In stages, the ACT is making sweeping changes that affect the typical experience. The changes are significant, not trivial, and I will be here every step of the way to guide students through these changes. Let's answer a few questions in this post: what, when, why is this happening, and what does it mean for you.
What is changing?
In the near future, the ACT is making the following changes.
First, the ACT Science test is now going to be optional, much like the ACT Writing test is now. What that means is that scores will still be administered on the 1-36 scale, but only the English, Math, and Reading tests will be factored for that score.
Second, the total number of questions on the ACT (not even including the fact that there is no longer a Science test) is being greatly diminished. The English test (previously 75 questions/45 minutes) is being reduced to 50 questions in a 35 minute span. The Math test (previously 60 questions/60 minutes) is being reduced to 45 questions in a 45 minute span. The Reading test (previously 40 questions/35 minutes) is being slightly changed to 36 questions in 40 minutes.
Third, the ACT Math test is making another overall change. Each question on the test previously featured 5 answer choices per question, but in the future those answers will be reduced to 4 (to match the other tests).
When are these changes happening?
These changes are happening in stages:
April 2025: those taking the test online will be taking the new ACT.
September 2025: those taking the test on paper or online will be taking the new ACT.
Spring 2026: ACT tests administed by schools or districts will reflect these changes.
Why is this happening?
In my opinion, the ACT is trying to keep up with the SAT, which was significantly shorter than the ACT. With these changes, the two are now of similar length. Think about it: if you were a high school student, and had the choice to take a shorter test that didn't include a Science test, wouldn't you take it?
I think, though, that it is objectively good that there is no longer a required Science section on the ACT test. The Science test is so significantly different than real science or the science that our kids are used to, that it results in such a blindside for even the best students. Sure, some students excelled on the ACT Science test, but the skills being tested (ironically enough) are already being put to the test on the ACT Reading test, so it's a little bit redundant anyway.
What does it mean for me and my situation?
If you are taking the ACT between now and February 2025 (which is certainly every senior still trying to improve and juniors who want to get off to a good start), you need to still prepare for the ACT Science test. After that, whether or not the ACT Science test is necessary for you and your particular situation will be up to colleges and guidance counselors. If it's anything like the writing test, though, it won't be a large concern at all. What will matter most is still maximizing that score from a 1-36.
It will be up to me to keep a finger to a pulse of all the changes. The ACT is NOT going to release a practice test to the public until early 2025. The millisecond that happens, I will be updating my online course, my books (so much for all that ACT Science I spent months writing, haha) and poring over the test with a fine tooth comb to bring you the most up to date preparation (and editing my books to fit).
As a closing note, this is important: shorter does not mean easier. Older students will be jealous of younger ones who "get to take" the shorter test, but, guaranteed, it will be designed to seriously challenge the vast majority of students, especially in English and Math. Naive students will think, "Oh wow, no Science, no problem!" but not so fast: expect a higher percentage of more difficult questions.
Don't worry though: I'll be here!
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