April FAQ: How to Register for the ACT: A Step‑by‑Step Guide

Registering for the ACT is mostly simple, but the ACT platform includes enough choices – test format, sections, testing location, score recipients, and add-ons – that it’s easy to second-guess yourself or miss a detail. This guide walks students and families through the registration process step by step, explains what each screen is asking for, and highlights the decisions you’ll need to make along the way so you can register confidently and avoid last-minute surprises.

1. Create or sign in to your MyACT account

After navigating to the registration page, you will be asked where you will test and whether you need accommodations. Choose “In the U.S.” if you are testing in the United States (two boxes appear for U.S. vs. international). You are then asked whether you need accommodations or English‑Learner supports. Only select “Yes” if you already have an approved accommodation or are in the process of applying for ACT accommodations; otherwise choose “No, None Needed”.

The ACT is currently administered on paper or on a computer. Mindfish recommends taking the paper ACT because it more closely mimics the materials we use during preparation and minimizes the risk of technical issues.

The ACT offers optional Science and Writing sections. Mindfish recommends taking the ACT with Science, mostly because colleges vary widely in whether and how the Science section score is used for admission and/or selection for specific programs. We also recommend skipping the Writing section of the ACT because very few colleges still require it.

2. Pick a test date and test center

You can then choose a test center based on the date of your test and distance from your ZIP code. Mindfish recommends registering for June and July dates early to ensure you can test nearby.

Photo upload

ACT requires a photo to verify your identity on test day. You do not have to upload it immediately, but you must upload a photo before the deadline or your registration will be cancelled.

3. Complete the personal information section

You can choose “Prefer not to respond” on most questions if you do not wish to share certain information.

4. Decide whether to send scores

ACT allows you to send your scores to up to four colleges for free at the time of registration and to add up to six recipients total. Because superscoring combines your highest subject scores from multiple test dates, Mindfish recommends not sending scores to colleges until you have completed your final test, ensuring schools only see your best scores.

5. Consider ordering ACT My Answer Key

The ACT allows test‑takers to purchase a copy of their test booklet, answers, answer key and scoring conversion tables for April, June, and October national test dates. You will receive digital copies of the multiple‑choice questions, your answers, the answer key and the conversion tables.

Mindfish encourages students to purchase My Answer Key whenever it is available for their test date: it provides invaluable insight into your performance and helps tailor future preparation.

6. Review fees and payment

When you reach the payment step, you will see a summary of your selections and the associated fees. ACT’s registration page lists the base cost of the ACT test as $68. The Science section costs an additional $4. My Answer Key is $34 during registration. Additional fees apply for late registration, test‑date or test‑center changes and for sending scores after testing. 

7. After registering

• Upload your photo before the deadline. Your registration will be cancelled if you fail to upload a valid photo by the specified date.
• Print your admission ticket from MyACT and check the test-day checklist (acceptable calculators, ID requirements and what to bring).
• Continue prepping. Use Mindfish’s resources and consider ordering My Answer Key after your test if you did not purchase it during registration.

Summary of Mindfish’s Recommendations

• Testing mode: Choose paper – it offers a traditional booklet and bubble sheet and avoids computer glitches.
• Test options: Add the Science section and skip the optional Writing test unless a specific college requires it.
• Test date: Register early for June and July test dates – seats and centers are limited.
• Score recipients: Do not send scores to colleges during registration. You can order reports later when you have your final scores and superscore.
• ACT My Answer Key: Purchase this option when available. It provides a copy of your questions, answers and answer key, can be ordered for select dates only and is available up to six months after testing.

Following these steps will ensure a smooth registration process and set you up for success on test day. If you have questions about Mindfish’s recommendations or need help selecting a test date, contact your Mindfish tutor or our Admin team for more details.