How to register for the ACT as a homeschooled student

Homeschooled students register for the ACT the same way everyone else does—through a free MyACT account—but you enter homeschool status, use the universal high school code 969-999, and plan photo ID carefully because you may not have a school student ID. No counselor signature is required to sign up. The process takes about 20 minutes once your info is ready.

When this guide applies

Use this if you are homeschooled, not enrolled in a brick-and-mortar high school, or otherwise registering without a traditional school counselor. Hybrid students who are enrolled at a school should usually follow that school's code and process instead.

The shared steps—MyACT account, test date, format, Science and Writing add-ons, photo upload, and payment—are the same as our general walkthrough on how to register for the ACT. Below is what is different for homeschoolers.

Set up MyACT and answer the school questions honestly

Create a free MyACT account at act.org with an email you check. During registration you will be asked about your high school. Select the option that matches being homeschooled or not enrolled, then enter the homeschool high school code in the next section. Do not invent a nearby school code just to move past the screen.

Use the ACT homeschool code: 969-999

When ACT asks for a high school code, homeschooled students in the U.S. should enter 969-999. That is the universal ACT homeschool code. It tells ACT to send your score report to the address on your account instead of routing it through a school building.

The code is an administrative label for registration and score delivery. It does not change your score, your percentile, or how colleges read your results.

• Use 969-999 if you are fully homeschooled and want scores sent to you at home.
• Use a local high school's code only with permission from that school, and only if you truly need them to receive your scores (for example, for an activity or dual-enrollment program that requires it). Without permission, a wrong local code can send private scores to the wrong place.

Photo ID on test day without a school ID

You still need acceptable photo identification to enter the test center. A current driver's license, state ID, or passport works for many students. A school ID is not required.

If you do not have an acceptable photo ID, ACT provides a Student Identification Form (sometimes called the photo ID exemption form). You attach a recent head-and-shoulders photo, complete the form in English, and have a notary or school official who is not a relative sign and seal it so the seal overlaps the photo. Bring the completed original on test day; photocopies are not accepted. Details and the current form live on act.org, and the full packing list is in what to bring to the ACT.

Upload your admission ticket photo in MyACT

Homeschoolers follow the same photo rules as other students. Upload a clear, recent head-and-shoulders photo through MyACT by the deadline for your test date. That photo prints on your admission ticket and is part of test-day security. Print your ticket once the photo is approved.

Fees and fee waivers without a counselor

Registration fees are the same whether you are homeschooled or enrolled at a school. See how much the ACT costs and how to get a fee waiver for the current ballpark and what a waiver covers.

Homeschooled students who meet ACT's financial eligibility can still use a fee waiver, but waivers are typically issued through a school. ACT's own homeschool guidance says to reach out to a local school to apply, or contact ACT Customer Support if you need help. Bring proof of eligibility (such as income documentation) when you ask. Enter the waiver code at payment in MyACT instead of a card.

Accommodations if you are homeschooled or not enrolled

You can request accommodations during registration, but you will not rely on a school official the same way enrolled students do. ACT has a separate path for homeschooled and non-enrolled examinees that usually involves ACT's accommodations request form, documentation of your disability or functional limitation, and often an Exceptions Statement completed by the person responsible for your instruction.

Start early—approval takes time—and follow the current checklist on ACT's homeschooled/non-enrolled accommodations page. For the overall timeline and what to expect, read how to get ACT accommodations like extended time.

Score reports when you use the homeschool code

With 969-999, ACT sends your score report to you rather than to a high school office. Colleges still only receive the scores you choose to send. During registration you can usually include a limited number of college codes at no extra cost, so have your list ready. After scores post, you manage additional sends from MyACT.

After you register

Confirm your test date, center, and format, print your ticket, and lock in ID. Then shift energy to prep. How homeschooled students should prep for the ACT covers diagnostics, scheduling, and timed practice without a school support system. For date strategy, see when to take the ACT.

The bottom line

Register through MyACT, enter homeschool code 969-999, upload your ticket photo, and bring acceptable ID (or a properly notarized ACT Student Identification Form). Handle fee waivers and accommodations early if you need them, then put your time into prep. The registration quirks are solvable; your score still comes from practice.

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.