How to Delete ACT Scores

Wondering “Can I delete ACT scores?” The answer: Yes. You may have heard the conventional wisdom “Don’t take the SAT or ACT more than three times.”  That was then.

This is now: Not only can you pick and choose which ACT test dates to report to colleges, but you can even remove ACT scores from your record. (Note: Students may not delete scores used to document participation in State and District Testing.)

How to Delete ACT Scores:

To delete an ACT score, either email the ACT ([email protected]) or call ACT customer service (319-337-1270).

Email

If you email ACT, here is the information to include:

FULL NAME:
FULL ADDRESS:
DATE OF BIRTH:
ACT I.D. #:
TEST DATE(S) SCORES TO BE CANCELED:

Call

If you call the ACT, you’ll ask them to delete a score, they will email you, and you will reply to that email with what test dates you would like canceled. The ACT will then permanently remove that test date from their records (all scores from that test date will be deleted).

Here is the email that you will receive:

ACT has received your request to cancel your scores, but we require additional information to process your request.
Please consider this decision carefully, as the affected scores:

• Will no longer be eligible for you to submit to high schools, colleges, universities, financial aid/scholarship agencies, or other organizations that offer educational programs.
• Will not be considered when calculating your super score. Some examinees find it beneficial to keep all test scores on file at ACT, rather than canceling a score with a lower Composite.

ACT will also notify any institutions or organizations you previously authorized to receive your scores of the cancelation and will request that they remove copies of the scores, including any associated super score from their files.

To proceed with your request, you must reply to this message with the below information included. No further action will be taken until we receive correct and complete information.

FULL NAME:
ACT I.D. #:
DATE OF BIRTH:
TEST DATE(S) SCORES TO BE CANCELED:

Benefits

Because students can delete any scores that they wish, there is no downside to taking the test multiple times, only the upside of scoring higher even if only on one section.

The benefit of deleting low scores extends beyond the ability to take the real test as many times as needed (even just for practice) and then send only a student’s best scores to colleges. When students know that they can delete their scores, they are more relaxed on test day, which in turn typically helps them perform better. The pressure is off that this particular test will make or break their academic career. When they know that their whole future is not riding on this test and that if they mess up that no one ever needs to see it, they are better able to approach the test with a clear head.

Thus, even if a student never uses the option to delete scores, it is comforting to know it’s there.

Differences between SAT and ACT score reporting:

Wondering whether or not to submit your SAT or ACT scores? Here’s some guidance on what to do. You can learn more about us on our business page.