the act is changing.

As students and families prepare for the journey toward college, navigating the complexities of standardized testing can feel overwhelming. The ACT, a crucial part of that journey, is evolving to making the testing experience more accessible and relevant. TLDR: the test is going to be easier.

Beginning in April 2025, the ACT will introduce an updated format. For those opting for the online version, this new format is shorter and will now have the choice to include or exclude the science section. This shift allows you to highlight your strengths while maintaining the reliability that colleges depend on for admissions decisions. The Composite score will now focus solely on English, math, and reading. Science scores will still be available, but reported separately.

Here’s a Quick Look at the Test Structure:

• English: 50 questions in 35 minutes

• Mathematics: 45 questions in 50 minutes

• Reading: 36 questions in 40 minutes

• Science (Optional): 40 questions in 40 minutes

• Writing (Optional): 1 essay in 40 minutes

keep in mind:

• These adjustments include reducing the number of questions overall (44 fewer!) and allowing you more time per question, ensuring you can demonstrate your skills without feeling rushed.

• The ACT scale will remain from 1 to 36, and your scores from previous tests won’t change.

• You’ll still be able to superscore.

• Both paper-and-pencil and online formats will still be available.

• The new online test is not adaptive.

• If you’re taking the paper test in April, June, and July, you’ll have the old format. If you’re taking it digitally during any of those months, you’ll have the new format.

• The ACT is an excellent choice for students who don’t have an extensive vocabulary and/or struggle to break down arguments.

Confused/overwhelmed/over it? Set up time to chat with me here.