Some colleges have returned to requiring test scores for admission. Even at test optional colleges, strong scores can improve your application. Generally colleges will accept the SAT and ACT on an equal basis, converting scores from one format to another. This means students can take practice tests, then register for the format they prefer. Changes to the ACT in 2025 may make it a better option for some students.
What’s Changing on the ACT?
The upcoming ACT changes include fewer questions per section and a shift in the Math section to four possible answers instead of five. Overall, students will have more time per question.
| Section | Questions | Time |
| English | 50 | 35 |
| Math | 45 | 50 |
| Reading | 36 | 40 |
| Science (Optional, but see below) | 40 | 40 |
| Writing (Optional) | 1 | 40 |
The Science section will now be optional when you register, but colleges might still require it from students who submit scores. Most colleges have not announced their policy on requiring the Science section. There will likely be significant variety from college to college and even major to major. If you’re applying for Fall 2026, I recommend taking the Science section so you have those scores available if required.
The Composite score will now consist of only English, Math, and Reading. Students who take either the optional Science or the optional Writing section will get a Composite score and also a separate STEM or ELA score.
New Composite = English + Math + Reading
STEM = Math + Science
ELA = English + Reading + Writing
Old Composite = English + Math + Reading + Science
Field test items will no longer have a separate section. Field test items are questions that are being tested out for inclusion in future tests. These will now be included within the regular sections. They will not count towards the student’s score and will not be marked as field test items (so do your best with every question).
What Will Be the Same With the New ACT?
The ACT will still be available as either a paper-based or online test. The time allowed for each section will be the same for both paper and online options. Students can choose their preferred format when registering for the exam.
The ACT will also remain a linear test. Unlike the SAT, there will not be adaptive modules where performance on earlier questions determines which question sets students see in later parts of the exam.
The score will still be reported on a 1-36 scale. Scores on the old and new formats should be consistent and the ACT to SAT concordance tables should not change. In other words, a score of 29 in Math on the new format would have the same meaning to colleges as a 29 in Math from the old format.
The Writing section remains optional — and there are virtually no colleges that require it.
Despite the ACT changes in 2025, the style of questions will not change, so you can continue to use existing prep materials. A full ACT practice test is available online from ACT.
When Will the Changes to ACT Happen?
You’ll see ACT changes in 2025, starting with the April online test. When you register for a national test date at the ACT website, you select paper or online test options. If you choose online for April 2025 or later, you’ll get the new “enhanced” ACT version. If you choose paper for April – July 2025 test dates, you’ll see the legacy ACT format.
Beginning in September 2025, both paper and online versions on national test dates will be the new enhanced version. School day testing will not shift to the new enhanced version until spring 2026.
- April 2025 for National (US) Online Tests
- September 2025 for National (US) Paper Tests & International Tests
- Spring 2026 for State & District School Day Tests
Related Article: Do Test Scores Still Matter for College Admissions?
Which ACT Version Should You Take?
If you are taking the ACT in spring of 2025, I recommend the paper version, without Writing. The new enhanced ACT will have a soft rollout starting with the online version. There may be technical issues with this digital version, and the paper test is likely to be more available. In addition, many students do better with a paper exam they can annotate.
In the fall of 2025, both paper and digital versions will only offer the new enhanced version of the ACT. I still recommend the paper version, but WITH Science. This will ensure you have Science scores should some of your colleges require them. You do NOT need to take the Writing section.
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