ACT Registration Deadlines, Fees & Test Centres in Singapore Explained

One Registration Mistake Can Cost You Three Months and $200

Every testing cycle, we see the same preventable disasters:

A student registers two days before the deadline — only to discover every Singapore test centre is completely full. They're forced to wait three months for the next available date.

Another student misspells their name during ACT registration, doesn't notice until test day, and gets turned away at the door because it doesn't match their passport.

A parent assumes registration closes when testing happens — not realising deadlines are 4–6 weeks before the test date. They miss the window entirely.

These aren't hypothetical scenarios. These are real Singapore families who lost time, money, and opportunities because they didn't understand the registration process thoroughly.

This guide eliminates that risk. You'll learn exactly when to register, how much everything costs, where Singapore test centres are located, and the step-by-step process to book correctly — the first time.

 

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2026 ACT Registration Deadlines for Singapore Students

Understanding deadlines is critical because late registration carries penalties, and registration closes completely 1–2 weeks before the test date.

Complete 2025–2026 Testing Calendar

Dates are projected based on historical ACT patterns. Always verify exact dates on act.org.

What Each Deadline Means

Regular Deadline:

• Standard registration fee applies

• Widest choice of test centres and seat availability

• Recommended registration window for all Singapore students

Late Deadline:

• Additional USD $36 late fee

• Limited test centre availability (popular centres often full)

• Test date/centre changes become more difficult

Standby Testing Deadline:

• Additional USD $59 standby fee

• No guarantee of testing — depends on seat availability at your chosen centre

• Not recommended unless you have absolutely no other option

 

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Strategic Deadline Planning for Singapore Students

Don't just register before the deadline. Register strategically to maximise your options and minimise stress.

The Optimal Registration Window

Best practice: Register within the first week that registration opens for your target test date.

Why this matters:

Test Dates That Fill Fastest

Based on historical Singapore booking patterns:

Why December and June are most competitive:

• December: Final attempt before Regular Decision deadlines

• June: Last opportunity before summer break, ideal timing for JC1 students

 

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Complete Fee Breakdown: Every Dollar Accounted For

Understanding the full cost structure prevents budget surprises and helps you plan financially.

Base Registration Fees (International Students)

Additional Fees During Registration

Score Reporting Fees

Total Cost Scenarios for Singapore Students

Scenario 1: Single Attempt, Planned Well

Scenario 2: Two Attempts, Standard Timeline

Scenario 3: Late Registration + Changes (Poor Planning)

The difference: Poor planning costs an extra $130 for a single attempt — money that could have funded practice materials or coaching sessions.

 

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Singapore ACT Registration Test Centres: Complete Directory

Understanding where you can test in Singapore helps you choose the most convenient location and plan logistics effectively.

Primary Test Centres in Singapore

Test Centre Selection Factors

Consider these variables when choosing:

How to Verify Centre Availability

1. Go to act.org

2. Begin registration process

3. Select your test date

4. Choose country: Singapore

5. The system displays only centres with confirmed availability for that specific date

Important: Not every centre offers every test date. Availability is confirmed only during the registration process for each specific testing cycle.

At Test Prep Online with The Princeton Review Singapore, we advise students to have a first-choice and backup centre in mind before beginning ACT registration — especially for December and June dates.

 

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Step-by-Step ACT Registration Process

Here's the complete walkthrough to register correctly without errors.

Before You Begin: Required Items

Gather these before starting registration:

✅ Valid email address (one you check regularly)
✅ Passport (for exact name spelling, date of birth, expiry verification)
✅ Recent digital photo (headshot, plain background, taken within 6 months)
✅ Credit or debit card (for payment)
✅ Test date preference (from the calendar above)
✅ Target universities list (optional — for free score reports)

Phase 1: Create Your ACT Account (10 Minutes)

Step 1: Go to act.org

Step 2: Click "Create Account" → Select "Student"

Step 3: Enter personal information exactly as it appears on your passport

• Critical: Name spelling must match passport EXACTLY

• Include middle name if it's on your passport

• Verify date of birth format (month/day/year for US system)

Step 4: Create a strong password and save it securely

Step 5: Verify your email address through the confirmation link

Phase 2: Complete Profile (10 Minutes)

The system asks various profile questions. These don't affect your test — they're for research and services matching.

