New 2025 ACT Test Changes

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Times have recently been turbulent for standardized testing! Between testing requirements being dropped in the wake of the pandemic, then testing requirements being readopted, standardized tests have seen quite a bit of shake-up. Both the SAT and ACT have undergone significant changes and will be continuing to change in the future. Today, we’re going to look at changes to the ACT and see just how and when those changes will be enacted. 

Why It’s Important To Understand ACT Changes

Here at Prep Expert, we treat test-taking like a skill that anyone can learn– and that means you need to know the test inside and out. Test-taking is a lot like golf. Yes, you need to know how to play the game itself, but you also need to understand the course. You need to know where the potential pitfalls are, and you need to understand how the environment itself shapes the challenge. For the ACT, that means you need to know what changes are being made to the number questions and timing of the test, the new format changes, and the new online option. 

ACT Changes At A Glance

Curious about how the new testing options will affect you? Here’s a brief overview of the changes.

• Shorter test length: The total number of questions will be reduced by 44, and the test will last approximately two hours, compared to the current three hours. It’s more manageable for students and requires less of a time commitment.
• More time per question: With the reduction in overall questions, students will have more time to thoughtfully answer each question.
• Flexibility in sections: You will now have the option to take the ACT with or without the science section. This gives you more control over their testing experience, allowing you to focus on your strengths. 
• Updated composite score: The ACT Composite score will be calculated using only the English, math, and reading sections, unless you choose to take the science section.
• Online and paper options: Students can still choose to take the test either online or on paper, providing flexibility based on their preferences.
• Gradual rollout: These changes will first be made for the digital test only, but will roll out to the paper exam throughout 2025 and early 2026.

Why the Changes?

All of these changes and additions to the ACT come as a response to the evolving educational landscape.  ACT CEO Janet Godwin emphasized that these enhancements are driven by feedback from educators, students, and parents who have long advocated for a more modernized testing approach. The goal is to offer a testing experience that mirrors the advancements in education while maintaining the test’s integrity and reliability. 

Rolling Out The New ACT

It is also important to realize that these changes to the ACT are not rolling out immediately. These changes will come to the digital ACT first and will be available by April 2025. Then, by September 2025, all students testing on a Saturday, either online or on paper, will experience these benefits. By Spring 2026, students taking the test at the district or state level during the school day will also have the fully updated version of the ACT. 

So, with that in mind, let’s take an in-depth look at the changes coming to the ACT!

ACT Question Changes

One major change to the structure of the ACT is the number of questions. Every section of the test is going to be reduced in the number of questions and the time available. And these are not changing proportionally, which means that while yes, there will be less time, you will actually have more time per question to come up with an answer. This means that you’ll have more time to scan passages, eliminate wrong answers, and work through problems.

ACT Question and Time Changes

Section	Current Question Count	Future Questions Per Section	Question Count Change	Current Time Per Section	Future Time Per Section	Percent Increase in Time Per Question
English	75 questions	50 questions	-25	45 mins	35 minutes	+17%
Math	60 questions	45 questions	-15	60 mins	50 minutes	+12%
Reading	40 questions	36 questions	-4	35 mins	40 minutes	+28%
Optional Science	40 questions	40 questions	No change	35 mins	40 minutes	+15%
Total	215 questions	171 questions	-44 questions	2 hours  55 minutes	2 hours 45 minutes	+19%

Additionally, while there are 171 questions total on the new ACT, only 142 of them are scored. 29 are experimental questions. And Test 5 is going away completely. The ACT Test 5 is the 20 minute experimental section of the ACT that is currently administered after the Science section of the exam. While there will still be those 29 experimental, non-graded questions we mentioned, students who take the test starting April 2025 will no longer be given a full experimental section.

Shortened Test Duration

The digital ACT will feature a shorter test duration compared to the traditional version. This change is intended to reduce test fatigue and improve focus and performance. The new format will be more concise, allowing students to complete the test in a shorter time frame without compromising the assessment’s rigor and comprehensiveness. 

