The ACT is about to undergo its biggest transformation in years, and we’re here to break down what this means for students planning to take the test in 2025 and beyond.
The test is about to become shorter, more flexible, and (dare we say it?) less stressful. Let’s dive into what’s changing and when.
First up, the biggest news that has everyone talking: the ACT is cutting down the test time to just 2 hours! So, you’ll spend about ⅓ of the time currently needed to complete the test. But that’s not all. Here are the game-changing updates you need to know:
The rollout is happening in phases, so pay attention to these dates:
Starting April 2025 , if you’re taking the test online, you’ll be the first to experience these changes. By September 2025, everyone taking the test on Saturdays (whether online or paper) will see the new format. Schools and districts will join the party in spring 2026.
What's Not Going Anywhere?
The scoring scale isn’t changing (still 1-36), and you’ll still need to take English, Reading, and Math!
A Closer Look at the Section Changes
The Math section is getting a makeover. ACT has simplified the experience by reducing answer choices from five to four, making decisions more manageable for test-takers. They’ve also streamlined graphics questions, removing obviously incorrect answers that could be eliminated just by looking at the graphics.
The English section is becoming more straightforward as well. English passages appear on one page and items appear beside the passage. With the previous format, the choices have no explicit instructions provided. However, with the enhancement, additional instructions or “stems” are added in the choices. You’ll now see passages and questions side by side, making it easier to reference the text. Important options like “No change” will be bolded for better visibility.
About Those Optional Sections...
Here’s the deal with Science: if you’re planning to major in STEM or take science courses in college, you might still want to take it. It’s 40 questions in 40 minutes.
The Writing section follows the same timing (40 minutes) but with one prompt.
The Writing section follows the same timing (40 minutes) but with one prompt.
Upcoming Test Dates (National/USA and US territories)
Upcoming Test Dates (International)
The Bottom Line
These changes are all about making the ACT work better for you while still doing its job as a ‘college readiness test’. The shorter time and optional sections mean you have more control over your testing experience. And here’s some good news about prep: while new practice materials will be available in early 2025, your current study materials are still totally valuable. The core concepts haven’t changed —it’s just the format that’s getting an upgrade.
Want more detailed info about these changes or need help with your test prep strategy? Let’s chat! Book a free consultation with our team to discuss your college admission plans.
FAQs
"What if I want to take the Science or Writing section?"
If you choose to take either optional section, you’ll stay after the main test while other students are dismissed. After a short break, you’ll have:
For Science: 40 minutes for 40 questions with your test booklet and answer sheet For Writing: 40 minutes for one writing prompt with new materials
If you’re taking both sections, you’ll get a brief break between them. The testing room and administration process remains the same for both sections.
"Should I take the Science section?"
Consider taking the Science section if you’re:
Planning to major in a STEM field
Intending to take science courses in college
Looking to receive a STEM score (combined Math and Science)
"Will I need to prepare differently?"
Current ACT prep materials remain valuable since the core knowledge and skills haven’t changed. New practice materials, including full-length tests, will be available in early 2025 to help you adjust to the format changes.
"How will Superscoring work?"
Starting April 2025 for online testing (September 2025 for everyone else), Superscores will be calculated using only English, Math, and Reading scores. Your individual highest section scores will still be reported with their test dates, but the Composite calculation will reflect this new three-section format.
"What exactly is changing with the Composite score?"
The Composite score will now be calculated using only English, Math, and Reading scores. However, the test offers additional score insights:
Science section takers receive a standalone Science score and a STEM score (Math + Science)
Writing section takers receive a Writing score and an ELA score (English + Reading + Writing)
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