The ACT is undergoing significant changes starting in 2025, introducing a digital format and altering key components of the test structure. These updates are designed to modernize the exam but bring important considerations for students preparing to take the test. Here’s a breakdown of the changes and what they mean for students and families.
The “Core” ACT: Shorter Test, More Time Per Question
- The “core” ACT will now include three sections: English (35 minutes), reading (40 minutes)? and math (30 minutes).?
- There will be shorter passages in the English and reading sections and overall the test will have 44 fewer questions than the “classic” version that will be phased out after July 2025. Students will have more time per question, which may help them manage their pacing better.
- These adjustments are designed to make the test more accessible, but they also shift the preparation process, as students may need to adapt to a more streamlined question format.
Changes to the Science Section
- One of the most significant changes is the treatment of the science section. The science section will no longer contribute to the composite score, which will now only include English, reading, and math.
- The science section will still receive a separate score, and students will have the option to skip it entirely.?
- Interestingly, the science section will address an engineering and design topic.
- These changes raise questions for students, because we do not know how colleges will treat the “optional” science section. Some colleges may require the science score for admission or scholarship considerations. Students aiming for STEM programs should pay close attention to whether science scores will be necessary for their target schools.
- Best practice: students should continue to take the science section for the foreseeable future.
- The ACT will be available in both digital and paper formats, though the availability of each will vary based on location and registration details.
- The digital version is the new “Core” Act, while the paper version will follow the old “Classic” format through July 2025.
- Starting in September 2025, even the paper version will adopt a shorter format to align more closely with the digital test.
- For students opting for the digital test, familiarity with the new format and potential technological requirements will be crucial. The ACT recently announced that students will be able to use their own laptops; tablets and Apple computers, however, will not be allowed. There are also concerns about the possibility of technical issues during test administrations since WiFi is required to remain uninterrupted throughout the entire testing period.?
Limited Practice Resources
- ACT will release only one practice test for the new version in 2025, leaving students and educators with limited preparation materials. This lack of resources makes it more challenging to prepare effectively, particularly for the digital format.
- Students and families should consider supplementing their preparation with high-quality tutoring or other resources that can simulate the new test format as closely as possible.
Superscoring and College Considerations
With the introduction of a new composite score that excludes the science section, superscoring (combining the best section scores across multiple test dates) becomes a topic of concern.
- ACT claims the scores with and without the science section will be comparable, but colleges will ultimately decide how to interpret and utilize these scores.
- Many colleges are likely to wait to evaluate the revised ACT before determining if they will require the science section.
Accessibility and Accommodations
- While ACT has not released detailed information about how the new format will handle accommodations, students requiring extra time or other adjustments should monitor updates closely. The ability to use personal devices for the digital test is not yet available, which could affect accessibility.
What Students Should Do Now
- Stay Informed: Follow ACT announcements and updates about test registration, format options, and college requirements.
- Start Early: Begin preparing for the test now to account for the limited practice resources for the new version.
- Consult Colleges: Check whether target schools will require the science section or have specific preferences regarding the new format.
The new ACT brings opportunities for a more streamlined testing experience but also introduces challenges with its structural and scoring changes. Thoughtful preparation and awareness of these updates will help students navigate the transition successfully.
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