While preparing for college admission and the ACT, you may have asked yourself, Is the ACT required? You may have searched for this or asked your mentors as well. The ACT has been a crucial part of college admissions in the United States. However, in recent years, many colleges have adopted flexible or test-optional policies. Whether tests like the SAT or ACT are required depends on context, such as if you are applying to college, fulfilling a state requirement, or seeking scholarships. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for students planning their academic goals and test prep.
Why ACT Is Not Required?
The ACT is not required for most college admissions in the USA. This changed during the COVID-19 pandemic when many test centers were closed. Colleges quickly adapted to test-optional admissions so students could apply to the college due to the inaccessibility of test centers. This shift became successful, and it is still popular even after restrictions were removed.
Today, most selective colleges, including Ivy Leagues and flagship public schools, still have test-optional policies through 2025. It’s been found that high school GPA, strict courses, and essays predict college success better than standardized tests. Therefore, a student can choose whether or not to submit their ACT score.
“However, optional does not mean irrelevant. Strong ACT scores can still boost applications, especially for competitive programs or scholarships. If students take the ACT and get the best ACT test scores, they will stand tall, showing their academic readiness.”
Why Do Some States Require the ACT?
Some states still require the ACT. They often use the ACT to assess their students. They use these results to track school performance and student achievement. In this case, the test serves more as a statewide assessment than a college admissions filter.
Furthermore, state-funded merit scholarships also require the ACT score. For instance, states with lottery-funded scholarships often require a minimum ACT composite score to be qualified. This makes the test functionally required for students who want financial aid.
Thus, while the ACT may not be required for college applications everywhere, it may still be necessary for graduation, scholarship qualification, or state-level benchmarks.
Which States Require the ACT?
Testing polices are not the same in the entire country. Some state colleges that require students to complete the ACT are usually for scholarship purposes. At the same time, some give them a choice. Importantly, some states include the ACT Writing test in their mandate, while others do not.
States That Require All Students to Take the ACT (with Writing)
State Requirements for ACT with Writing
| State | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Kentucky | ACT with Writing as part of high school accountability measures |
| Hawaii | ACT with Writing is mandated for all juniors |
| Wyoming | ACT with Writing required for statewide assessment purposes |
States That Require All Students to Take the ACT (no Writing)
State Requirements for ACT without Writing
| State | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Alabama | ACT without writing is required in grade 11 |
| Nebraska | ACT without Writing is used for the statewide testing program |
| North Carolina | ACT without writing is mandated for all juniors |
| Wisconsin | ACT without writing is required for statewide accountability |
| Nevada | ACT without writing is required for graduation purposes |
| Mississippi | ACT participation tied to state evaluation systems |
ACT Testing Dates in 2025
If you have decided or are required to take the ACT, you should plan for the ACT. It is typically offered seven times a year. Below are the 2025 ACT test Dates (U.S. dates):ACT Test Dates, Registration, and Late Registration Deadlines
| Test Date | Registration Deadline | Late Registration |
|---|---|---|
| February 8, 2025 | January 10, 2025 | January 24, 2025 |
| April 5, 2025 | March 7, 2025 | March 21, 2025 |
| June 14, 2025 | May 16, 2025 | May 30, 2025 |
| July 12, 2025 | June 13, 2025 | June 27, 2025 |
| September 13, 2025 | August 15, 2025 | August 29, 2025 |
| October 25, 2025 | September 26, 2025 | October 10, 2025 |
| December 13, 2025 | November 14, 2025 | November 28, 2025 |
These dates offer multiple chances across the year. This is useful for students balancing school schedules, activities, and application timelines. For more information, you can visit the official College Board website.
FAQs About “Is the ACT Required?”
Let’s answer your questions about ACT.
Is the ACT required for college in 2025?
No. Most colleges and universities have test-optional admissions policies.
Do Ivy League schools require the ACT?
No. Ivy League schools are test-optional in 2025. However, they accept ACT scores and may use them as one factor in a holistic review.
Is the ACT required for scholarships?
Yes. In some states, many merit-based scholarships rely heavily on ACT performance, particularly in lottery-funded programs. Students seeking these awards should confirm local requirements.
Which is better between the SAT and ACT?
Neither is universally better. Some students perform better on the ACT due to its pacing and focus on science reasoning, while others prefer the SAT’s structure.
Can I get into college without the ACT?
Yes. With test-optional policies in place, students can apply and be admitted without submitting ACT scores. Strong grades, essays, and recommendations are often enough.
Do international students need the ACT?
Generally, no. International applicants may submit ACT scores, but many colleges focus instead on English proficiency exams (TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test) and academic transcripts.
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Bottom Line
So, is the ACT required? The short is No for most colleges in the USA. Some states have made the ACT mandatory for accountability. Others have been associated with the scholarship program. However, performing well on the ACT can work great for individual students in applications. In the current time, thoughtful planning is necessary. Students should research state policies, scholarship eligibility, and college admissions requirements before deciding.
At Ivy Test Prep, we encourage students to view the ACT as an opportunity rather than an obstacle. By approaching the test strategically, whether required or optional, students can align their efforts with their academic goals.
