For six decades, ACT has been at the forefront of educational evolution, constantly adapting to meet the obstacles of students and educators. With laser focus, it has consistently strived to offer the best tools and opportunities for success in an ever-changing academic landscape. Sticking to its legacy, the organisation has made two fundamental changes to its flagship test.
Let’s dive deep into these transformative updates and explore how they’re poised to impact students, enhancing their adaptability and potentially reshaping their path to academic success.
Key Takeaways About New ACT Test Changes
The overall number of questions will drop down from 215 to 171. That is there will be a significant reduction of 44 questions The science section will no longer be mandatory. Students have the option to skip it or take it, much like the current flexibility offered by the ACT essay section Act, Inc. specified English, Reading, and Math as the core parts of the test Students will have the option of taking the test on paper or online (online test is available for only specified places) The new ACT will not be adaptive, unlike the digital PSAT/SAT. This means the content a student sees will remain consistent, regardless of how they perform in the first section
Changes to the Act Test 2025 Structure
For decades, the science section was a mandatory component of the ACT, distinguishing it from the SAT. Now, with a section optional, students can choose whether to opt for a unique portion of the test. However, it is unclear if some competitive degree programs, especially those in the sciences, may still require an ACT science score for admission in future.
The ACT test will now consist of three sections instead of four, and the overall duration will be reduced from three hours to two hours. As mentioned earlier, there will be a drop of 44 questions compared to the previous format. As a result, students are expected to experience less burden and stress-relieved in writing tests.
Moreover, the reading and English sections consist of shorter passages and core math section questions will offer four multiple-choice answers instead of five. Reading, English and Math are considered as “core” sections by ACT, Inc., It just means that this will determine the test value. The results of these core sections will be sent to the college reportable score.
Streamline Test Duration
One of the major changes to the new ACT is the reduction of time duration to just two hours, cutting the overall duration by a third. Historically, students have faced a fast pace with limited time per question. However, with the updated format, students will now have more time per question compared to the previous version.
In the new version of ACT, students will have 35 minutes to answer 50 questions in the core English section. This represents a 10-minute reduction and 25 fewer questions compared to the current version. Students will be given 50 minutes to answer 45 questions in the new core Math section. This is 10 minutes shorter and includes 15 fewer questions than the existing section format.
In the revised English section, students will have 40 minutes to complete 36 questions. This offers five more minutes than the current version, with four fewer questions to answer. Students who choose a new optional science section will have 40 minutes to complete 40 questions. This is approximately five minutes longer than the current format, while the number of questions remains the same.
Therefore, ACT CEO Janet Godwin states, “This change is designed to make the testing experience more manageable for students, enabling them to perform at their best without the fatigue that often accompanies longer exams.”
What will Remain the Same?
- Students will continue to have the choice to take the test either on paper or online
- Online tests will only be available at selective centres, with limited devices provided. Students are not permitted to use their own devices for testing
- The online and offline test papers will be identical in content
- Students have the option to take writing sections as an add-ons
- The ACT will not switch to an adaptive format. In other words, the test questions will remain consistent and will not adjust based on students’ answer choices
- The grading scale from 1-36 for each section will remain unchanged, with Composite scores calculated from three core sections
Why does the ACT Test keep Evolving?
Since its interception in 1959, the ACT has been the keystone to the college admission process, the changes to the ACT reflect a strong commitment to meeting the evolving needs of students, educators and institutions. In 2006, ACT broke new ground by introducing school-day testing, making it effortless for students to access college reportable scores that accurately reflect their readiness for life beyond school.
In 2017, ACT started to provide online testing. However, in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic brought widespread challenges, forcing the industry to open pop-up testing centres while implementing strict protocols to ensure the safety of test takers. In 2023, ACT introduced a free college and career planning programme, now utilized by over 10,000 schools. This initiative offers nearly 1 million high school students each year with valuable resources to help them, carve their way towards success after graduation.
Hence, ACT’s 2024 decision comes after drawing extensive feedback from students, educators, and experts of K-12. This collaborative approach ensures that changes are not just innovative, but practical and beneficial for stakeholders
The Act in Context: Comparing with Recent SAT Changes
While the new version of ACT implemented some adaptive elements, it is not fully digital yet. However, the changes bring the test experience closer to what students experience with the digital SAT. For instance, the new core sections of English and Reading now feature shorter passages, mirroring the current content in SAT format. Another key change is timing, aligning the ACT closely with the SAT. The SAT lasts 2 hours and 14 minutes, while the updated ACT is two hours long.
Earlier the ACT was much faster pacing but students now will notice less difference in the new version. However, students can expect more variation in question types and level of content tested. As mentioned earlier in this post, it is crucial to consider the new ACT will have more questions and offer more flexibility for students.
Therefore, stay tuned for more updates and don’t forget to visit the official ACT website for the latest resources and information. The future of standardized testing is here, with more student-focused than before.
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FAQ’s
What are the changes to ACT test 2025?
- ACT test 2025 is now in digital format, allowing students to choose between taking the exam digitally or with traditional pen and paper. This new option offers a shorter test duration while also providing students with more time to complete each question
Is there an essay in the ACT exam?
- Students have a Writing section (optional) at the end of the exam. If they wish to attempt they can take it.
What is the ACT scoring range?
- The ACT scoring range includes, below-average: 1-16, average score range: 17-24, and above-average score range: 25-36
Is ACT harder than the SAT?
- Neither of them is harder, both cover the same topics. ACT and SAT scores are used for college admissions decisions and awarding merit-based scholarships
What is the best ACT score?
- The best ACT score is 36
