One of the fundamental tenets of test prep is that the most valuable tests are the ones you can learn from. Yet, an official ACT score report does not provide much in the way of feedback. Far better are those administrations that permit test takers to order everything they need to analyze what happened on test day.
ACT offers the Test Information Release service for specific national test dates. Students who order Test Information Release don;t just receive the correct answers and list of their own answers, but also a copy of the actual test booklet. Note that they do not receive their actual test booklet, but rather a clean copy. Students who take the ACT Writing Test also receive a copy of the writing prompt, the scoring rubric, and both 1-6 scores assigned to the essay.
You can order a Test Information Release during the registration process or during the three-month period after your test date. Of course, you’ll pay an extra fee, currently $20.
Regrettably, the Test Information Release is only an option for tests taken on December, April, and June national test dates. This means that many students find themselves unable to take advantage of this valuable service.
What exactly does “national test dates” mean?
The Test Information Release is only available for tests administered in the United States on the official Saturday test date scheduled for December, April, or June in a given year.
What if I test on a day other than Saturday?
The Test Information Release service is only available for Non-Saturday National Testing in April.
What if I take an ACT outside the United States?
Sorry, the Test Information Release service is only available for tests administered in the United States.
When will I receive my Test Information Release materials?
Test materials are typically mailed about four weeks after receipt of score reports, so probably seven weeks from the test date. Do not expect to receive them before the registration deadline or in time to study for the next test date.
Mike Bergin