The ACT website shows that early registration for the December 12, 2026 test has been extended to November 9, late registration closes November 29, and initial scores will be released December 22. Irvine students who miss November 9 can still register during the late period by paying an additional $42 late fee.
Who Is Affected by the December ACT Registration Extension
The December ACT registration extension mainly affects two groups of students. The first is seniors still applying to colleges with January deadlines: for example, Regular Decision for most majors at the University of Southern California closes January 10, 2027, so scores released December 22 arrive in time; USC is test-optional, and students who submit scores must have ACT send official scores to school code 0470. The second is juniors preparing for their first official test; after December, the next test date is February 27, 2027.
The ACT website lists the following dates:
| Test date | Early registration deadline | Late registration deadline | Initial scores released |
|---|---|---|---|
| December 12, 2026 | November 9 (extended) | November 29 | December 22 |
| February 27, 2027 | January 22 | February 9 | March 16 |
The ACT fee schedule is as follows:
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| The ACT (English, math, and reading) | $70 |
| The ACT plus science | $75 |
| The ACT plus writing | $95 |
| The ACT plus science and writing | $100 |
| Late registration or test date change during the late period | Additional $42 |
| Score reports to a fifth and sixth college (requested before the test) | $20 each |
Registration fees include score reports to the student, the student’s high school, and up to four colleges, provided the college codes are entered at registration. The science and writing add-on tests can be added or dropped through the late registration deadline.
What to Do Now About the December ACT Registration Extension
Decide today whether to register. Registering after November 9 adds the late fee, so students who already plan to test should complete registration within the early period.
Enter four college codes at registration. The four free score reports must be designated at registration; additional reports ordered after the test cost $20 each.
Work backward from deadlines. ACT recommends testing at least two months before the earliest college or scholarship application deadline; December scores suit only applications due in January or later.
The fall ACT dates published in September are covered in December ACT Registration Closes November 6, all test dates for the year are listed in the 2026-27 Test Calendar and Registration Deadlines, and test policy planning for target colleges is available through EDUBUS University Admissions Planning.
Sources
- ACT: Register for the ACT: Upcoming Dates, Fees & How to Sign Up (accessed November 9, 2026)
- ACT: Current ACT Fees and Services (accessed November 9, 2026)
- University of Southern California Admission: First-Year Students (dates and deadlines, application checklist) (accessed November 9, 2026)
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- CSU Freshman Priority Filing Ends Nov. 30The CSU priority filing period for fall 2027 ends November 30, and the fee is $70 per campus. Course and GPA rules, test score use, and what to check before submitting.
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