testing date that works for you.
Just because your ACT test is canceled doesn't mean you can put off studying! While some of your in-person study groups may be canceled due to coronavirus, you can still use ACT guide books to prep for your exam.
You may have already taken the ACT before, and you were hoping to retake it to get a better score. Depending on your college plans, you may not have to! Check out this article that will help you learn more about what constitutes a "good" ACT score. It can even help you determine if you really need to take the ACT again.
