ACT announced its first major redesign this year, and it takes effect for both online and paper-based National test takers this September. In 2025, significant changes are being implemented to the ACT to enhance the testing experience for students. These changes are designed to provide more flexibility, reduce stress, and better align the test with college readiness standards. Here’s what you need to know:
- Shorter Test Duration
The overall testing time will be reduced from 195 minutes to 125 minutes for the national test (excluding optional sections—see below).
- Reduced Number of Questions:
The total number of questions will decrease by 44, leading to fewer questions per section.
The English section will have 50 questions, Math will have 45, and Reading will have 36. What about Science, you wonder? That’s the next big change.
- More Time Per Question:
With fewer questions, students will have more time to think through each question, which can help reduce test anxiety and boost overall confidence with clock management.
- Fewer Answer Choices:
The number of answer choices for Math questions will be reduced from five to four, simplifying the decision-making process for students and increasing the odds of correct answers when guessing.
- OPTIONAL Science and Writing Sections:
While the Writing test has always been optional, the Science test is now optional, too. However, students should not equate these two sections when it comes to admissions. While most schools no longer require the Writing section, many schools will still want to see the Science score, especially if a student is considering a STEM major.
When students opt to take the Science section, it will be reported separately and will contribute to a STEM score but not the Composite score.
- Changes in Scoring:
The new Composite score will be calculated based on English, Math, and Reading scores ONLY. The scoring scale of 1-36 will remain.
Students taking the Science section will receive a separate Science score and a combined STEM score.
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