How is the ACT® Changing?
This April 2025, students taking the digital version of the ACT® will be taking a new “enhanced” version of the test. The new test will be shorter, have fewer questions per section, and the science section will be optional. The same changes will be implemented on the paper version of the ACT® in September.
- On the new version of the ACT®, the composite score will still be reported on a scale of 1-36, but it will be an average of the English, Math and Reading sections only.
- The science score will no longer be reported as part of the overall composite score.
- Students can choose to take the ACT® plus science just as they can currently opt to take the ACT® plus writing (they will also be able to take the ACT® plus science and writing).
- If a student takes the science section, their science score will be reported as a separate section score and will be used to calculate a student’s STEM score (composed of Science and Math).
- The new ACT® will be 125 minutes long as opposed to the current 195 minutes long, and students will have more time per question.
- The new test will have 44 fewer questions than the old ACT®.
When Will the New ACT® Launch?
These changes will begin in April 2025 for online or digital testing.
Students will continue to have the option of taking a paper test, and the changes won’t occur on the paper tests until September 2025 when all forms of the ACT® offered on national testing dates – both digital and paper – will be shortened and have composite scores calculated only from the English, Math and Reading sections of the test.
Changes to school day tests will occur in the spring of 2026.
Need More Help?
Wondering which test or timeline is best for you? To schedule a baseline test or to speak with one of our experienced tutors about a test preparation plan, contact Marks Education today.