The NEW ACT what is changing?

So you’ve probably heard that ACT is going to change starting from April 2025. So before we go on about what IS changing, let’s first go over what IS NOT changing. 

What remains the same?

• Paper option will still be available (not for international sites)
• Section scores, and composite scores will still range from 1 through 36. 
• Writing(essay) will still be optional. 
• ACT will remain as a linear test (non-adaptive). This means that your performance on the previous section or set of questions will not affect or determine the difficulty of the following section or set of questions. 
• Content-wise, it will largely remain the same. So if you still haven’t solved previous practice ACT tests, those will still be useful in preparing for the passage and question types you’ll have to solve. 

Then, what IS changing with the ACT starting April 2025?

• Optional science section: You have the flexibility to include or exclude the science section. However, certain colleges and departments might require you to submit a science score depending on the major. (E.g. STEM majors) If you do choose to take it, science scores will be reported separately. Once you have taken the science section, you cannot opt out. In other words, once you receive a science score, you cannot selectively omit the science score retrospectively when sending the scores to colleges. 
• Composite score will focus on English, Math, and Reading. 
• Reduced test length to 125 minutes. With optional Science Section, 165 minutes. With option Science and Writing sections, a total of 205 minutes. 
• You’ll have more time to solve per question. 
• Math questions will have 4 answer choices to select from, not 5. 
• 44 fewer questions overall in the new ACT test. 

For the FAQ on the ACT, go to their official website here: https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/test-changes/enhancements.html#faq

For the summary of ACT enhancements provided by the official ACT website, download the pdf here:

https://www.act.org/content/dam/act/unsecured/documents/ACT-Enhancements-Graphic-Learners.pdf