36 University

 ☰

ACT test prep
that actually works


BRAIN-COMPATIBLE ACT PREP

Changes to the ACT (starting April 2025)

The ACT is seeing some big changes!

We have summarized the high-level 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 FormatNew Format
English
  • 75 questions, 45 minutes
    (36 seconds per question)
  • All passages long/similar length
  • Questions do not include stems*
  • 50 questions, 35 minutes
    (42 seconds per question)
  • Mix of long and short passages
  • Stem included for each question*
Math
  • 60 questions, 60 minutes
    (1 minute per question)
  • 5 answer choices per question
  • More real-world context problems
  • More “Integrating Essential Skills” items
  • More advanced topic (i.e. precalculus) items
  • 45 questions, 50 minutes
    (1 min 7 seconds per question)
  • 4 answer choices per question
  • Fewer real-world context problems
  • Fewer “Integrating Essential Skills” items
  • Fewer advanced topic (i.e. precalculus) items
Reading
  • 40 questions, 35 minutes
    (52.5 seconds per question)
  • Passages are generally ~750 words
  • Passage types are Prose Fiction (or Literary
    Narrative), Social Science, Humanities,
    and Natural Science, in that order.
  • 36 questions 40 minutes
    (1 min 7 seconds per question)
  • Passage lengths vary (~650-800 words)
  • Passage types are Literary Narrative
    (1 passage) and Informational (3
    passages) in no particular order.
Science
  • Required
  • 40 questions, 35 minutes
    (52.5 seconds per question)
  • Included in overall composite score
  • Engineering and Design not
    required in passages
  • Few questions require scientific
    background knowledge
  • Optional
  • 40 questions, 40 minutes
    (1 minute per question)
  • Not included in overall composite score
  • Engineering and Design integrated into
    at least 1 passage
  • More questions require scientific
    background knowledge
*a stem is a question statement for each ACT English item. The English section in the old ACT format listed the answer choices without asking a specific question (without a stem). The new format, on the other hand, will ask a question to go with the answer choices such as “Which choice is least redundant in context?” or “Which choice best maintains the essay’s tone?”.

Embedded Field-test Items (EFTs)

Another big change we’ve seen in the new format is how field-test items are administered to students.

Field-test items are ACT questions that do not contribute to a student’s overall score. They are used to evaluate the quality and fairness of new questions before they’re used on future ACTs.

In the old format, field-test items were completely separate from the main test. They were given after the main test in what many referred to as the “5th test.”

In the new format, field-test items are embedded in the main test. You will take the test without knowing which items will be scored and which are field-test items. So, make sure to approach all of the questions as if they will count towards your score!

Here’s the breakdown of scored vs. field-test items in the new format:

EnglishMathReadingScience
Total items: 50
Field-test items: 10
Scored items: 40		Total items: 45
Field-test items: 4
Scored items: 41		Total items: 36
Field-test items: 9
Scored items: 27		Total items: 40
Field-test items: 6
Scored items: 34

New Format Q&A

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.

How will my composite score be calculated? 

Your composite score in the new format will only include English, math, and reading. The ACT scale will remain 1-36. Composite scores from tests taken before September 2025 will not change.

Will superscoring be available in the new format? 

Yes! A student’s superscore is a combination of his or her best ACT scores in each subject across multiple tests. By September 2025, all superscores will only include the English, math, and reading section. However, scores for English, math, and reading from the old and new format tests CAN be combined to calculate a superscore.

Is the new format ACT only available if I take the online test? 

The new format test was rolled out for national online test takers first (in April 2025), but by September 2025, both the paper and online tests administered will be in the new format. The tests given by school districts in the spring of 2026 will also be in the new format.

Will the paper test be discontinued? 

As of right now, the ACT does not seem to have any plans to discontinue the paper test. You can choose whether you’d like to take the online test or the paper test.

Is the writing test changing? 

The writing test is NOT changing. The ACT reported that the design, timing, and scoring procedures are the same in both the old and new formats. Note: The 36U ACT Prep program does not include prep for the ACT writing section. Our content includes English, math, reading, and science.

Will the ACT Math calculator policy remain the same? 

Yes! The calculator policy is the same for the old and new ACT formats. You can bring a calculator that is permitted by the ACT (see the list of approved and prohibited calculators here) If you’re taking the online test, there is a calculator available within the platform, but you can also bring your own calculator if you’d like.

Will the new ACT Math test include a formula sheet?

No. Just like the old test, there will be NO formula sheet given on the new ACT.

The most up-to-date information can always be found on the official ACT website, but please feel free to reach out to us (team@36university.com) with any questions!

Source: Allen, Jeff, et al. Design Framework for the ACT ® Enhancements. Mar. 2025.

© 2012 - 2025, 36 University