Don’t Register for the ACT Until You Read This
Every year, we see Singapore students rush into ACT registration without understanding the full picture. They pick the wrong test date, forget ID requirements, miss fee deadlines, or register for sections they don’t need.
The result? Unnecessary stress, wasted money, and sometimes even being turned away at the test centre door.
This guide compiles every piece of essential ACT test info for Singapore students in one place — so you can register correctly, prepare confidently, and walk into test day fully informed.
No guesswork. No surprises. Just clear, actionable information.
Quick Summary: Essential ACT Test Info at a Glance
- Test format: 4 sections (English, Math, Reading, Science) + optional Writing
- Total questions: 215 multiple-choice + 1 optional essay
- Duration: 2 hours 55 minutes (3 hours 40 minutes with Writing)
- Score range: 1–36 composite
- Registration website: act.org
- International test dates (2025–2026): 7 dates available
- Singapore test centres: Multiple locations including Singapore American School
- Fee (without Writing): Approximately USD $175
- Fee (with Writing): Approximately USD $200
- Score delivery: Online within 2–8 weeks after test day
- Score validity: 5 years from test date
Who Is Eligible to Take the ACT?
This is one of the most common questions we receive regarding ACT test info, and the answer is refreshingly simple.
There are no eligibility restrictions.
- No minimum age requirement
- No specific grade level required
- No nationality restrictions
- No prerequisite courses needed
- No limit on number of attempts (up to 12 total)
Whether you’re in Secondary 4, JC1, JC2, or even an international school student — you can register and take the ACT.
However, most students take it during:
- JC1 (Grade 11 equivalent) — for practice and baseline scoring
- JC2 (Grade 12 equivalent) — for final attempts before university applications
ACT Test Dates for International Students (2025–2026)
Singapore students take the ACT on international test dates, which differ slightly from US domestic dates.
| Test Date | Registration Deadline | Late Registration Deadline |
| September 2025 | August 2025 | Varies |
| October 2025 | September 2025 | Varies |
| December 2025 | November 2025 | Varies |
| February 2026 | January 2026 | Varies |
| April 2026 | March 2026 | Varies |
| June 2026 | May 2026 | Varies |
| July 2026 | June 2026 | Varies |
Important notes:
- Exact dates update annually on act.org — always verify before planning
- Late registration incurs an additional fee (approximately USD $36)
- Some test dates may not be available at every Singapore test centre
Pro tip: Register at least 5 weeks before your target test date. Popular Singapore centres fill up fast, especially for the October and December sittings.
Singapore ACT Test Centres: Where Can You Take It?
Multiple test centres in Singapore are authorized to administer the ACT. Common locations include:
- Singapore American School (most popular)
- Canadian International School
- Stamford American International School
- Other authorized international schools
How to Find Your Nearest Centre
- Go to act.org
- Click “Register”
- Select “International Testing”
- Search by country: Singapore
- View available centres and dates
Critical ACT test info: Not all centres offer every test date. Some centres also fill up weeks in advance. Check availability early and have a backup centre in mind.
ACT Registration: Step-by-Step Process
Here’s exactly how to register — no confusion, no missed steps.
Step 1: Create Your ACT Account
Visit act.org and create a free account. You’ll need a valid email address.
Step 2: Complete Your Profile
Enter personal details exactly as they appear on your passport or national ID. Any mismatch can cause problems on test day.
Step 3: Choose Your Test Date
Select from available international test dates. Consider your preparation timeline — don’t pick a date that’s too soon.
Step 4: Select Your Test Centre
Choose a Singapore test centre with availability on your preferred date.
Step 5: Decide on Writing Section
Choose whether to include the optional Writing section. Check your target universities’ requirements first.
Step 6: Upload Your Photo
A recent, clear headshot against a plain background. This photo will appear on your admission ticket and must match your appearance on test day.
Step 7: Pay the Fee
International student fees (2025–2026):
- ACT without Writing: ~USD $175
- ACT with Writing: ~USD $200
- Late registration surcharge: ~USD $36
Payment is by credit card or debit card.
Step 8: Print Your Admission Ticket
After registration, download and print your admission ticket. You must bring it on test day.
What to Bring on Test Day
This is critical ACT test info that students frequently overlook. Missing even one item can result in being denied entry.
Required Items:
✅ Printed admission ticket
✅ Valid photo ID (passport is the safest option for Singapore students)
✅ Two No. 2 (HB) pencils — not mechanical pencils
✅ Approved calculator (check act.org for the approved list)
✅ Watch (no smartwatches — analogue or basic digital only)
Prohibited Items:
❌ Mobile phones (must be switched off and stored away)
❌ Smartwatches or fitness trackers
❌ Mechanical pencils or ink pens
❌ Highlighters
❌ Scratch paper (you’ll use your test booklet margins)
❌ Food or drinks inside the testing room
Student scenario — Mei Ling’s mistake:
Mei Ling, a JC2 student, brought her school student pass instead of her passport to the test centre. Despite having a printed admission ticket, she was turned away because her school ID wasn’t an accepted form of identification.
She had to wait three months for the next test date — which nearly missed her early application deadline.
Lesson: Always bring your passport. Don’t risk it with any other form of ID.
Understanding ACT Score Reports
After taking the exam, here’s what happens with your scores.
When Do Scores Come Out?
- Multiple-choice scores: Available online within 2–3 weeks
- Writing scores (if taken): Available within 5–8 weeks
- Scores are accessible through your ACT online account
What’s Included in Your Score Report?
