Updated: 12th March, 2025
Big changes are coming to the ACT Exam 2025! The test will be an hour shorter, with 131 questions across English, Reading, and Math. The Science section is now optional, giving students more flexibility in choosing their test format. The Composite score will be based on English, Reading, and Math, maintaining the 1-36 scale.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT will continue offering both online and pen-and-paper formats. The new structure rolls out in Spring 2025 for online test-takers and Spring 2026 for school-sponsored dates. These updates reflect the growing test-optional trend in college admissions.
Big changes are coming to the ACT Exam! Starting this year, i.e., 2025, the ACT Exam will be shorter. A new ACT Exam with fewer questions, and an optional science section. Let’s understand the changes that make up the new ACT Exam and how they can be helpful for students.
First, the ACT is reducing its test length. The new format will cut the exam by an hour from the typical three-hour exam. The Reading and English sections will have 44 fewer questions, i.e., 131 questions will be there in total from Reading, Math and English sections combined. The reading passages will be shorter. This should make the test less intimidating and more manageable.
For many students, the science section of the ACT Exam has been a source of stress. Recognizing this, the new ACT Exam will make the science section optional. This change should help reduce anxiety and allow students to focus on their strengths. Now, students can choose between :
This flexibility means students can focus on their strengths and showcase their abilities in the best possible way.
The Composite score will now be the average of the English, Reading, and Math scores. The composite and section scores will continue to be reported on the same 1-36 scale, maintaining consistency and reliability as college readiness indicators.
Unlike the SAT, which is moving to a completely online format, the ACT will still offer online and pen-and-paper testing options in the U.S.A. However, the new changes will roll out in phases:
These updates to the ACT come at a time when the landscape of standardized testing is shifting. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated a trend of schools making test scores optional for admissions. While some universities have returned to requiring test scores, over 80% of four-year colleges will let students decide whether to submit them this fall or not.
Harry Feder, Executive Director of the National Center for Fair & Open Testing, is skeptical about the new format, wondering if college admissions offices should still value ACT scores. Conversely, Michael J. Petrilli, President of the Thomas B. Fordham Institute, believes these changes make the ACT more competitive without sacrificing its role as a reliable measure of student success.
Through the above passages, we can conclude that the new ACT Exam will have the following changes:
By staying informed about these updates and adjusting your preparation strategy, you'll be well-equipped to confidently tackle the new ACT format.
1. When will the new ACT Exam format be implemented?
Ans: The new format will be available starting in Spring 2025 for online test-takers and in Spring 2026 for those taking the test on specific school district-sponsored dates.
2. What sections are included in the new ACT Exam format?
Ans: The new format will include core sections of English, reading, and math. The science section will be optional, and students can also choose to take the writing section.
3. How will the Composite score be calculated in the new format?
Ans: The Composite score will be the average of the English, Reading, and Math scores. The Composite and section scores will continue to be reported on the same 1-36 scale.
4. Will the new ACT format be available in both online and in-person options?
Ans: Yes, the ACT will continue to offer both online and pen-and-paper mode testing options in the U.S.
5. Why are these changes being made to the ACT?
Ans: These changes are being made to make the test more manageable and less intimidating for students, reflecting a broader trend towards making standardized tests optional for college admissions.
TutelaPrep’s College Navigator allows students to search for colleges based on their preferred country and course. Not only that, it also provides valuable insights into each college’s specific admission requirements for those exams. Through College Navigator, you can even connect with alumni at your chosen colleges to get a firsthand feel for campus life and academics.
We hope this article helped you with the subject knowledge. Reach out to us by filling out our assistance form if you need any help with the preparations.
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