Questions include:

• High school information

• Intended college major (approximate is fine)

• Extracurricular interests

• Educational plans

Pro tip: Answer honestly but don't agonise over these. The only answers that truly matter are your personal details (name, date of birth, address).

Phase 3: Select Test Options (5 Minutes)

Choose your test date from available international options

Choose test type:

• ACT (no Writing): $175

• ACT Plus Writing: $200

How to decide on Writing:
Research your target universities. If even ONE requires or recommends Writing, choose ACT Plus Writing. It's better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

Phase 4: Select Test Centre (5 Minutes)

Search for Singapore test centres

The system shows centres with available seats for your selected date.

Choose based on:

• Proximity to home

• MRT accessibility

• Parking if driving

• Backup option if first choice is full

Warning: For December and June dates, if you see "limited availability" next to a centre, register immediately. That centre will likely be full within days.

Phase 5: Upload Photo (5 Minutes)

Photo requirements:

• Taken within the past 6 months

• Head and shoulders only, facing camera

• Plain white or light-coloured background

• No hats, sunglasses, or filters

• Clear, high-resolution (not blurry)

• Matches your current appearance

Why this matters: This photo appears on your admission ticket and is used for identity verification on test day. A photo that doesn't resemble you can cause entry issues.

Phase 6: Score Report Recipients (10 Minutes — Optional)

You can select up to 4 universities to receive your scores for free — but only if you make this selection by the test day.

Strategic considerations:

Our recommendation: If this is your first attempt, skip free score reports. See your score first, then decide where to send. If this is your second or third attempt and you're confident, use the free reports.

Phase 7: Review and Submit (5 Minutes)

Critical verification checklist:

Step 1: Review every detail on the confirmation screen

Step 2: Enter payment information

Step 3: Submit registration

Step 4: Immediately screenshot the confirmation page

Step 5: Download and save your confirmation email

Phase 8: Print Admission Ticket (After Approval)

Your admission ticket becomes available approximately 1 week before your test date.

When it's available:

1. Log into your ACT account

2. Navigate to "Upcoming Tests"

3. Click "Download Admission Ticket"

4. Print on paper — phone screenshots are NOT accepted at test centres

Print TWO copies:

• One to bring on test day

• One backup at home (in case the first is lost)

 

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Critical ACT Registration Mistakes to Avoid

Based on years of advising Singapore students, these are the errors we see most frequently — and how to prevent each one.

Mistake 1: Name Doesn't Match Passport

The error: Registering as "Wei Lin Tan" when passport shows "Tan Wei Lin"

The consequence: Denied entry on test day. Registration fee forfeited.

Prevention: Have your passport in hand during registration. Copy the name exactly as printed — same order, same spelling, including middle names.

Mistake 2: Registering Too Close to the Deadline

The error: Registering 3 days before the regular deadline when popular centres are already full

The consequence: Forced to choose a less convenient centre or wait for the next test date (3 months later)

Prevention: Register within the first week that registration opens for your target date — especially for December and June.

Mistake 3: Not Checking Passport Expiry

The error: Passport expires between registration and test day

The consequence: Invalid ID = denied entry

Prevention: During ACT registration, verify your passport is valid through your test date and beyond.

Mistake 4: Uploading Inappropriate Photo

The error: Selfie with sunglasses, old school photo, heavily filtered image

The consequence: Photo rejected by ACT, or identity verification issues on test day

Prevention: Take a fresh photo specifically for ACT registration — plain background, no accessories, clear face shot.

Mistake 5: Choosing Wrong Test Date for Application Deadlines

The error: Testing in November for a November 1 Early Decision deadline

The consequence: Scores don't arrive in time — application incomplete

Prevention: Work backwards from your deadline:

• Subtract 4 weeks minimum for score delivery

• Subtract another 4 weeks for potential retake buffer

• That's your latest safe test date

Mistake 6: Forgetting to Print Admission Ticket

The error: Planning to show admission ticket on phone at test centre

The consequence: Phone screenshots are NOT accepted — denied entry

Prevention: Print your admission ticket the moment it's available (typically 1 week before test date). Print a backup copy.

