Raising the Bar: The Latest ACT Test Enhancements
The ACT is evolving to improve the testing experience while maintaining the validity and reliability that students, educators, and institutions have relied on for over 65 years.
In this blog post, we will explore the latest ACT changes, including why they are happening, what is changing, and what remains the same.
Why Is the ACT Changing?
The ACT is adapting to better meet the needs of students and educators by:
✔️ Enhancing the testing experience
✔️ Reducing testing time while giving students more time per question
✔️ Providing flexibility for students and institutions
✔️ Improving score reporting
Key Enhancements to the ACT Test
1️⃣ More Time Per Question, Less Overall Testing Time
One of the most significant changes is that students will now have more time to answer each question, while the overall test duration will be reduced.
📌 What this means for students: You’ll have more time to carefully evaluate and answer questions, leading to a more accurate reflection of your abilities.
2️⃣ Changes to ACT Test Sections
The number of questions in some sections has been reduced, and certain structural changes have been made:
✔️ English – Some passages will be shorter, and an argumentative essay will be introduced.
✔️ Math – Multiple-choice answers will be reduced from five to four choices.
✔️ Reading – Shorter passages and rebalanced categories.
✔️ Science – More focus on engineering & design topics and scientific background knowledge.
✔️ Writing – No changes.
3️⃣ The New ACT Composite Score (Starting Fall 2025)
One of the biggest changes is how the ACT Composite Score will be calculated.
📌 What’s Changing?
✅ The Composite Score will now be based on English, Math, and Reading only.
✅ Science will still be available, but it will no longer impact the Composite Score.
✅ Students who take the Science section will receive a STEM Score (Math + Science).
✅ Students who take the Writing section will receive an ELA Score (English + Reading + Writing).
4️⃣ ACT Superscoring Updates
ACT Superscores will now be calculated based on the new English, Math, and Reading Composite Score starting in April 2025 for online testers and September 2025 for all students.
5️⃣ Increased Flexibility for State & District Testing
Starting in Spring 2026, state and district testing will offer more flexibility:
✔️ Science & Writing sections can be taken on a separate day.
✔️ Paper testing materials will be collected later, giving students more testing options.
📌 What this means for students: More scheduling flexibility to complete your test sections at your own pace.
What’s NOT Changing?
✔️ The ACT scoring scale will remain 1-36.
✔️ The ability to predict success in college courses will remain the same.
✔️ The test will still be available in both paper and online formats.
✔️ Past ACT scores will not be recalculated—your previous scores remain valid.
How These Changes Benefit Students
📌 Key Benefits for Students:
✔️ Less test fatigue with a shorter exam
✔️ More time per question = better accuracy
✔️ Greater flexibility in choosing test sections
✔️ Faster score reporting
What Should Students Do Next?
1️⃣ Start preparing early! Familiarize yourself with the new timing and structure of the ACT.
2️⃣ Consider your testing strategy. Will you take the Science section, or focus on the main Composite Score?
3️⃣ Use updated study materials. ACT will provide new practice tests aligned with these changes.
📢 Register for one of our classes or sign up for 1-1 sessions with Willow Tree Tutoring! Sign up here: Willow Tree Tutoring
Final Thoughts
These ACT enhancements are designed to make the test more student-friendly, while maintaining its accuracy and reliability. Whether you're planning to take the ACT for the first time or aiming to improve your score, understanding these changes can help you strategize for success!
Stay informed and start preparing today! 🚀
👉 Have questions? Reach out to us by phone 314-620-9195 or email at jbeeson@willowtreetutoring.com