You register for the ACT online through a free MyACT account at act.org. You create the account, pick a test date and test center, upload a photo, choose whether to add Science and Writing, and pay the fee. The whole thing takes about 20 minutes once you have your info ready, and we will walk you through it step by step.
Step 1: Create your MyACT account
Head to act.org and set up a free MyACT account. This is your home base for everything: registering, uploading your photo, printing your admission ticket, viewing scores, and later sending them to colleges. Use an email address you will actually check, since ACT sends important messages there. You can also add a parent or guardian email to receive copies.
Step 2: Pick your test date and format
The ACT is offered on several national test dates through the year, and you choose the one that fits your timeline. If you are not sure which date to pick, our guide on when to take the ACT and how to choose a test date breaks it down. You will also choose a testing format: paper, online at a test center, or bring-your-own-device. Not sure which? See digital or paper ACT.
Step 3: Find a test center
You will search for a test center by city, state, or zip code and pick one with an available seat for your date and format. Popular centers can fill up, so registering early gives you better options and a location close to home. Seats and formats are limited, which is one more reason not to wait until the last minute.
Step 4: Decide on Science and Writing
On the enhanced ACT, both Science and the Writing essay are optional add-ons you select during registration. You can usually add or drop them up until the late deadline. To decide, check what your colleges want and read which colleges still require ACT Science and should you take the ACT Writing section.
Step 5: Upload your photo and pay
Upload a clear, recent photo that meets ACT's guidelines, then pay your fee to lock in your seat. If you qualify for a fee waiver, you enter that code here instead. Your fee includes score reports for you, your high school, and up to four colleges if you enter their codes during registration. For the full breakdown, see how much the ACT costs and how to get a fee waiver.
Watch your deadlines
Each test date has a regular registration deadline and a later late registration deadline that adds a late fee. There is also an accommodations deadline, which is the same as the regular registration deadline, so if you need accommodations, do not wait. See how to get ACT accommodations like extended time for that process.
Changing your registration later
Life happens, and ACT lets you make changes for a fee. Before the late deadline you can typically change your test center, test date, or test option (like adding Writing or switching formats). If you miss the late deadline, you may be able to request standby testing, though seats are not guaranteed. One important rule: once you break the seal on your test booklet, you cannot request a test date change, so only sit down to test if you intend to finish.
After you register
You are not done just because you signed up. Print your admission ticket from MyACT once your photo is approved, and get ready for test day. Our guide on what to bring to the ACT and what to expect covers the checklist, and when it is time to actually study, how to study for the ACT gets you moving.
The bottom line
Registering is straightforward: make a MyACT account, choose your date, format, and center, decide on Science and Writing, upload a photo, and pay. Do it early to get the seat you want and to leave room for accommodations or changes. Then you can put your energy where it counts, into prepping.
Start practicing
Start with a free diagnostic, then drill your weak spots with 15-question quizzes and track how you're doing across Reading, English, and Math. Compare plans whenever you're ready to go further.
This article offers general ACT prep guidance. The ACT can change from year to year, including its format, scoring, policies, test dates, and fees, so always confirm the latest details on the official ACT website at act.org before you make decisions. ACT® is a registered trademark of ACT, Inc. thirty-six is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by ACT.