One of the main standardized tests used for college admissions in the United States, the ACT is undergoing significant changes that will take effect starting April 2025 for the digital test and September 2025 for paper-based versions. These updates are designed to make the test more accessible, reduce stress for students, and offer greater flexibility. For students planning to take the ACT in the near future, it’s important to understand how these changes might affect the testing experience and impact preparation strategies. Here are the notable changes.
Reduction in Test Time and Length: The revamped ACT will be one hour shorter with total testing time dropping from three hours to two hours. This reduction in time is achieved by eliminating 44 questions across the various sections of the test. This change is aimed at decreasing pressure on students, giving them more time to carefully consider each question without feeling rushed.
Science Section Optional: Traditionally, the ACT has included a science reasoning section, which has been a distinguishing feature of the test compared to the SAT. However, in response to student feedback and market demand, the ACT will now allow students to opt out of the science section if it is not relevant to their intended field of study. This change is particularly beneficial for students who are not pursuing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) disciplines, as it allows them to focus on areas more aligned with their academic interests.
Multiple Test Versions: ACT is giving students the option to choose a version that best suits their needs. While the core ACT will consist of English, Math, and Reading sections, students can choose to add the optional science and/or writing sections. This flexibility allows students to tailor the test to their strengths and the requirements of the colleges to which they are applying.
Scoring: The ACT has assured that the scores from the new, shorter test will be comparable to those from the traditional test. This means that colleges will be able to evaluate scores from both the old and new versions of the test equally, even during the transition period when both versions may be in use. However, there may be some challenges for admissions offices as they compare scores from two different formats, and the ACT is conducting ongoing research to ensure the comparability of these scores.
Overall, these changes reflect a broader trend in standardized testing toward greater flexibility and reduced time demands, aligning with similar updates made to other exams like the SAT and GRE. The goal is to provide a testing experience that is less stressful for students while still accurately assessing their academic ability and readiness for college.
For students preparing to take either the SAT or ACT in the next academic year, it will be important to stay informed about these changes and to consider how such changes might affect their study strategies. The shorter test length and optional science section may require adjustments in preparation, especially for students who choose to focus only on the core sections. Additionally, understanding the differences between the old and new versions of the test can help students make informed decisions about when to take the ACT and which version to choose.
Please contact us at info@ivyoptions.com with any testing questions. Ivy Options offers online and in-person SAT and ACT diagnostics every Saturday to help students determine their best test option.
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