This year the ACT is making some BIG changes. Following the lead of the SAT, the ACT is getting a makeover, and the new design creates a host of decisions for test takers in 2025. Let’s take a look at what’s new, what’s changing, what challenges are presented, and how to navigate the new landscape.

Source: Compass Education Group

WHAT’S NEW

Beginning in April 2025, students who choose to take the ACT online will see an updated format that’s shorter (44 fewer questions for a total of 125 minutes vs 195 minutes of testing time) and lets them choose whether to include the science section.

These changes will also apply to the paper-pencil test starting in September 2025. The composite score for the new core ACT will be comprised of english, math, and reading. Science scores will be reported separately for those who take it.

State and district customers will choose whether to include the science section with the test for their students.

The new ACT will incorporate experimental questions, referred to as “field test items,” into the test itself. Placement of field test items will vary from form to form. Field test items will NOT contribute to a student’s score.

What's Changing

English

  • Less questions (50 vs 75) and less time (35 min vs 45 min)

  • Every item will include a task/instructions (stem question).

  • Some passages will be shorter.

  • Addition of an argumentative essay and items related to argumentation.

Math

  • Less questions (45 vs 60) and less time (50 min vs 60 min)

  • The number of answer choices will be reduced from 5 to 4.

  • There will be fewer questions on advanced topics (high grade level items).

  • There will be fewer questions with context (take longer to read).

Reading

  • Less questions (36 vs 40) and more time (40 min vs 35 min)

  • Some reading passages will be shorter.

Science

  • Same amount of questions (40) and more time (40 min vs 35 min)

  • At least one passage will address an engineering and design topic.

  • There will be more items requiring scientific background knowledge.

What's Not Changing

  • The ACT scale will remain 1-36 with no changes to ACT benchmarks or state-specific achievement standards.

  • Previously issued composite scores and super scores will not be recalculated.

  • Both paper-and-pencil testing options will continue to be available.

WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES

ACT’s computer based testing solution depends on software running on a local server and on school-controlled computers. The online ACT is also limited to how many computers a national site is willing to make available. In contrast, students can bring their own devices for the digital SAT.

For admissions, if models for acceptance etc. are based on the classic ACT, how will colleges adjust for the new core ACT. Should a science score be required for some majors and not others? Will a science score enhance a student’s resume? Is ACT providing a concordance (agreement of measure) of classic to core?

How to Navigate?

Source: Compass Education Group

Students planning to major in science or a STEM field or take science courses in college should consider taking the science section since those who have math and science scores will still receive a STEM score.

It is recommended that students in the class of 2026 continue to take science if they are taking the ACT. Students in the class of 2027 should have considerably more information by the time decisions need to be made.

Key Turning Points

April 2025: Intro to National Online Core ACT (new test)

Sep 2025: Intro to National Paper Core ACT (new test) and ALL Composite scores will be English, Math, Reading only

Spring 2026: Intro to School-Day Online and Paper Core ACT (new test)

Conclusion

The main takeaways are that the new, shortened ACT has fewer questions, offers more time per question, makes the science section optional, and can be taken online or on paper.

After spending time with the sample questions released and getting a feel for the format of the new test, I feel confident that the approach to preparation will not be impacted by this change. Past materials will still be reliable, and the overall strategies and tactics that worked for the Classic ACT will also work for the new Core ACT. In this early stage, I recommend students strongly consider taking the classic on paper with the science until it is no longer offered.

Sources:

https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/test-changes/enhancements.html#:~:text=In%20fall%202025%2C%20the%20transition,and%20will%20not%20be%20recalculated.

https://www.compassprep.com/the-challenges-of-a-shorter-act/

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