- Individual section scores (1–36 each)
- Composite score (average of four sections)
- Writing score (2–12, if applicable)
- STEM benchmark score
- ELA benchmark score
- National and state percentile rankings
Sending Scores to Universities
At Test Prep with The Princeton Review Singapore, we always advise students to understand these score-sending options:
- Free score reports: You can send scores to up to 4 universities for free if you choose them before or on test day
- Additional score reports: Each additional report costs approximately USD $18
- Superscoring: Many universities take your highest section scores across multiple test dates
Strategic tip: Don’t rush to send scores on test day unless you’re confident. You can always send them later — for a fee — once you see your results.
ACT Test Info: Important Policies Singapore Students Must Know
Score Choice Policy
You choose which test date scores to send. Universities only see the scores you select. Poor attempts can be hidden.
Retake Policy
You can retake the ACT up to 12 times total. However, most students achieve their target score within 2–3 attempts with proper preparation.
Accommodation Requests
Students with documented learning differences (e.g., dyslexia, ADHD) can apply for extended time or other accommodations. Applications must be submitted well in advance through act.org.
Cancellation and Refund Policy
- You can cancel your registration before the test date for a partial refund
- If you cancel after taking the test, your scores are permanently deleted
- There is no refund for no-shows
How the ACT Compares: Quick Reference for Singapore Students
| Feature | ACT | SAT |
| Total sections | 4 + optional Writing | 2 (Reading/Writing combined + Math) |
| Science section | Yes | No |
| Math level | Up to Trigonometry | Up to Algebra II |
| Total time | 2h 55m (+40m Writing) | 2h 14m (digital) |
| Score range | 1–36 | 400–1600 |
| Negative marking | None | None |
| Calculator use | Full Math section | Full Math section |
| Essay | Optional | Discontinued |
| Score validity | 5 years | 5 years |
Common Registration Mistakes to Avoid
Based on years of helping Singapore students, here are the errors we see repeatedly:
❌ Registering too late and losing your preferred test centre. Singapore centres fill up fast. Register 5+ weeks in advance.
❌ Name mismatch between registration and ID. Your name on the registration must exactly match your passport. Even minor differences cause issues.
❌ Forgetting to print the admission ticket. Digital copies on your phone are NOT accepted. Print it on paper.
❌ Choosing the wrong test date for application deadlines. Always count backwards from your earliest university deadline. Allow at least 4 weeks for score delivery.
❌ Not checking calculator approval. Some popular calculators are banned. Verify yours on act.org’s approved calculator list before test day.
❌ Skipping the Writing section when target schools recommend it. It’s better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.
Expert Pro Tips for First-Time ACT Takers
🎯 “Register for your first attempt at least 6 months before your application deadline.” This gives you room for a retake if needed.
🎯 “Visit your test centre location before test day.” Know exactly where it is, how to get there, and how long the journey takes. Test-day navigation stress is real.
🎯 “Set two alarms the night before.” Oversleeping sounds silly until it happens to you. We’ve seen it more times than you’d think.
🎯 “Eat a proper breakfast — protein and complex carbs.” A 3-hour exam requires sustained mental energy. Skip the sugary cereals.
🎯 “Bring a snack for the break.” There’s a short break between sections. A granola bar and water can genuinely boost your second-half performance.
🎯 “Don’t change your routine the week before the test.” Sudden changes to sleep schedule, diet, or study habits create unnecessary anxiety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Can I Find Official ACT Test Info?
The most reliable source for official ACT test info is act.org — the official website of the ACT organization. All registration, test dates, fees, and policies are updated there regularly.
How Much Does the ACT Cost for Singapore Students?
The ACT costs approximately USD $175 without Writing and USD $200 with Writing for international students. Additional fees apply for late registration, test centre changes, and extra score reports.
Can I Change My ACT Test Date After Registering?
Yes, but there’s a change fee of approximately USD $42. Changes are subject to availability at your preferred test centre. Make changes through your act.org account.
What ID Do Singapore Students Need for the ACT?
A valid passport is the safest and most universally accepted form of identification. Singapore NRIC may be accepted, but a passport eliminates all risk of rejection at the test centre.
How Many Times Can I Take the ACT?
You can take the ACT up to 12 times. Most students take it 2–3 times. With proper preparation between attempts, score improvements of 2–4 points are very common.
When Should I Start Preparing After I Register?
Ideally, you should begin preparation 8–12 weeks before your registered test date. If you’re starting from scratch with limited familiarity, consider 14–16 weeks of structured preparation.
Do All US Universities Accept the ACT?
Yes — every accredited US college and university accepts ACT scores. The ACT and SAT carry exactly equal weight in admissions decisions. No university officially prefers one over the other.
Can I Cancel My Scores After Taking the Test?
Yes, you can request score cancellation, but it must be done by the Thursday following your test date. Once cancelled, scores are permanently deleted and cannot be recovered.
Final Thoughts: Knowledge Is Your First Advantage
Having complete ACT test info before you register isn’t just helpful — it’s essential. The students who perform best on the ACT aren’t just the ones who study hardest. They’re the ones who plan smartest.
Know the format. Understand the fees. Choose the right test date. Bring the correct ID. Avoid the registration mistakes that trip up hundreds of students every year.
With the right information and proper preparation, there’s absolutely nothing standing between you and your target score. Singapore students consistently perform well on the ACT — and you have every reason to be next.
Take control of your admissions journey starting right now. You’ve got this.