Digital ACT Testing Option

One of the most notable changes is the introduction of an online testing option. Students will now have the choice to take the ACT either on a computer or using the traditional paper-and-pencil method. This flexibility aims to accommodate different learning styles and preferences, ensuring that all students can perform at their best. The digital ACT was first introduced in February 2024 at select locations, with additional testing centers rolling out the option. The digital ACT must be taken at a designated testing location and is not available as a remote option; you cannot take it at home or with your own devices. 

Digital testing allows for more robust security measures, minimizing the risk of cheating and test fraud. Features like randomized question order and digital proctoring will ensure that each student receives a unique test experience, enhancing the test’s fairness and integrity.

What’s Staying the Same?

Despite the exciting changes to the ACT, many core elements remain consistent. The ACT will continue to reflect the high school curriculum, assessing the knowledge and skills you’ve acquired throughout your education, making it a relevant and accurate measure of academic preparedness. 

Conceptually, the ACT remains a valuable tool for college admissions, helping institutions determine whether or not a student can meet the college’s standards. High scores on the ACT will still open doors to numerous scholarship opportunities, enhancing eligibility for various merit-based scholarships. Schools will give equal merit to all versions of the ACT, so it doesn’t matter which one you take! What’s important is doing your best and preparing yourself to get the highest score possible.

Benefits of the ACT Enhancements

The upcoming changes to the ACT bring several key benefits aimed at enhancing the student experience and providing greater flexibility. These changes collectively aim to reduce stress, provide more tailored test-taking options, and improve the overall experience for students.

• Shorter Test Duration: One of the most notable changes is the reduced length of the ACT. This minimizes the fatigue associated with long exams and helps students focus better during the test. For students opting out of the optional science or writing sections, the test time will be cut significantly​.
• Increased Flexibility: Students can now choose whether to include the science and writing sections, allowing them to focus on core areas (English, math, and reading) that directly contribute to the composite score. This option is particularly helpful for students applying to schools where these sections are not required.
• Better Time Management: The enhanced ACT will provide students more time per question, which could reduce the pressure and allow for more thoughtful responses. This change is particularly beneficial for students who struggle with the fast pace of the traditional ACT​.
• Improved Accessibility: The option to take the test digitally offers enhanced accessibility features, such as screen readers and answer masking, which are important for students with specific learning needs​.

Preparing for the ACT Changes

With broader access to these changes on the horizon, it’s important for students to start preparing for the new ACT. Here are some strategies to help navigate this new testing landscape:

Familiarize Yourself with the New ACT Format

Understanding the changes in the ACT structure is key to your success. Students should take time to review the updated format and content to know what to expect on test day. Doing practice tests under similar conditions to the actual exam will help students adjust to the changes, allowing them to approach the test with more confidence.

Enhance Time Management Skills 

The shortened duration of the new ACT means that time management will be more critical than ever. Students should practice pacing themselves during practice tests to ensure they can complete each section within the allotted time. Developing a time management strategy, such as allocating specific time blocks for each question or passage, can help students maximize their performance. 

Use Test Prep Resources 

Preparing for a standardized test is very different from studying for a school exam, so students should work with their Prep Expert tutors to go over these differences. They should take advantage of resources like practice tests and interactive exercises tailored to the new ACT format. Utilizing these tools can provide valuable insights and strategies for tackling the test effectively.

Online Test-Taking Strategies and Prep Expert Services

As students prepare for the enhanced ACT, developing effective test-taking strategies will be extremely important. Prep Expert offers comprehensive ACT preparation services designed to help students excel on the ACT. With expert instructors, personalized study plans, and a wealth of online resources, Prep Expert can help your student navigate the new digital testing landscape with confidence. Check out Prep Expert’s list of ACT offerings to learn more about how we can support your student’s journey to success on the newly enhanced ACT.