ACT exam eligibility | Why does it matter?

ACT exam eligibility | Latest updates 

The ACT (American College Test) exam is a multiple-choice-based examination for students seeking admission to top graduate courses across the United States. So if you wish to graduate from any college in the United States of America, you must appear for the ACT exam and also remain versed with ACT exam eligibility to score better. Furthermore, the ACT, akin to a college entrance test, is a standardized measure of a student’s language skills.

ACT exam | Quick facts 

The ACT examination is a formal college admission evaluation test for high school aspirants. This ACT examination decides if students are prepared for university after high school.

• The ACT examination enrollment fee varies from INR 11,000 to Rs. 13,000, based on whether or not you opt for the writing examination.
• The ACT assesses applicants in four areas — Math, English, Reading, and Science.
• Whether or not the candidate takes the ACT’s writing section defines the exam’s duration. If the candidate is solving the writing section, the time required is 3 hours and 35 minutes; otherwise, the duration is 2 hours and 55 minutes.

ACT exam | Eligibility criteria

The ACT examination does not specify identified test prerequisites or minimum eligibility. Hence, the test is available to all students equally regarding ACT exam eligibility. 

In addition, the ACT is a university entrance test accepted by almost all universities and educational institutions in the United States. The concerned officials keep changing the test policies according to the circumstances and comfort of the test takers. Below are some common eligibility criteria for the ACT examination-

• Instead of the standard paper-based examination, the ACT started as an online test in 2015. This transformation did not impact the total score, exam syllabus, or multiple-choice structure, as only the test-taking format was modified.

• In fall 2023, 2024, and 2025, undergraduate applicants are not mandated to present an ACT or SAT scorecard. This policy change was broadened to ensure that every aspirant can submit a comprehensive application.

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ACT exam requirements

After you’ve verified your ACT examination eligibility, the next stage is to meet the ACT requirements, which include enrolling for the test and paying the applicable fees. Below is a step-by-step guide to registering for the ACT examination and the documents that you require for the same-

• Enrol and make your user account on the ACT website.
• Present all your contact information and personal details.
• Submit your high school educational and extracurricular activities certificates.
• Provide details on your ideal universities and career alternatives.
• Upload a scanned photograph, which will be published on the hall ticket.
• Select a suitable test day and place that works for you.
• Submit the required fees.
• Download the hall ticket.

When speaking of the ACT photo prerequisites, you must follow the below guidelines-

• Clear photo with nobody in the backdrop.
• The picture should not be blurred or hazy.
• The photograph should be in portrait orientation and not landscape mode.
• Photograph of shoulders and head squarely fronting the camera.
• No opaque glasses are allowed.
• There should be no emojis or filters. 
• The photograph needs to be 640 x 480 pixels.
• The maximum photo size is 5 MB.
• The face should always be towards the camera.
• Only JPG, JPEG, PNG, or BMP formats are permitted.

When to enrol for the ACT examination?

Candidates should plan their ACT examination test two months before the university application deadline. Moreover, ACT scores usually come 2-8 weeks after the test day. In addition, enrolling a day ahead of time ensures you will receive your scorecards by the time of university admission.

Late enrollment deadlines are generally two to three weeks before the test date, and enrolling late will result in a late fee. You need to pay the registration sum for the ACT exam with a debit card or an international credit. Besides, you must have a valid international passport to register for the ACT, and this enrollment is only available online for international applicants.

Key takeaways 

• ACT is a standardized admission test accepted by colleges and universities worldwide. 
• The examination is taken by candidates after high school, preparing for university admission. 
• The ACT examination results are generally available online within seven to eight weeks of the examination.

Like the blog? Also read: ACT exam syllabus, pattern, and scoring 2021-2022

FAQs

Question 1. Is there an ACT exam age limit?

Answer. Any individual above the age of 13 can enrol for the ACT examination. There is no upper limit to age for giving the ACT exam.

Question 2. When do you appear for the ACT examination?

Answer. After finishing high school, you can enrol for your test at least two months before the university application deadline.

Question 3. Do universities have specific eligibility criteria for admissions to appear for the ACT examination?

Answer. Yes, each college has its ACT score prerequisites. For instance, whether or not you attempt the optional writing passage depends on whether or not the universities you plan to apply to require it.

Question 4. How many times can candidates appear for the ACT examination?

Answer. The ACT examination is conducted seven times a year, and candidates can appear up to twelve 

times.