What to Do If You Miss Your ACT Test

Maybe you were sick—you were up all night, feverish and full of aches —so when the morning of your test came around, you just weren't up to testing. Or, perhaps you just didn't feel prepared. You hadn't taken the time to study for the ACT, so on the morning of the exam, you decided to miss your ACT test and figure it out later, even though you had already registered. What in the world do you do now?

It's pretty simple, really. You're going to apply for an ACT Test Date Change.

ACT Test Date Change Procedures

1. First, go to actstudent.org and log into your account.
2. Once you're in your account, select "Make changes to your registration."
3. Follow the prompts to select a new test date, making note of the regular and late registration deadlines.
4. If you're trying to change your test date and it's already beyond the late registration period, then you'll need to apply for Standby Testing.

ACT Test Date Change Cost

Although you've already paid the registration fee for the ACT or ACT Plus Writing test, you'll have to pay the test date change fee. In addition, you'll be charged the regular ACT registration fee for the new date, or, if you register late, the late registration fee as well.

ACT Test Date Change Issues

If you don't have access to your account for some reason—perhaps you're on a mountaintop with no WIFI—then contact ACT at 319-337-1270 to change your ACT test date. Make sure you have the following information in hand when you call so you're not scrambling down the mountain attempting to quickly locate your mom's credit card at base camp:

• Your name exactly as it appears on the ID you will use when you go to take the test
• A credit card
• Your address
• The test center where you'd like to test
• The test date on which you'd like to test

Get Ready for Your Next ACT Test Date

Even though you didn't make it to the test center to take the ACT this time around, you'll have another chance. There's still plenty of time to do well on your college admissions exam. If you opted out of taking the ACT because you were unprepared, then take this additional time to prepare and study. There are several ways to get ready for the ACT exam without spending a fortune or months of time. Look into online resources, including sample test questions provided by the ACT.