5 Major Changes Coming Soon to the ACT®: What Test Takers Need to Know
In July 2024, we shared ACT’s announcement about some significant changes coming to the ACT® starting in spring 2025. Starting in April 2025, the updated ACT® will be available to students taking the test online. Then, in September 2025, these changes will also apply to the paper-and-pencil version.
5 New Features and Updates for the ACT®
ACT’s upcoming modifications aim to provide students greater flexibility and a more streamlined testing experience. Check out the upcoming new and improved ACT®:
#1: Science Section is Optional
In addition to the optional Writing section, the updated ACT® will offer test takers the option to include or exclude the Science section. Students can choose from four different test configurations:
ACT® (English, Mathematics, Reading)
ACT® plus Science
ACT® plus Writing
ACT® plus Science and Writing
#2: Shorter Test (For Core Sections)
The duration of the core sections of the new ACT®—that is, English, Math, and Reading— is now shorter. Students can expect to spend about 2 hours (125 minutes as opposed to 195 minutes) on those core sections.
#3: Reduced Number of Questions
The total number of questions on the ACT® has decreased by 44.
#4: More Time per Question
With fewer questions, test takers will have more time per question. That’s a big win that erases one of the major challenges that kept many students from choosing the ACT® over the SAT®.
#5: Reduced Answer Choices for Math Questions
The Math section now offers four answer choices per question, rather than five choices, majorly simplifying the decision-making process and making some of the best math strategies even more effective.
ACT® Features That Will Remain the Same
Here’s what’s not changing on the ACT®:
Scoring Scale and Standards Remain Consistent
The ACT® scoring scale will continue to range from 1 to 36, ensuring consistency in how students' performance is measured. Additionally, there will be no changes to the established benchmarks that indicate college readiness, nor to state-specific achievement standards. This means that colleges and educational institutions will evaluate scores using the same reliable metrics, providing a seamless transition despite the test's updates. Students and educators can remain confident in the validity and comparability of ACT® scores over time.
Predictive Validity Continues Unchanged
The ACT®s ability to predict academic success in first-year college credit-bearing courses remains consistent.
Testing Formats Stay Flexible
Students will continue to have the option to take the ACT® in either paper-and-pencil or online formats. This flexibility ensures that test-takers can choose the format that best suits their needs, preferences, and access to resources. By maintaining both options, the ACT® accommodates a wide range of learners and testing environments, providing consistency and accessibility regardless of individual circumstances.
When Is the ACT® Changing?
Here is the current timeline of ACT’s upcoming changes:
April 2025: The updated ACT® is available to students opting for online testing.
September 2025: All test takers, regardless of testing format, will test using the updated ACT®.
Spring 2026: All state and district testing programs will officially adopt the new ACT® format.
What Does This Mean for Test Prep?
These updates are designed to make the ACT® more student-friendly. With a shorter test duration and flexible test configurations, the ACT® is now better suited to accommodate individual student needs.
For test-prep professionals, this means emphasizing targeted strategies and tailored study plans that align with your student’s chosen test formats. The reduced length and added options make it easier to build confidence and focus on specific areas, helping your students approach the exam with less stress and greater efficiency.
Tailored Study Plans: The updated ACT® provides students with the flexibility to skip the Science and/or Writing sections, allowing them to customize their test prep to match their chosen test configuration. This makes study time more focused and efficient, helping students target the areas that matter most for their goals.
Strategic Decisions: By choosing to opt out of sections where they feel less confident, students can play to their strengths and potentially boost their Composite scores. This new approach empowers students to make decisions that align with their academic priorities and maximize their performance.
The new ACT® reflects a clear understanding of and commitment to addressing the evolving academic needs of today’s students. By incorporating changes that align more closely with modern educational practices, the updated test demonstrates ACT’s willingness to adapt and evolve to better serve students and educators alike. These updates aim to create a more accessible, flexible, and relevant testing experience that supports student success in a rapidly changing academic environment.
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