How the ACT is Changing in 2025

Big changes are coming to the ACT in 2025, and students, parents, and educators are all asking the same question: how will this affect test preparation and college admissions? The ACT’s new format is designed to meet the needs of test-takers better while still serving as a reliable tool for colleges to evaluate applicants. Let’s break down how the ACT is changing in 2025 and how you can adapt to succeed under the new system.

Shorter Test Length

One of the most significant changes to the ACT is its shorter test length. The exam is being reduced from about three hours to just two hours. This means less time spent in the testing room and a quicker overall experience. The number of questions will also decrease from 215 to 171. For students, this means less fatigue during the test and a more focused approach to answering questions.

Optional Science Section

The ACT’s Science section is becoming optional, similar to how the Writing section is currently handled. Students can choose to take only the English, Math, and Reading sections, or they can add the Science and/or Writing sections if they wish. This change gives students more flexibility in how they approach the exam, tailoring it to align with their college application goals. For example, students applying to STEM-focused programs might benefit from including the Science section to showcase their skills in this area.

New Composite Score Calculation

With the Science section now optional, the Composite score will only include the English, Math, and Reading sections. If a student opts to take the Science section, that score will be reported separately. This change simplifies the Composite score calculation and ensures that students’ strengths in core academic areas are the primary focus.

Shorter Passages in English and Reading

The English and Reading sections will feature shorter passages with fewer questions. This adjustment is aimed at reducing the cognitive load on students, making the test more manageable while still assessing critical reading and language skills. For students who may struggle with lengthy reading passages, this change offers a more accessible format.

Flexible Test Formats

Starting in 2025, students will have the option to take the ACT either digitally or on paper. This flexibility allows test-takers to choose the format they are most comfortable with, which can reduce stress and improve performance. Whether you prefer the familiarity of pencil and paper or the convenience of a digital platform, the choice is yours.

Removal of the Experimental Section

The ACT is not removing the experimental section in 2025, but it is changing how experimental questions are incorporated into the test. Starting in April 2025 for digital tests and September 2025 for paper tests, the separate 20-minute “Test 5” or experimental section will be eliminated. Instead, experimental questions will be integrated into the regular test sections.

This change means:

• Unscored experimental questions will be mixed in with scored questions in each section.
• Students won’t be able to identify which questions are experimental.
• These questions won’t count toward the final score but will be used to develop future tests.

This integration aims to provide more accurate data for test development, as students are more likely to treat these questions seriously when they can’t distinguish them from scored items. However, it also means that students will face a more uniform testing experience without a separate experimental section.

Implementation Timeline

The rollout of these changes will take place over several stages:

• Spring 2025: Digital ACT tests will reflect the new format.
• Fall 2025: Paper-and-pencil tests will adopt the changes.
• Spring 2026: School-day ACT tests will follow the updated structure.

This gradual implementation gives students and educators time to adjust and prepare for the new format.

What These Changes Mean for Students

The updates to the ACT are designed to make the test more student-friendly while maintaining its value in the college admissions process. However, these changes also mean that preparation strategies will need to evolve. Students will need to adapt to the shorter format, decide whether to include optional sections, and potentially learn how to navigate a digital testing platform.

Need Guidance on Your 2025 ACT Test?

At The Best Test Prep, we’re here to help you succeed under the new ACT format. Our experienced instructors are staying ahead of these changes to ensure that our students have the tools and strategies needed to excel. Whether you’re looking for guidance on the core sections, tips for tackling the optional Science and Writing sections, or practice with the new shorter passages, we’ve got you covered.

Start Preparing Today for How the ACT is Changing in 2025

The ACT may be changing, but your college dreams don’t have to. With the right preparation, you can confidently approach the new format and achieve your best score. Don’t wait until the last minute to start preparing for these changes. Contact The Best Test Prep today at (844) 672-PREP to learn more about our tailored ACT prep programs.

Why Choose The Best Test Prep?

• Customized Study Plans: We create a personalized study plan based on your strengths and weaknesses.
• Expert Instructors: Our tutors are highly skilled and knowledgeable about the latest ACT updates.
• Flexible Scheduling: Choose from in-person or online sessions that fit your schedule.
• Proven Results: Our students consistently achieve higher scores and gain admission to top colleges.

Don’t let the changes to the ACT catch you off guard. Call (844) 672-PREP today to get started with The Best Test Prep. Together, we’ll make sure you’re ready for 2025 and beyond!