We made some changes to the ACT so you can maximize your score and get into your dream college! The ACT is now shorter, gives you more time to think, and more ways to test. These updates are all about helping you shine while staying true to the high standards colleges expect.
Curious about the differences? Let’s dive in!
What's Changing?
The ACT is introducing several enhancements designed to improve your testing experience:
- Shorter Test
- The test time has been reduced by 75 minutes, with 44 fewer questions overall.
- More Time Per Question
- You’ll also get more time per question, so you can think carefully without feeling rushed.
- Optional Science Section
- Science is now optional! Focus on what matters for your future, and don’t stress about the rest. Choose if you want to show off your strengths in science.
- Choice of Test Format
- You can choose between online or paper testing, letting you test in the format you’re most comfortable with.
- You can choose between online or paper testing, letting you test in the format you’re most comfortable with.
- Fewer Answer Choices in Math
- Questions in the math section now have four answer choices instead of five, making it easier to decide and boosting your chances of choosing the correct answer.
- Updated Composite Score
- Your Composite score will now average the English, math, and reading sections. If you opt in to the science section, your report will now also include a separate science and STEM score, giving you a complete view of your strengths.
- Your Composite score will now average the English, math, and reading sections. If you opt in to the science section, your report will now also include a separate science and STEM score, giving you a complete view of your strengths.
What's Not Changing
While these updates make the ACT more flexible, the core purpose and trusted structure of the test remain the same:
- The ACT Scale is still 1-36
- With no changes to ACT Benchmarks or state-specific achievement standards.
- With no changes to ACT Benchmarks or state-specific achievement standards.
- Same Skills and Knowledge
- You’ll still be tested on English, math, and reading, with science and writing as optional.
- Legacy Composite Scores
- Composite scores from tests taken prior to the rollout of the new Composite score will not change.
- College Acceptance
- Colleges will continue to rely on the ACT to assess your academic readiness and place you in the right courses.
Why These Changes?
Students like you told us what you needed, and we took that feedback seriously. The result? A test that’s less overwhelming but still upholds the integrity that colleges rely on.
Here’s what we’ve heard:
- “The test is too long. I need more time!” That’s why the enhanced ACT is shorter. Get your best score when you feel less pressure to answer every question quickly. You’ll have more time per question to think carefully through your answers and will spend less time testing and more time living your weekend.
- “The science section scares me.” Students who don’t need to take the science section can now skip it. On the other hand, students interested in STEM will continue to get scoring options to showcase their skills. The choice is yours!
- “I don’t want to test on a computer. I still want paper!” Boost your confidence and performance by testing the way you are most familiar — on paper or on a computer. The choice is yours.
ACT’s goal is simple: to help you succeed in a way that works for you. With these enhancements, you’ll have more control, less stress, and a customizable testing experience that’s built with your unique needs in mind.
When Will These Changes Happen?
The enhanced ACT is here! All ACT National and international testers can now register for 2025-26 ACT test dates, which include these changes. The enhanced ACT will begin to roll out for State and District testers in the spring of 2026.
Have more questions? Check out our ACT Test Enhancements web page for more information, including our helpful list of FAQs.
