ACT Changes: Shorter Test, Fewer Questions, and Optional Science Section

We know standardized testing can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’re excited to share some welcome news about the ACT’s upcoming changes. Starting in 2025, students will spend 70 fewer minutes in the testing room – the total time drops from 195 to 125 minutes, with 44 fewer questions to answer.

Let’s look at what this means for you. The English section will now have 50 questions instead of 75. Math reduces to 45 questions from 60. Reading shortens to 36 questions. Best of all, you’ll have about 22% more time for each question, and Science becomes optional. These changes reflect what we’ve long advocated – a more student-friendly testing experience that still measures college readiness.

Our team has carefully reviewed these updates to help you understand exactly what’s changing with the ACT’s structure, timeline, and format. We’ll guide you through each modification and share expert strategies to help you showcase your best performance on test day.

Key Changes to the ACT Test Structure

Our students often ask about the upcoming ACT changes. Here’s what you need to know about the three major updates that will make your testing experience more manageable.

A More Student-Friendly Timeline

The standard ACT test drops from 195 minutes to 125 minutes. We’re thrilled to share that you’ll complete English, Math, and Reading in about two hours. Here’s the exciting part – you’ll have 27% more time per question in Reading and 22% more time overall for each question.

Streamlined Question Format

The ACT removes 44 questions, bringing the total from 215 down to 171. Let’s break down what this means for each section:

English: 50 questions in 35 minutes
Math: 45 questions in 50 minutes, now with four answer choices instead of five
Reading: 36 questions in 40 minutes

Science Becomes Optional

Just like the writing section, science moves to optional status. When selecting the science section, you’ll receive:

40 minutes for 40 questions
Your own standalone science score
The ability to pair it with math for a STEM score

We love this flexibility – students can now choose from multiple combinations: core ACT alone, ACT with science, ACT with writing, or both optional sections. This change allows you to highlight your academic strengths while meeting college admission requirements.

Timeline of New ACT Test Implementation

We understand the importance of knowing exactly when these changes take effect. Registration for the enhanced ACT opens in early December 2024, and we’ll help you plan for this transition.

Digital Test Launch (April 2025)

The new format debuts through digital testing at select locations nationwide. Here’s what you should know about the April-July 2025 period:

Choose between traditional paper or new digital format
Digital format includes optional science testing
Digital composite scores will reflect only English, Math, and Reading

Our team recognizes this “soft launch” period gives ACT time to fine-tune any technical elements.

Full Implementation (September 2025)

September 2025 marks the complete shift to the new format for both paper and digital tests. Every Saturday test session will feature:

Two-hour testing window
Optional science component
Three-subject composite score
Updated question styles across all sections

International testing adopts these changes in September 2025. School-day testing follows in spring 2026. We appreciate this measured approach that maintains test reliability.

Here’s what matters for you: Paper test takers can use the current format through July 2025 – your final chance at the traditional version. This thoughtful rollout lets you select the timing and format that best matches your preparation strategy.

What Stays the Same in the New ACT

While these updates bring welcome changes to the ACT, we’re pleased to share that several key elements remain unchanged. Our experience shows these consistent features help maintain the test’s reliability for college admissions.

Scoring System You Know

The 1-36 scoring scale continues for both composite and individual section scores. We find students appreciate that their composite score still comes from averaging section scores. This stability means colleges can use familiar benchmarks for admission decisions.

Here’s what matters most: The scoring system’s strength goes beyond simple numbers. Your scores will still predict first-year college success. A score of 30 in English carries identical weight whether earned on the current or new ACT.

Core Subjects Stay Strong

We’re excited that the ACT maintains its focus on essential high school knowledge through three main components:

English sections test your command of grammar rules and rhetorical skills
Mathematics covers key concepts in geometry, algebra, and beyond
Reading evaluates your comprehension and analysis abilities

The depth and challenge level of these core sections remain consistent. For example, geometry still comprises about 25% of Math questions, just with a more focused question count.

Good news for our students: The Writing section stays as an optional choice. You’ll still choose between paper-and-pencil or online testing. Remember, if selecting online testing, the test center provides devices – personal devices aren’t allowed.

The ACT’s dedication to measuring college readiness stands firm. We value how the test continues evaluating crucial skills for college success, maintaining its position as a trusted measure of academic achievement.

How to Prepare for the New ACT Format

Our years of experience show that test preparation works best when tailored to the exam structure. The new ACT’s streamlined format offers exciting opportunities to showcase your knowledge through careful, thoughtful responses rather than rushed answers.

Smart Study Strategies

We’re excited about the extra time per question in the new format. This change lets you focus on accuracy and understanding rather than racing against the clock. Here’s what excites us most: You’ll have 17% more time for English, 11% more for Math, and 27% more for Reading questions.

Time Management Made Simple

Our students often ask about pacing strategies. We’ve broken down the optimal timing for each section:

English: Take 42 seconds per question (35 minutes for 50 questions)
Math: Use 67 seconds per question (50 minutes for 45 questions)
Reading: Spend 67 seconds per question (40 minutes for 36 questions)
Optional Science: Allow 60 seconds per question (40 minutes for 40 questions)

Practice Resources

Good news for our students: The ACT will release official practice materials by early 2025, including a full-length practice test in January 2025. Until then, we recommend using current materials since the core knowledge requirements haven’t changed.

The digital platform includes helpful features we love:

Answer eliminator
Line reader
Question flagging system

Here’s what matters: Starting December 2024, you’ll have access to updated study materials designed specifically for the new format. We’ll help you master these tools to boost your confidence and performance on test day.

Conclusion

The 2025 ACT changes mark a student-centered shift in standardized testing. Our students will benefit from shorter test duration and optional science sections while maintaining the trusted scoring system. These thoughtful updates reflect what we’ve seen in our 14 years of college counseling – students perform best when given appropriate time to demonstrate their knowledge.

Here’s what excites us most: The gradual rollout from April to September 2025 gives students time to adjust their preparation strategies. Whether taking the digital test in spring or paper version in fall, you’ll experience a more focused format that respects your time while upholding academic standards.

Success on the new ACT comes from careful preparation and practiced confidence. Today’s College Solutions stands ready to guide you through these changes. Our expert counselors create personalized study plans that match your learning style and testing preferences. Let’s work together to make your ACT experience a stepping stone toward your college dreams.

FAQs

Q1. What are the major changes coming to the ACT in 2025?

The ACT will be significantly shorter, reducing from 195 to 125 minutes. There will be fewer questions across all sections, with students having about 22% more time per question. The Science section will become optional, and the Math section will have four answer choices instead of five.

Q2. When will the new ACT format be implemented?

The new ACT format will be rolled out in phases. Digital testing with the new structure will begin in April 2025 at select locations. Both paper and digital formats will fully transition to the new structure starting September 2025.

Q3. Will the ACT scoring system change with the new format?

No, the ACT scoring system will remain the same. The familiar 1-36 scoring scale will continue for both composite and individual section scores. The composite score will still be calculated as an average of your section scores.

Q4. How should students prepare for the new ACT format?

Students should focus on accuracy over speed, as there will be more time per question. It’s important to develop efficient problem-solving skills and practice time management. Official practice materials for the new format will be available by early 2025, but current ACT materials remain valuable for content preparation.

Q5. Is the Science section being completely removed from the ACT?

The Science section is not being removed entirely, but it will become optional. Students will have the choice to take the Science section, which will consist of 40 questions to be completed in 40 minutes. It will receive a separate standalone score and can be combined with the Math score for a STEM score.