The New ACT: What You Need to Know

Steve McGrath
Steve McGrath

On July 15th, ACT announced some major changes it plans to implement to its test in 2025 to offer students and families greater flexibility in testing.

Here’s what we know:

  • Optional Science Section. Much like the current ACT writing section, the ACT Science section will become optional, with composite scores comprising only the English, Math, and Reading sections. The Science section, if taken, will be scored as a separate section and attributed to students' STEM scores (the average of Math and Science)

  • Shorter Duration. The length of the current national ACT test dates is 3 hours 15 minutes (3 hours 55 minutes with the Writing section); the announced changes would cut that time to between 2 hours and 5 minutes and 3 hours and 25 minutes, depending on which, if any, of the optional sections a student opts to take.

  • Fewer Questions and More Time per Question. The core test (English + Math + Reading) will be 44 questions shorter and provide students an average of about 10 additional seconds per question.

  • Shorter Readings. The test will reduce the length of some of its texts on the English and Reading sections.

  • More Rigorous Science Section. The current version of the ACT focuses heavily on Data Science, testing students’ abilities to analyze and interpret data from scientific passages. The proposed changes to the Science section would increase the number of questions focusing on prior scientific knowledge.

  • Timeline. The changes are planned to take effect for national digital testing in April 2025 and paper testing in September 2025 (the Saturday tests). The changes will not take effect for state and district testing (the school day tests that typically take place in February or March) until the spring of 2026.  This means that if you plan to take the ACT on paper in 2025, you won't need to navigate any of these changes.

  • Paper Testing Remains an Option. ACT has stated that it does not have plans to move to a fully digital medium and will continue to offer a paper testing option.

There are still a number of unknowns as to the precise structure and content of the revamped test, its impact on how students should prepare, and how colleges will regard these changes. However, we'll continue to provide updates and expert insight to help prepare students and their families for whatever changes come their way!
Steve McGrath

Steve McGrath

Steve is the Lead Editor of Method Learning’s Blog and has a background in English and Adolescent Education from Queens College. His patient demeanor and unmatched passion for education have allowed him to be a boon to hundreds of students and their families in helping them reach and exceed their goals. Steve seeks to use his wealth of knowledge and experience to ensure that all students are given the tools to succeed both in and out of the classroom.