The ACT test is undergoing significant changes starting in 2025:
Key Updates
Flexible Science Section
- Science will become optional, like the writing section
- Students can choose to take:
- Core ACT (English, math, reading)
- ACT plus science
- ACT plus writing
- ACT plus science and writing
Shorter Test Duration
- Core test reduced from 3 hours to 2 hours
- 44 fewer questions overall
- Shorter passages in reading and English sections
- More time per question
Scoring Changes
- Composite score will be average of English, math, and reading only
- Science score reported separately if taken
- Scores still on 1-36 scale
Implementation Timeline
- Spring 2025: Changes begin for national online testing
- September 2025: Paper tests and international tests updated
- Spring 2026: School-day testing incorporates changes
Other Key Points
- Students can still choose online or paper/pencil testing
- Test prep materials will be updated by early 2025
- ACT aims to make the test more manageable while maintaining rigor
- Changes reflect ACT's commitment to evolving with student needs
These updates are designed to provide students more flexibility, reduce fatigue, and allow them to showcase their strengths while still providing colleges with reliable readiness indicators
View all 2025 ACT enhancements here:
Sources: https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/registration.html, https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/test-changes/enhancements.html
