The ACT is undergoing major changes, with adjustments in test structure, content, and scoring that will impact students starting in September. While the digital version of the ACT has already implemented these changes, the paper version will follow suit with the national test date in September 2025.
At Aim High Test Prep, we want to ensure students and parents fully understand these changes and how they may affect test performance and college admissions. Below, we break down the most significant updates and what they mean for students preparing for the exam.
Key Changes to the ACT and Their Impact
The ACT is making adjustments across timing, question counts, and content emphasis. The following table provides a high-level summary of these updates and their potential effects on test-takers.
Table 1: ACT Changes & Their Impact
| Change | Impact |
|---|---|
| Digital ACT scoring is tougher | We do not recommend taking the digital version due to a more difficult scoring scale and a lack of prep resources. |
| Fewer questions per section, more time per question | Increased time per question, but questions will require deeper reasoning and analysis. |
| Field test questions are now embedded in the exam | Reduces the number of scorable questions, making each counted question more impactful. |
| Science test is now optional | Science will no longer count toward the composite score, which may lower overall scores for students who excel in science. |
| Content shifts across all sections | Greater focus on comprehension skills, problem-solving, reasoning, and outside science knowledge. |
These changes will influence both test-taking strategies and study plans, making it essential for students to adapt accordingly.
Detailed Breakdown of Section Changes
The table below provides an in-depth look at how each ACT section is changing, including adjustments in timing, question count, and content focus.
Table 2: Breakdown of Section Changes
| Test Section | Old Format | New Format | Content Changes |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 75 questions, 45 min | 50 questions, 35 min | Less grammar focus, more emphasis on writing skills (Production of Writing). |
| Math | 60 questions, 60 min | 45 questions, 50 min | Fewer pre-algebra and basic math questions, more advanced problem-solving. |
| Reading | 40 questions, 35 min | 36 questions, 40 min | Fewer straightforward comprehension questions, more reasoning-based questions. |
| Science | 40 questions, 35 min | 40 questions, 40 min (now optional) | More emphasis on outside science knowledge, increased engineering-based passages. |
| Field Test Questions | Separate 5th section | Embedded in regular sections | No content change, but field test items reduce the number of scorable questions. |
What These Changes Mean for Students
Scoring Adjustments & Optional Science Test
One of the biggest changes is that the science test is now optional, and even if a student chooses to take it, it will no longer be included in the composite score. This shift can have a significant impact on students who traditionally perform well in math and science.
For example, consider a student who scores:
- English: 23
- Math: 30
- Reading: 23
- Science: 30
Under the old ACT structure, their composite score would be:
(23 + 30 + 23 + 30) ÷ 4 = 26.5 which rounds to a 27
However, with the new scoring method, science is removed from the calculation:
(23 + 30 + 23) ÷ 3 = 25.33 which rounds to a 25
That’s a two-point drop—which could be the difference in meeting scholarship thresholds or college admissions cutoffs. On the flip side, students who struggle in science may benefit from this change since their composite score will no longer be affected by a low science score.
Since colleges have not yet provided clear guidance on whether they prefer students to submit science scores, we strongly recommend that students take the science section until further updates are available.
Field Test Questions: Unidentified & Unscored
Previously, the ACT included a fifth section at the end of the test that contained experimental "field test" questions that did not count toward a student's score. With these changes, those field test questions are now integrated into the actual test sections, making it impossible to distinguish which questions are experimental and which are scored.
While these field test items still do not count toward a student’s score, their presence means each scored question carries more weight, potentially leading to greater score variability across different test dates.
How to Approach This Change
Students should treat every question as if it counts and focus on accuracy and quality over speed since fewer scorable questions means each one has a greater impact on the final score.
The Biggest Challenge: Lack of Updated Practice Tests
Currently, there is only one official practice test available in the new ACT format. While older ACT exams are still useful for content review, students will have limited opportunities to rehearse test-taking strategies that match the new question structures, timing, and scoring rules.
Until more updated resources become available, students should:
- Use older ACT tests to build foundational skills.
- Practice pacing adjustments to match the new time-per-question ratios.
- Stay informed as additional practice materials are released.
Final Recommendation:
Take the ACT Before These Changes Take Effect
We strongly recommend that students take the ACT in June or July and complete test prep before these changes are implemented in September.
There are simply too many unknowns with these updates—fewer practice tests, unpredictable score variability, and shifting college admissions policies. Students should aim to take the test while the format remains stable and familiar rather than waiting for an uncertain testing landscape in the fall.
At Aim High Test Prep, we are closely monitoring these ACT changes and adjusting our strategies accordingly. If you’re preparing for the ACT, now is the time to enroll in test prep and take advantage of the existing test structure before the changes take effect.
To prepare for these changes, Aim High Test Prep is in the process of becoming an ACT Affiliate. ACT Affiliates will have the ability to use previous and future ACT My Answer Key test forms, formerly called Test Information Releases (TIR). This will allow Aim High to use the most updated forms. More importantly, when new test forms reflecting these changes are released, Aim High will be able to use those forms within the program and provide students with more rehearsals of the new test format.
