10 Tips to Score High in the New ACT Exam Format (2025 Edition)

Summary

The ACT exam has undergone major changes in 2025, becoming shorter, more focused, and student-friendly. With fewer questions, an optional science section, and deeper reading passages, the revised format demands a smarter prep strategy. This blog offers 10 actionable tips, from understanding the new pattern and mastering digital tools to focusing on data interpretation and using the superscore policy. It emphasizes quality practice, accuracy, and personalized test strategies to help students perform their best. Whether you're skipping the science section or revising grammar rules, these tips are designed to help you adapt and score high in the updated ACT.

10 Tips to Score High in the New ACT Exam Format (2025 Edition)

The ACT exam is getting a makeover, and if you're planning to take it in 2025, there’s good news: it’s now shorter, smarter, and designed with students in mind. But don’t let the reduced number of questions fool you, the competition remains just as intense.

To help you stay ahead of the curve, here are 10 practical tips to maximize your score in the new ACT format.

1. Understand the New Format Inside-Out

With the ACT getting shorter, every minute and every question counts more than ever.

• Test time is now reduced to around 2 hours and 5 minutes (previously 3+ hours).
• Fewer questions across sections.
• Science is now optional, though some colleges may still consider it.
• Reading section includes fewer, deeper passages.

Tip: Go through the updated blueprint provided by ACT.org or your test-prep center. Know exactly how each section has changed.

2. Prioritize Accuracy Over Speed

Less time doesn’t mean you should rush, it means the exam expects precision.

• Make accuracy your top priority during prep.
• Practice full-length timed tests, but review mistakes thoroughly.

Remember: The new format rewards thoughtful solving, not just fast bubbling.

3. Master the Digital Tools

Most students will now take the ACT digitally. Familiarity with the interface is essential.

• Practice on official ACT digital practice tests.
• Get used to features like highlighting, flagging questions, and on-screen calculator tools.
• Digital comfort will surely give you confidence on test day.

4. Be Strategic With the Optional Science Section

ACT’s decision to make science optional gives you flexibility.

• If your strengths lie in math and reading, skip science confidently.
• But if you’re aiming for STEM-heavy programs, taking the science section can give you an edge.

Speak to a counselor to decide whether science is necessary for your college list.

5. Focus on Data Interpretation

Even without a science section, data reasoning, and charts show up in Math and Reading.

• Practice reading graphs, understanding trends, and making inferences.
• Try ACT-style data questions that test interpretation, not content knowledge.

6. Redesign Your Reading Strategy

The new reading section now includes fewer but more analytical passages.

• Build endurance by reading opinionated articles, research summaries, and editorials.
• Focus on author's tone, structure, and purpose — not just the “what,” but also the “why.”

Tip: Try summarizing each paragraph in your own words.

7. Refine Your Grammar Rules for English

ACT English remains grammar-heavy, and now with fewer questions, each mistake hits harder.

• Revise punctuation, sentence structure, transitions, and redundancy rules.
• Practice short passages with spot-the-error drills.
• A small grammar slip can surely make a big score dip.

8. Train for the ACT Math Section Digitally

Math is often the trickiest section on-screen.

• Practice solving problems on a screen without always resorting to scrap paper.
• Memorize key formulas and concepts — especially those related to algebra, functions, and geometry.

9. Take Advantage of ACT’s Superscore Policy

ACT now supports super scoring, which means colleges may consider your best section scores across multiple attempts.

• Focus on mastering one or two sections at a time.
• Don’t hesitate to retake the ACT with a targeted strategy.
• Each attempt is a chance to raise your composite score.

10. Practice Smart, Not Just Hard

Gone are the days of blindly solving 10 tests back-to-back.

• Build a feedback loop: Practice → Analyze → Fix → Repeat.
• Focus on quality of prep because one well-reviewed mock test is more valuable than three poorly reviewed ones.
• Use tools like: Official ACT prep resources, TutelaPrep mock tests (if you’re enrolled), ACT’s free online question bank

Conclusion

The 2025 ACT exam may be shorter, but success still demands strategy, focus, and practice. Adapt to the new format early, personalize your prep, and remember, it’s not about working more, it’s about working smart.

We hope this article helps you. Reach out to us by filling out our assistance form if you need any help with the preparations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What’s new in the 2025 ACT exam format?
A: The exam is now shorter, has fewer questions, an optional science section, and more analytical reading passages.

2. Should I skip the science section?
Ans: It depends on your college requirements. If you’re targeting STEM programs, taking it is recommended.

3. How important is digital practice now?
Ans: Very. Most ACTs will now be taken digitally, so practicing on-screen is crucial for comfort and speed.

4. Can I still superscore my ACT?
Ans: Yes! ACT supports super scoring, so colleges may consider your best section scores across multiple test dates.

5. How many full tests should I take before the exam?
Ans: Quality matters more than quantity. Aim for at least 4–5 full mocks with a thorough analysis of each.