Mistake 7: Not Saving Registration Confirmation

The error: Completing registration without screenshot or email confirmation

The consequence: If ACT's system glitches, you have no proof of registration

Prevention: Screenshot the confirmation screen immediately. Save the confirmation email. Store both securely.

 

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Special ACT Registration Scenarios

Scenario 1: Registering With Accommodations

Students with documented disabilities or learning differences can request testing accommodations.

Available accommodations include:

• Extended time (50% or 100% additional)

• Extra breaks

• Large print materials

• Reader or scribe assistance

• Separate testing room

How to apply:

1. Request accommodations through your ACT account

2. Upload official documentation (psychoeducational reports, medical letters)

3. Submit at least 8 weeks before your test date

4. ACT reviews and approves within 2–4 weeks

Important for Singapore students: International students follow the same accommodation process. Don't assume accommodations aren't available outside the US.

Scenario 2: Changing Test Date or Centre After Registration

When changes are allowed:

• Before the regular registration deadline for your original date

• Subject to availability at your new preferred date/centre

• $42 change fee applies

How to make changes:

1. Log into your ACT account

2. Navigate to "Upcoming Tests"

3. Select "Request Changes"

4. Choose new date or centre

5. Pay change fee

6. Receive updated confirmation

Strategic note: If your school schedule changes, making a date/centre change ($42) is cheaper than missing your registered test and re-registering ($200).

Scenario 3: Testing Outside Singapore

If you'll be outside Singapore during your preferred test date, you can register at any international test centre worldwide.

Considerations:

• Verify test centre location and availability

• Factor travel logistics and time zone changes

• Ensure your passport is valid for the country you're testing in

• Consider additional costs (accommodation, travel)

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

When Do ACT Registration Deadlines Open for Each Test Date?

Registration typically opens 2–3 months before each test date. For example, December 2025 registration likely opens in September 2025. Check act.org for exact opening dates.

What Are the ACT Registration Fees for Singapore Students in 2026?

International students pay approximately USD $175 ($237 SGD) for the ACT without Writing, or USD $200 ($271 SGD) for the ACT with Writing. Additional fees apply for late registration ($36), changes ($42), and extra score reports ($18 each).

Which ACT Registration Test Centres in Singapore Have the Best Availability?

Singapore American School is the largest but fills fastest. Canadian International School (Lakeside) and Stamford American typically have better availability. However, all centres can fill completely for popular dates like December and June.

Can I Change My ACT Registration After Submitting?

Yes, you can change your test date, test centre, or add the Writing section — but only before the regular registration deadline for your original test date, and a $42 change fee applies. Changes are subject to availability.

What If All Singapore ACT Registration Test Centres Are Full?

If all Singapore centres are full, your options are: (1) Register for the next available test date in Singapore, (2) Register at a nearby international centre (Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta), or (3) Use standby testing (no guarantee, $59 fee).

How Do I Know If I Need to Register for ACT With Writing?

Check each target university's admissions requirements on their website. If even one university requires or recommends Writing, register for ACT with Writing. Most universities no longer require it, but several top schools still recommend it.

When Will My ACT Registration Admission Ticket Be Available?

Admission tickets typically become available for download approximately 1 week before your test date. Log into your ACT account regularly in the week leading up to your test to download and print it.

What Happens If I Miss All ACT Registration Deadlines?

Your only option is standby testing — registering after the late deadline with a $59 standby fee. Standby testing does NOT guarantee a seat; you're admitted only if space remains after all regular registrants. This is risky and not recommended.

 

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Registration Is the Foundation — Get It Right

Here's what separates students who test stress-free from students who scramble:

Strategic students plan their ACT registration months in advance. They research deadlines, choose test dates aligned with application timelines, register early to secure preferred centres, and verify every detail before submitting.

Reactive students register last-minute, face limited options, pay unnecessary late fees, and enter test day already stressed from logistical chaos.

The exam is hard enough. Don't make it harder by mishandling registration.

You now have complete ACT registration intelligence — deadlines, fees, centres, process, and every mistake to avoid. The only variable remaining is execution.

Open your calendar. Choose your test date. Set a reminder for when registration opens. And when that day comes — register immediately.

Your preparation matters. But it only counts if you're actually sitting in that test centre on exam day.

Make sure you are.