ACT announced significant changes to their tests to be implemented in Spring 2025.
The nonprofit organization announced the changes on July 15, in the wake of alterations being made to other forms of standardized testing, including the digitized SAT and APs by the College Board.
The new ACT test includes an optional science section, fewer test questions and a shorter testing time. ACT said these enhancements are necessary to make the test more accessible and comfortable for students. These alterations will apply to the digital version beginning April 2025 and then be extended to paper versions starting in September 2025.
Previously, the ACT was comprised of four sections: English, Math, Reading and Science. However, this February, ACT released a statement that they will make the science section optional.
Some students welcome these changes.
“In theory, the science section is really easy, but by the end of the test, you’re tired and it’s really wordy,” Rainey ’26 said.
The ACT test originally lasted for approximately three hours, but the test time will be cut by an hour due to the reading and English sections now including 44 fewer questions altogether.
“This change is designed to make the testing experience more manageable for students, enabling them to perform at their best without the fatigue that often accompanies longer exams,” ACT CEO Janet Goodwin said in ACT’s statement.
This change will also allow for more time per question, which can positively impact test-takers nationwide.
“I think that students struggle most with the timing.” Tessa ’25 said.
The SAT has had an average of 500,000 more students enrolled each year than the ACT, which has led them to compete for more test takers. With the upcoming changes, the ACT will be comparable to the SAT in terms of length and content. Dean of College Counseling Monica DePriest said the changes could be a business strategy to help the ACT gain a competitive edge.
“The ACT may be trying to catch up with the SAT,” DePriest said.
DePriest said the new test will pose a challenge. Because of the lack of information about what the new ACT will look like, it is harder for test prep companies to create test prep materials for students. While these upcoming changes may make the ACT more appealing to prospective test takers, they could also deter students from taking the ACT until prep materials are developed.
