How Long?

As every TV commercial claims for every consumer product, the results may vary. ACT score release dates vary across a range of weeks, but most students see their multiple-choice results roughly two weeks after the exam, and ACT now publishes an initial release date for every test date up front. They have often been released on either a Tuesday or Thursday ten days after your Saturday morning exam at around 10 pm (PCT).

And what if they aren’t?

Well, check on a weekly basis because that’s how ACT scores are released. No matter the circumstances, the ACT results should be released within eight weeks of the exam date. If you took the optional Writing test, the wait is not over for you. Writing scores can take up to another two weeks after your multiple-choice scores post. The optional Science section, on the other hand, is machine-scored like the rest, so it does not hold up your release. But don’t worry, colleges have to wait until all scores are finalized in order to receive your results.

Delayed Score Release

First, let’s point out the obvious reason for a delayed score release. Way more people than you and your sweaty, anxious peers sitting in the classroom take this exam at the same time, and there are simply too many tests to process and grade. Understandably, ACT Inc. might be running behind.

Other reasons include:
– Late delivery of documents to testing headquarters
– Test date was rescheduled
– Personal information doesn’t match the information provided during registration
– ACT, Inc. randomly audited your test to check for accuracy in scoring
– Overdue registration fees
– ACT, Inc. detected an irregularity with your test scores or someone else’s test scores at your testing center

This last one essentially means that ACT Inc. suspects you of cheating if they see that you have improved substantially between test administrations. If this happens to you, make sure you have evidence of your studying and preparation for the test. Also, make sure you show your work on the test so they know how you arrived at the answer.

2026-2027 ACT Score Release Dates

ACT publishes an initial score release date for each national test date. More than 97% of scores land within about two to four weeks, though scores that include the optional Writing test can take longer.

For the full registration and deadline schedule, see our 2026-2027 ACT test dates guide.

Remember…

Keep track of your ACT login information, so you can be up-to-date on the latest news regarding the exam and so you can easily login on score release day. Or, you can be like me and just wait until people at school start to talk about their results to check yours. Don’t be afraid or hesitant to contact ACT, Inc. if you feel uneasy about there being a delay in your score release.

It’s not the end of the world if you’re not satisfied with your score the first, second, or maybe even third time around. If it makes you feel better, I took the ACT a whopping 5 times. Yeah, I know… that’s A LOT mentally, physically, and emotionally. Anyways, if this is the case for you, make a plan to figure out the areas you need to focus on for your next attempt, and we at Prepmedians hope that includes us!