The ACT is undergoing significant changes starting in April 2025 that will offer students more flexibility and a streamlined test-taking experience. Here’s a breakdown of what’s new and how it affects future test-takers.
At A Glance
The ACT will introduce a shorter, digital test at select locations starting April 5th, 2025. It will be 2 hours and 5 minutes long (without breaks) and the Science section will be optional. Students can still take the existing, 3-hour paper-based test through the July 12th ACT. Beginning in September 2025, the new, shorter format will apply to both the paper-based and digital tests.
What is changing?
- Shorter Test: The new ACT will be 125 minutes long (as opposed to the current 195 minute test) and have 44 fewer questions.
- New Composite Score: The new ACT composite score will range from 1-36 and is the average of the English, Math and Reading scores.
- Optional Science Section: The Science section will become optional. If added, students will receive a science score and a STEM score (the average of the Math and Science scores).
Test Format Breakdown
| Current ACT | New ACT | |
| Test Length | 2 hrs, 55 mins (without break) | 2 hrs, 5 mins (without breaks) |
| Breaks | One 15-minute break after the Math section. | Short breaks between sections |
| Section Breakdown |
Four sections: (Option to add Writing) |
Three sections: (Option to add Science and/or Writing) |
| Composite/Section Scores |
Students receive four scores ranging from 1-36: English, Math, Reading and Science. A separate score is given for the optional Writing section. The Composite score ranges from 1-36 and is the average of the English, Math, Reading and Science section scores. |
Students receive three scores ranging from 1-36: English, Math and Reading. A separate score is given for the optional Science and Writing section. The Composite score ranges from 1-36 and is the average of the English, Math and Reading section scores. |
Timing and Number of Questions per Section
| Current ACT | New ACT | |
| English Section | 45 minutes / 75 questions | 35 minutes / 50 questions |
| Math Section |
60 minutes / 60 questions |
50 minutes / 45 questions |
| Reading Section |
35 minutes / 40 questions |
40 minutes / 36 questions |
| Science Section |
35 minutes / 40 questions |
Optional |
| Writing Section |
Optional |
Optional |
What is staying the same?
- The core concepts of the ACT will remain unchanged.
- The Composite and section scores will continue to range from 1 to 36.
- Scores from tests taken before the introduction of the new Composite score will not be affected.
The Rollout of the New ACT
Students who choose to take the April 2025 digital ACT, offered at select locations, will be the first to experience the new, shorter, digital test. The current 2 hour, 55 minute paper-based ACT will still be available through July 12th. Starting in September 2025, the ACT will only offer the new, shorter test either on paper or digitally on national test dates and the updated composite score will be implemented. By Spring 2026, all states and districts that administer the ACT will transition to the new, shorter test.
Preparing for the New ACT
The ACT plans to release new test prep materials, including a full-length practice test, by early 2025. Because there has been no significant change to the core concepts of the ACT, current practice tests and available ACT test prep materials are still a great resource for students.
Registration has not yet opened for the April 5th, June 14th or July 12th test dates. The ACT will continue to update its website with more information throughout the year.
How We Can Help
As these changes take effect, students should stay informed and plan their test preparation accordingly. Deciding whether to take the ACT digitally or on paper, with or without the science section, will be key to making the most of these new options. We are here to help you make the right choice! Our teachers and tutors are excited for the new ACT and eager to help students reach their optimal score.
