The ACT® test made an announcement recently that may be confusing to test-takers. We wanted to take a moment to clarify this information.
Online Testing and Section Retakes Postponed Until 2021
Last year, ACT, Inc. announced that it would offer online and section retake options starting in the fall of 2020.
With the workload that the global COVID 19 crisis has created, the ACT, Inc. felt it was best to postpone these additional offerings until 2021.
“Our top priority is to provide safe access to testing for students who are first-time test-takers,” said ACT CEO Janet Godwin in a post on the ACT Leadership Blog. “While we know the delay in section retesting is disappointing to a number of students, we are also aware that the additional dates will be welcome news to many students looking for opportunities to continue along their college and career-going journey, and we wish them good health and success.”
Beginning in September 2020, ACT still plans to offer the superscoring option for students who have taken the test multiple times.
Has the July 18th ACT test been canceled?
The July 18th national ACT test date has not been canceled. However, some testing sites have withdrawn from offering it. You can visit this link to see if your chosen test site is affected.
If your test center has canceled the test, please understand that there are no test center changes currently offered at this time. To meet the demand for testing due to previously cancelled dates, ACT has announced several additional fall test dates. We recommend that you register for the nearest future date as soon as possible in order to reserve your spot.
New ACT Test Dates – Fall 2020
ACT has added three additional testing dates to accommodate students who plan to take the test this fall. This results in eight test day options for students taking the test this fall.
“Our commitment to providing students with safe opportunities to demonstrate what they know is a matter of mission for ACT,” said Godwin. “An ACT score provides so much more than a tool for admissions. Scores also expose students to scholarships, and provide insights for course selection and career interest inspiration. Adding test dates reflects our commitment to addressing equity and access to testing, especially as so many have experienced disruption to living and learning during the pandemic.”
In the past, non-Saturday test dates were only available to students who could not make a Saturday test day for religious reasons. However, ACT is making an exception this year. Non-Saturday test dates in September and October 2020 will be open to all students in an effort to accommodate those who could not take the test due to COVID-19 capacity limitations.
For many of these dates, registration deadlines are still to be determined.
List of Three Additional Fall 2020 ACT Test Dates:
- September 19, 2020
- October 10, 2020
- October 17, 2020
* In the past, non-Saturday test dates were only available to students who could not make a Saturday test day for religious reasons. However, ACT is making an exception this year. Non-Saturday test dates in September and October 2020 will be open to all students in an effort to accommodate those who could not take the test due to COVID-19 capacity limitations.
What to Expect When Taking the ACT Test in Summer/Fall 2020
Over the summer and fall months of 2020 (and the foreseeable future), ACT will be taking necessary precautions to protect students and staff. ACT will screen students by asking a series of questions at check-in. If a student’s responses indicate that he or she may carry or have been exposed to the COVID-19 virus, the student will not be admitted to take the test. If sent home, a student will be able to take the ACT test at a later test date at no cost.
ACT is required to follow CDC-recommended guidelines for social distancing in each of the test centers. Each test center will have signs on the floor at check-in stations to indicate that students must stay at least six feet apart.
Each test center will be required to clean and disinfect its facilities prior to testing. Sanitizer and sanitizing wipes will be available on test day.
We recommend that all test-takers wear face masks on test day. Each student will be asked to briefly remove the mask when verifying his or her identity. Gloves and hand sanitizer are permitted on test day, but keep in mind that your gloves will be inspected. Gloves and masks will not be provided at testing, so remember to come prepared.
If you do not feel well on test day, please stay home. ACT will provide you with the option to make a test date change at no fee or to request a refund. Just sign into your account the Monday after test day to change your date. If you run into any issues while trying to make this change, contact the ACT.
For more information about what to expect during upcoming ACT test dates, visit the ACT website.
Has the SAT® added any new test date options for Fall 2020?
At this time, College Board® has not made any additions to its SAT test schedule since adding the September 26 date (originally announced last month).
There is limited capacity for each of the fall test days as a result of social distancing guidelines. It’s important to sign up as soon as possible to reserve your spot.
Need help?
We know that this year has been a crazy ride for students trying to prepare for college applications. If your testing plan has fallen through due to COVID-19, we are here to help.
In addition to test prep programs and college counseling services, we provide seminars and guidance to help you come up with a new plan. Contact us today to get back on track.