How Many Times Can I Take the ACT?
ACT and college admissions FAQs
How Many Times Can I Take The ACT?
You are allowed to take the ACT up to 12 times. Of course you’re limited by time and test dates, so actually taking the ACT 12 times would involve multiple retests every year.
Will Taking The ACT Multiple Times Hurt My Chances of Admission?
Many college admissions advisors will suggest that taking the ACT an “excessive” number of times will hurt your chances of admission. However, I have seen no evidence of this, and can personally attest that admissions officers will consider an applicant who has retaken the test many times.
In high school, I took the ACT 21 times, and I was admitted to some of the most selective schools in the country (I was subsequently “banned” from taking the test again after registering for my 21st attempt at the ACT). Subsequently, the limit of attempts at taking the ACT has been reduced to 12. So if you are not satisfied with your score, and do not have other areas of your application you could devote the time to, feel free to take the test…
