How to Send ACT Scores to Colleges

Have you received your ACT (American College Testing) scores but are still figuring out how to send them to colleges? In 2023 alone, about 1.4 million high school graduates took the ACT exam to seek further study opportunities in the US. After taking the exam and having good ACT scores, candidates will have to ensure that the scores are sent to their desired colleges. Here’s a step-by-step guide if you are also wondering how to send ACT scores to colleges.

Do You Need to Send Your ACT Scores

A majority of colleges in the US ask their applicants to provide ACT scores. Since the ACT exam assesses your knowledge of English, Mathematics, and Science, it helps the colleges determine your academic progress and the depth of knowledge gained in high school. Therefore, the colleges are able to decide if high school students are ready for college and able to grasp the higher level of education provided. This standardized test score is also mandatory because it makes it easy for colleges to compare and select applicants. The better you score, the more chances you get to stand out among millions of applicants seeking admission. 

Now comes the question: is it mandatory to send your ACT scores to the college you seek admission to? If the college you are applying for mentions ACT as their test requirement, you must send the scores. Additionally, there is a score choice feature for ACT that enables you to select specific test date exams that you want to share. For instance, if you have taken the ACT exam three times, you don’t have to share all three score reports with the colleges. Instead, you can choose which one you want to share.

How to Send Your ACT Scores to Colleges

Sending standardized test scores, like ACT, to your desired college is a crucial step in the admission procedure. You can send your scores to multiple colleges and universities after the results are out through your ACT account. Below are the different options for sending ACT scores to colleges: 

Registering Yourself for ACT and Sending Scores for Free

The easiest way and the initial step of sending the scores is by registering yourself at the “MyACT” account. Upon registering for the ACT examination, you get the option to choose four desired colleges where you want to share your ACT score. After you receive your score, it is sent automatically to the chosen list of colleges. Free score reports enable schools and colleges to see your results as soon as possible. However, the time taken to receive the reports varies from college to college. 

Moreover, if you have taken the ACT exam more than once, ACT provides you with a calculated superscore. You can also send these superscores to the colleges. 

Paying Fee for Sending ACT Scores to Colleges

After sharing your ACT score with four colleges, you might want to share your score with a few more colleges. In that case, you can pay $18.50 and request additional score reports to be shared in a college. 

Utilizing ACT Fee Waiver Program to Send ACT Scores to Colleges

When sending your ACT score to several colleges, the fee might really add up to your finances. If you are enrolled in 11th or 12th grade and can demonstrate financial need, you become eligible to apply for the ACT fee waiver program. This includes:

• The ACT test fee, so you don't have to pay a registration fee.
• You can share your scores with up to four colleges for free.
• You get free access to learning resources for ACT preparation.
• You can add Test Information Release (TIR) to your registration, which will allow you to see your test questions and answers after your test.
• You can request for unlimited additional score reports for free.
• You can apply to colleges for free without paying the college application fee.

ACT Score Reports and Prices to Send Them to Colleges

Sending ACT score reports to colleges comes with different charges. Usually, students must pay a minimum charge of $18.50 per test report and an archive fee of $30 per report if they are willing to send reports from different dates (up to past three-year dates).  

Conclusion

ACT scores play a crucial role in reflecting a student's academic achievements and their eligibility to pursue higher education. As most colleges in the US follow a first-come-first-serve policy, the sooner you send your scores to colleges, the higher your chances are to get enrolled.