Changes to the ACT (starting April 2025)
Big changes are coming to the ACT!
We have summarized the changes below, and we will continue to update this page as we learn more. The most up-to-date information can always be found on the official ACT website.
| Old Format | New Format | |
| English | 75 questions, 45 minutes (36 seconds per question) | 50 questions, 35 minutes (42 seconds per question) |
| Math | 60 questions, 60 minutes (1 minute per question) 5 answer choices per question | 45 questions, 50 minutes (1 min 7 seconds per question) 4 answer choices per question |
| Reading | 40 questions, 35 minutes (52.5 seconds per question) | 36 questions 40 minutes (1 min 7 seconds per question) |
| Science | Required 40 questions, 35 minutes (52.5 seconds per question) Included in overall composite score | Optional 40 questions, 40 minutes (1 minute per question) Not included in overall composite score |
Now that the science test is optional, how do I decide whether to take it?
As stated on the official ACT website, students who plan to major in a science or STEM field or who plan to take science courses in college are encouraged to take the science section of the ACT. Although your score on the science section will not be included in the ACT composite score on the newly formatted test, you will still receive a STEM score if you take the science test.
When will these changes take effect?
According to the official ACT website, national online test takers will see the changes in April 2025. It will be available to those who take the paper test (for both national and international tests) starting in September 2025, and schools and school districts will see the new format in the spring of 2026.
More details should be released by the ACT in early 2025, and we will update our content accordingly!