Significant changes are on the horizon for the ACT, starting in the spring of 2025.
“We are implementing two fundamental changes to the ACT test, focusing on flexibility and a shorter test duration,” explained Janet Godwin, CEO of the ACT, in this press release.
The changes are in response to the evolving college admissions testing landscape, including the SAT’s overhaul in March 2024, when it became shorter and switched from a paper to a digital version.
In this blog, we’ll outline the upcoming changes to the ACT and share insights from our Test Prep Tutor, Pete Pecoraro, on how these updates might impact students.
Students will have more options in test sections, including an optional Science section
One of the most significant changes is the increased flexibility for students in choosing their test sections. While the core English, Reading, and Math sections remain, the Science section will become optional. Like the writing section, students can decide whether to include Science in their testing plan.
This means students can now take the ACT in one of four formats:
- The standard ACT
- The ACT plus science
- The ACT plus writing
- The ACT plus science and writing
This new approach allows students to highlight their strengths and present their best possible scores to colleges. The Composite score will continue to be the average of the English, Reading, and Math scores, maintaining the familiar 1-36 scale for both Composite and individual section scores.
The new ACT will be shorter
Another significant update is the reduction in the length of the test. The core ACT will now take students just two hours, compared to the previous three hours. It will include shorter passages in the Reading and English sections and 44 fewer questions.
According to Godwin, this change is designed to make the test experience more manageable and less exhausting for students, allowing them to perform at their best.
“Our dedication to providing accessible, reliable, and forward-thinking readiness solutions remains steadfast, ensuring every learner has the opportunity to succeed,” she explained in the press release.
Students who take the online version of the ACT will be the first to experience the new testing format
The ACT, traditionally a paper and pencil test, started giving students the option to test digitally in the spring of 2024.
Students who opt for the digital version of the test will be the first to see the new format in April 2025. Their composite scores will be calculated using three sections rather than four—English, math, and reading. Then, in September 2025, all test-takers (digital and paper) will take the new ACT and will have their composite scores calculated the new way, without science.
Our Test Prep Tutor’s reaction and insight to the ACT announcement
Pete Pecoraro is our lead SAT and ACT Tutor and test prep professional development expert. We asked him to share his thoughts on how these updates will impact students.
Q: How will giving students more time per question and asking them fewer questions impact the test experience for students?
Pete: I believe the overall impact of these modifications is a big net positive for students. One of the consistent observations by ACT (and the old SAT) test-takers over the years is that the test feels like a long marathon, and it is hard to stay focused all the way to the end. Most students experience mental fatigue at some point. The new test will be closer to two hours instead of three, and a shorter test is definitely in line for today’s students.
Additional time per question is also a boon, especially in the current Reading and Science sections, where students have only about 53 seconds per question, which is a rushed situation even for the best test takers. Indeed, several of my respected colleagues and I have long felt that adding five more minutes to both Reading and Science—which would result in 40 questions in 40 minutes—would be more than fair.
Q: What are your thoughts on making the science section optional?
Pete: I am conflicted about the decision to make ACT Science optional. Over the past decade, so many of my students have told me that they feel ACT Science is the “wonkiest” and most unique part of the test. It’s hard to connect everything from the data representation and text to answer questions and finish on time. Therefore, ACT Science as test-optional is a good change for many test-takers, as it removes a challenging subject and, at the same time, shortens the test.
However, I feel that one of the advantages that the ACT has enjoyed for quite a while is that the test has been stable with an established, normalized dataset/scale. Further, science tests students on several critical problem-solving skills, including applied reading of charts, graphs, and tables, interpreting data points, and recognizing trends. So many of these skills are relevant to higher learning and play a significant role in today’s increasingly data-driven careers. Now, the composite score will be built only from English, Math, and Reading.
We’ll see how it plays out, but I think making Science valid for a STEM score but optional as part of the composite is going to create confusion. The ACT has now opened itself up to arguments as good as its own when it comes to the relative value of the various subject sections and profoundly altered a proven measurement of academic readiness.
Q: What should students do to prepare if they plan to take the new ACT next year?
Pete: I recommend that students do not fundamentally alter their test preparation planning. Every student will have to carefully consider how Science relates to his or her strengths and education goals, but it is wise to recall that three of the four subjects are still core, so you’ll have to be ready to do your personal best on those. The other key adjustment will come when we have more precise information from the ACT about the time limits for each subject. Once we do, adjust accordingly by reading the passages and questions more deeply, as all indications support the idea that you’ll have time to do so.
Q: There’s always a sense of uncertainty when a new test rolls out. What did we learn from the Digital SAT rollout in March of 2023 that could be applicable to the upcoming ACT changes?
Pete: Indeed, I think we have learned from experience to “expect the unexpected.” For example, the first time the Digital SAT was offered, it featured math problems that were much harder than anyone would have ever predicted. The ACT has stated in its official announcement that they are not changing the difficulty level of the test per se, only the time limits and number of questions. Still, I think adopting a “trust but verify” mindset is wise. You cannot guarantee that the content, articulation, and rhythm will go unchanged; therefore, I recommend overpreparing and enlisting a professional tutor who can guide and challenge you!
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If your child is planning to take the ACT or SAT soon, we’re here for you! Learn more about our personalized Test Prep program, then schedule a free consultation to discuss your child’s testing plan and how Pete or one of our other experienced Test Prep Tutors can help them maximize their score.
| ACT Test Date | Ideal Time to Start Prep |
|---|---|
| December 14, 2024 | September 2024 |
| February 8, 2025 | November 2024 |
| April 5, 2025 | January 2025 |
| June 14, 2025 | March 2025 |
| July 12, 2025 | April 2025 |