Changes are coming to ACT test, including making science portion optional

LOS ANGELES - The ACT college admissions exam is set to undergo major changes starting in the spring of 2025. The exam will be shortened, and the science section will become optional, according to an announcement by ACT CEO Janet Godwin. 

Why the changes matter

Godwin says these new updates address concerns about test length and student fatigue while providing more flexibility in how students demonstrate their strengths.

What's changing

Starting in spring 2025, the ACT exam will be shortened, and the science section will become optional. 

The core test will include only English, reading, and math, with the science and writing sections available as optional add-ons. The new format will reduce the test duration from three hours to two hours and decrease the number of questions by 44.

Who is impacted by these changes

These changes will affect students taking the ACT from 2025 onwards. 

Approximately 60% of the class of 2023 took the ACT, and test organizers say future test-takers will benefit from a shorter, more focused exam. 

Additionally, the exam cost will be reduced, making it more accessible.

Additional details you need to know

• Implementation timeline: The changes will begin with national online tests in spring 2025 and roll out for school-day testing in spring 2026.
• Scoring: Students who choose to take the optional science section will receive a separate score for that section and a combined STEM score with math. The writing section remains optional and yields its own score.
• Digital options: The ACT will continue to offer both digital and traditional paper formats.
• New programs: The ACT has launched "Encourage," a free college and career readiness program to support students.

These updates follow similar changes made to the SAT, aiming to enhance the testing experience and reduce student stress. 

Godwin stated the goal is to allow students to demonstrate their knowledge without the pressure of a lengthy exam.

"To achieve this, the test will include shorter passages on the reading and English sections and fewer questions in each section – 44 fewer questions in all – allowing students more time to answer each question thoughtfully," Godwin wrote.

"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," she said.