Forgot to register for the ACT? Here's how to fix it.
It's inevitable. Every term, I have students who come to me a few days before the ACT and sheepishly confess that they are not registered to take the test.
Their reasons are many: They forgot. They were sure they registered, but now found out they didn't. They were convinced that registering for a tutorial meant that we would sign them up for the ACT. Mom thought Dad had done it; Dad thought Mom had done it.
Regardless, the sad fact remains that they've prepped for a test, but aren't enrolled for the test date.
Luckily, ACT has planned for this occurance and lets students attend the test on a "standby" basis. So if you've forgotten to register and your test is bearing down on you, here's what you should do:
- Go to your high school counselor and get a paper ACT registration.
- Go to ACT's list of test centers and find a testing site near your house.
- Fill out your paper registration and place a check for the test fee + $40 Standby fee inside the registration. Seal the envelope and make sure that your return address is on it.
- Make sure you have a photo ID with you and your sealed packet.
- Go to the testing center you've selected well before 8:00 AM. I would suggest going as early as 7:00 AM to make sure you get a seat.
- Wait in line until they call for standbys. Hopefully, you are at the front of the line and they take you first.
I've told literally dozens of students these same instructions and have never had a student turned away by the test proctors. But make sure to get to the testing location early to be sure! And next time register online!
###################################
Did you forget to register for the ACT? Drop us a note in the comments section and let us know what you did!