Want to view your old ACT scores online? Here’s a quick guide to figure out what to do today.
Understanding ACT Score Availability
When you take the ACT test, your scores are typically available within two to eight weeks after the test date. However, it’s important to note that there are certain dates when the scores may take longer to become available.
For example, during equating test dates, scores may take longer to be released. Equating activities ensure that scores reported have a constant meaning across all test forms. For the 2023-2024 testing year, equating will be administered in October.
It’s also important to note that scores aren’t released online immediately after they become available.
Instead, they are released on specific score release dates. The ACT organization releases scores in batches, which means that not everyone who took the test on the same day will receive their scores at the same time. You can find the score release dates on the ACT website.
If you took the ACT test more than 10 years ago, you may be wondering if you can still access your scores.
The good news is that ACT maintains score reports for a period of 10 years from the date you took the test. If you need to access your old ACT scores, you can request a copy of your scores by visiting the ACT website and logging into your account.
In summary, understanding the availability of your ACT scores is important so you know when to expect them and how to access them. Keep in mind that scores may take longer to become available during equating test dates, and that scores are released in batches on specific score release dates. If you need to access old ACT scores, you can do so by requesting a copy from ACT within 10 years of taking the test.
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Steps to Retrieve Old ACT Scores
If you need to retrieve your old ACT scores, there are a few steps you can follow. Here are the four most common ways to get your old scores:
Contact ACT Customer Service
If you need assistance with retrieving your old ACT scores, you can contact ACT customer service by calling 319-337-1270. Prepare as much identifying information as possible to help the agents locate your ID, including your full name, test date, home address (when you tested), and birth date.
Create or Access Your ACT Account
If you have previously taken the ACT, you may already have an ACT account. If you don’t have an account, you can create one on the ACT website. Once you have an account, you can log in to access your old scores.
Request Score Reports Online
You can also request score reports online by logging in to your ACT account and selecting “View Scores.” From there, you can select the test date and score report you want to view or print.
Mail or Fax a Written Request
If you prefer to request your scores by mail or fax, you can download a request form from the ACT website. Fill out the form and mail or fax it to the address or number provided on the form. Be sure to include any necessary fees and identifying information to help ACT locate your scores.
By following these steps, you can easily retrieve your old ACT scores. Whether you need them for college applications or personal records, it’s important to keep track of your academic achievements.
Eligibility and Time Frame for Old Scores
If you took the ACT more than two years ago, you may need to request your old scores from the ACT organization. According to PrepScholar, ACT scores are typically available online for up to two years after the test date. After that, you need to request the scores by mail or over the phone.
To request your old scores, you need to provide some identifying information, such as your full name, test date, and home address when you took the test. If you don’t have your ACT ID, you can call ACT, Inc. at 319-337-1270 to get it.
It’s important to note that not all old ACT scores are available. According to the official ACT website, scores for tests taken before September 1, 1969, are not available. Additionally, scores for tests taken more than five years ago may not be available.
If you need your old ACT scores for college applications or other purposes, it’s important to plan ahead and request them as soon as possible. Keep in mind that it may take several weeks for the scores to be processed and sent to you or to the institutions you designate.
Overall, getting your old ACT scores is a straightforward process as long as you have the necessary identifying information and are within the eligibility time frame.
Costs and Payment Methods for Retrieving Scores
Retrieving your old ACT scores comes with a cost. The cost varies depending on when you took the test and how you want to retrieve the scores.
If you took the test after September 1, 2017, the regular ACT score report fee is $13 per test date per report. However, if you took the test before that date, the fee is higher. For example, retrieving ACT scores for a test taken in 2017 will cost $38 per score report ThoughtCo.
In addition to the regular report fee, there is also a non-refundable archive fee. This fee is in place to cover the additional cost of searching and accessing databases to retrieve and send an archived score ACT.
The payment methods for retrieving old ACT scores depend on how you choose to retrieve them. If you want to retrieve scores online, you can pay using a credit card or an electronic check. If you want to retrieve scores by phone, you can pay using a credit card. If you want to retrieve scores by mail, you can pay using a check or a money order PrepScholar.
It is important to note that the fees and payment methods are subject to change. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check the official ACT website for the most up-to-date information.
Using Old ACT Scores
Once you’ve obtained your old ACT scores, you can use them for a variety of purposes. Here are some of the most common ways to use your old scores:
College Applications
One of the main reasons to retrieve your old ACT scores is to use them for college applications. Most colleges and universities require ACT scores as part of the application process. If you’re applying to a school that requires ACT scores, you can submit your old scores instead of retaking the test.
To do this, you’ll need to request that your scores be sent to the colleges you’re applying to. You can do this through the ACT website or by contacting ACT customer service. Be sure to check with each college to see if they have any specific requirements for submitting old scores.
Scholarship Applications
In addition to college applications, you may also need your old ACT scores for scholarship applications. Many scholarships require ACT scores as part of the application process. If you’re applying for scholarships, be sure to check the requirements to see if you need to submit your old scores.
Once you’ve determined that you need to submit your old scores, you can request that they be sent to the scholarship organization. Again, you can do this through the ACT website or by contacting customer service.
Overall, having access to your old ACT scores can be very helpful when applying to colleges and scholarships. By following the steps outlined above, you can easily retrieve your scores and use them for your applications.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you’re having trouble accessing your old ACT scores, don’t worry! There are a few common issues that people run into, and we’ve got solutions for them.
Issue: Can’t Find Your ACT ID
Your ACT ID is a unique identifier that you’ll need to access your old scores. If you can’t find it, don’t panic. You can call ACT, Inc. at 319-337-1270 to get it. Make sure you have as much identifying information as possible, including your full name, test date, home address (when you tested), and birth date.
Issue: Score Report Not Received
If you requested that your score report be sent to a college or university but they haven’t received it, there are a few things you can do. First, check your ACT account to make sure that the score report was sent. If it was, contact the college or university to make sure they received it. If they haven’t, you can request that ACT send another score report.
Issue: Score Report Sent to Wrong Address
If your score report was sent to the wrong address, contact ACT as soon as possible. They may be able to resend the report to the correct address. Make sure that your address is up-to-date in your ACT account to avoid this issue in the future.
Issue: Score Report Not Accurate
If you believe that your score report is not accurate, you can request a score verification. This process involves having your test rescored by hand to ensure that there were no errors in the scoring process. Keep in mind that there is a fee for this service.
By following these troubleshooting tips, you should be able to access your old ACT scores without any issues. If you still have questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact ACT, Inc. for assistance.
Alternative Options if Scores are Unavailable
If you have exhausted all options and still cannot locate your old ACT scores, don’t worry. There are a few alternative options available to you.
First, consider reaching out to the colleges or universities you applied to during the time period you took the ACT. They may still have your scores on file and be able to provide you with a copy. It’s also worth checking with any scholarship or financial aid programs you applied to, as they may have required ACT scores as part of the application process.
Another option is to retake the ACT. While this may not be ideal, it will allow you to obtain a current score that can be used for college admissions and scholarship applications. You can register for the ACT online and choose a test date that works for you.
Finally, if you are unable to obtain your old ACT scores and do not wish to retake the test, consider focusing on other aspects of your college application. Admissions committees consider a variety of factors when evaluating candidates, including GPA, extracurricular activities, and personal statements. Highlighting your strengths in these areas can help offset the absence of ACT scores.
Remember, while ACT scores are an important part of the college admissions process, they are not the only factor. Don’t let a missing score hold you back from pursuing your academic goals.
