There is some talk about it over at the ACT board, but apparently most people who took the September 12th test have still not received their complete scores, which is putting some ED applications in jeopardy. (I have a niece in this situation.) Just wondering if anyone here has a kid who is affected by this and what your thoughts are. (Most of the people posting in the ACT thread are kids, I think.)
I’ve been following that thread. I do not get the impression that “most” have not received at least their composite score.
D’16 took the ACT in Sept got her composite score 2 weeks ago (so a week after the first scores were released) she is still waiting on the writing score.
I am not surprised with the time frame given that this was the first test with the new score report format combined with the new written essay format. It was known that this test would be a new format some time ago…which is why my D’16 took the test back in April just so she would not be at the mercy of ACT score report this late in the game.
At this point I think it behooves ED candidates to contact their intended schools and let them know that the score reports are still outstanding. I suspect that most schools are well aware of the issue.
Not trying to make excuses for ACT because it really is inexcusable to be a month out from the test and not have scores complete.
Hi labegg - I said “complete” - not “composite.” Without the complete score (which includes the writing), the scores can’t get sent to the colleges.
Unfortunately not everyone has a choice when it comes to test timing, for various reasons (some sports related). I do think that, regardless of “new format,” waiting close to six weeks or longer for your score should not be expected by anyone.
BTW, niece went to a college meeting over the weekend and mentioned this to the admissions officer, who had no idea. However, this particular officer did say that even if it came in early November, it would be okay. This isn’t necessarily true for all schools.
Sorry I misread complete for composite. I would agree that many have yet to receive a full score report.
Thinking maybe it would be a good idea if ACT sent out score reports without the writing and updates reports when they get the writing complete. But that is not going to happen.
I am sure an11/1 ED deadline is “firmer” than an 11/1 EA deadline.
Have often wondered why there is no ACT/SAT test dates over the summer?
I’d say that most people have gotten their composite scores, but only a minority of students have received their writing score. It might be even worse for those applying ED And taking the ACT this Saturday. I know Dartmouth accepts the October ACT for ED, but I’m not sure how it works if they get the score near the end of November. Does anyone know about this?
As someone who has contacted the ACT twice about my son’s missing writing score (he received composite three weeks ago!!!) they are aware they #%%^* up! Pardon my French but this is a travesty!
It completely derails many student’s plans for EA/ED. If it had been communicated this would be an issue with new writing element my son would have taken it earlier.
As it stands many kids are at a complete disadvantage…
I’ve found colleges to be fairly understanding about glitches beyond the applicants control. 2 admission seasons ago (HS Class of 2014), the Common App was having major glitches and colleges extended deadlines. I find it hard to believe colleges won’t be flexible regarding ACT test score submissions as long as the applicant submits the application by the EA/ED deadline. Colleges want to encourage MORE applications, not fewer. It’s in their best interests to do so.
I know its frustrating but definitely won’t derail EA/ED. Just have your student get their apps in and contact the school about the ACT delay.
@gearsstudio In the same position at Brown. They say you can take the Oct test, but I don’t know how the scores will get there even close to on time.
@labegg there are indeed SAT and ACT test dates in the summer. This year it was June 6 and June 13 respectively.
My D took the ACT on June 13, along with a huge crowd of other students. She decided to take the SAT on May 2 rather than June 6, because she didn’t want to do them on back-to-back weekends, and wanted to celebrate her last day of the school year on June 5 without worrying about a standardized test the next day.
Will have to self report and contact the school’s adcomms to explain.
June 6 and June 13 aren’t in the summer on my calendar. School here doesn’t get out until the end of June so those are considered spring test dates for many students. They really should offer a test date in July or August.
I agree whole-heartedly with @doschicos in post #6. The schools are not going to drop the EA/ED apps because the test company can’t get its act together (no pun intended).
@ohiovalley16 I mean past June 15 and prior to Sept 15. It’s not “summer” until the equinox 
Here, here! On the June 15 to September 15 test dates. I am sure they can’t get a critical mass of students due to vacations I know plenty of people who would jump on it.
My son got his in the 2nd or 3rd batch of releases. We were on pins and needles. Unfortunately I did not have him take the writing this time, and of course this was the test date where he got a freakishly high score (for him) on the English sub-section. It would have done wonders to raise his English/Writing composite. 
Still makes me mad . . .
Another gripe about the test dates.
My kids thought it was completely unfair that wide swaths of the country had ACT and SAT tests while school was not in session. The June dates were just before or during their finals.
Don’t you think that they would if they could make more money doing so? (Hint: most schools schools are closed in July and August…what venues can they use? where will they get the proctors?)
btw: New York State law is responsible for no ACT test date in Feb.
http://chariotlearning.com/why-are-there-no-february-act-test-centers-in-new-york/
Per ACT’s website:
While perhaps frustrating, not seeing an issue here…and I see no reason why it would torpedo an ED app – YET.
There is no “fiasco”. When we signed up for the Sept. test, the website very clearly stated what bluebayou posted above. This means that some people will not have their complete score report until after Nov. 1, since 8 weeks after Sept. 12 is clearly after Nov. 1. D has received all of her scores, including writing, as of last week. But we went in knowing that they might be late enough that she’d miss an EA date or two. I don’t know why it’s shocking to people that ACT is releasing scores exactly as the website says it will.
^ Yes, this is standard operating procedure. When our daughters were applying to colleges, we were very clear that they needed to have all their standardized testing done by June if they were planning to apply EA/ED in the fall. September ACT and October SAT test dates are simply too close to the EA/ED application deadlines to be able to count on those scores for EA/ED applications, though some colleges will accept score reports from September/October test dates even if they arrive after their official EA/ED application deadlines. Because this varies by institution, however, EA/ED applicants are best advised to have their standardized testing done by the end of junior year. This sounds more like a case of bad planning by some students and their parents than a screw-up by the ACT, which never promised test results sooner than 3-8 weeks after the test, or 5-8 weeks if the writing test is included. The SAT similarly promises scores “about 5 weeks” after the test.