How Long Does the College Board Keep ACT Scores? (Spoiler Alert: It’s Forever!)
Let’s face it, the college application process is a minefield of deadlines, essays, and standardized tests. It’s enough to make you want to curl up in a ball and eat your weight in comfort food. But amidst the chaos, there’s one question that often pops up: how long does the College Board keep ACT scores?
Well, buckle up, buttercup, because you’re in for a surprise. The College Board doesn’t have an expiration date on ACT scores. That’s right, your precious ACT score, even if it’s from a time when you thought wearing neon pink was a good idea, will be there, waiting for you, like a long-lost friend from a questionable past.
So, you can relax, breathe a sigh of relief, and maybe even get back to that comfort food. But before you go completely off the rails, let’s dive into the fascinating world of ACT score longevity.
The Long and Winding Road of ACT Scores
Think of the College Board as a giant, digital vault, holding the secrets of your academic past. And your ACT scores? They’re like the family jewels, safely tucked away for all eternity.
Here’s the deal:
- ACT scores never expire. They’re like a fine vintage wine, getting better with age (okay, maybe not literally, but you get the idea). So, even if you took the ACT in the Stone Age, those scores are still valid.
- You can access your scores online. The College Board has a handy dandy online portal where you can view your scores from spring 2008 onward. It’s like having a personal time machine, allowing you to relive the glory (or the horror) of your ACT experience.
- Older scores are available, but it takes a little more effort. If you took the ACT before 2008, your scores are still tucked away in a microfiche vault. It’s like a secret society, requiring a special decoder ring (okay, maybe not, but you get the picture). You can request a paper copy of your score report, but be prepared to wait a little longer.
The College Board: A Keeper of Secrets (and Scores)
The College Board is like the grandma of standardized tests, holding a lifetime supply of student information. They’ve got your scores, your transcripts, and probably a few embarrassing pictures from your high school yearbook (just kidding… or am I?).
But seriously, the College Board is a pretty reliable source for your academic history. They’ve been keeping track of students’ scores since 1966, which is longer than some people have been alive. Talk about dedication!
The ACT: A Test of Time (and Maybe Your Patience)
The ACT is a test of your knowledge, your skills, and your ability to stay awake during a 3-hour exam. It’s also a test of your patience, as you wait for your scores to be released.
But once those scores arrive, they’re yours for life. So, go ahead, celebrate your academic achievements (or mourn your failures). The ACT isn’t going anywhere, and your scores are safe and sound in the College Board’s digital vault.
But Wait, There’s More!
Now that you know your ACT scores are immortal, you might be wondering:
- Should I retake the ACT? If you’re not happy with your current score, there’s no harm in retaking it. The College Board will happily accept your new score, and they’ll even send it to your chosen colleges.
- How do I send my scores to colleges? Once you’ve taken the ACT, you can choose which colleges to send your scores to. You can do this online, and it’s usually pretty quick and easy.
- What if I need my score report for something else? The College Board can also send you official score reports for scholarships, internships, and other purposes.
The Bottom Line: Your ACT Scores Are Here to Stay
So, there you have it. Your ACT scores are like the Energizer Bunny, they just keep going and going, and going. They’re a part of your academic history, and they’re here to stay.
Need More Help?
If you have any questions about how long the College Board keeps ACT scores, or if you need help with the college application process, feel free to ask. We are here to help you navigate the labyrinth of college applications, one score at a time.