Breaking News: Significant ACT Changes for 2025 are Announced

ByAimee Heller
A photo spotlighting an expert college advisor South Florida at International College Counselors shares all the currently known ACT changes 2025.

Now that the Digital SAT is established, the ACT has announced ACT changes 2025 of its own!

Important Note: Rising seniors will not be affected by these ACT changes!

Here’s a short summary:

What’s changing?

The Science section will now be optional. It is highly likely, however, that selective colleges will still require it. Students who choose to take the Science section will receive a stand-alone score for that section in addition to a STEM score that combines the math and science sections. 

The ACT will be significantly shorter.  

  • The online version of the ACT will be reduced by up to one-third.
  • The new test duration will be just over two hours, slightly shorter than the digital SAT.
  • Reading and English sections will have shorter passages and fewer questions (44 fewer overall).
  • Students will have more time per question. This adjustment provides 22% more time per question compared to the current model, addressing concerns about time management.
  • Further details are limited, but if the new online version mirrors the June pilot (with 44 fewer questions), it will give students 2 hours and 5 minutes to complete 171 questions.
  • Experimental questions (formerly Section 5) will now be part of the regular sections, reducing overall testing time AND improving data.

What’s staying the same?

English, Reading, and Math will remain as core sections. These core sections will continue to be scored out of 36 points each, which will be averaged for the composite score.

Will there be Test Format Options?

  • As of now, students can choose to take the online version or the paper-and-pencil version of the ACT.
  •  It is unclear if the paper version will be shortened. Unofficial reports suggest the paper version will remain unchanged initially, keeping the current structure and mandatory science section. However, by September 2025, it is expected to align with the online version.

When will the ACT changes 2025 take effect?

  • The changes will be introduced first in April 2025 in the digital format ONLY.
  • The changes will be incorporated into PAPER beginning in September 2025.
  • The changes will be incorporated into school-day testing in spring 2026.

What is the source of this information?

The ACT Test Is Evolving (ACT Newsroom & Blog) – 7/15/24

We find it interesting that these changes were announced after the ACT testing company revealed that it will transition to for-profit status following an acquisition by a private equity firm.

Over the last 20 years at International College Counselors, we’ve seen the tests change again and again. We expect more information in the next week or two. Make sure to follow us on social media (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and/or X) or contact us for the most up-to-date information. 

ICC Thoughts

Although the new ACT will still test students’ time management skills and require thorough preparation, it will no longer feel like the marathon it once was. ACT takers consistently comment that the test length makes it difficult to maintain focus until the end.

This announcement leaves us with numerous questions. The ACT has stated that they will not make the questions more difficult — they are simply giving students more time to complete them. Will there be a bump in scores as a result? How will admission departments consider these scores vs. the old ACT scores? Will colleges superscore across old and new tests? Will some colleges still require the Science section? Will ACT provide a concordance chart for old scores vs. new? All of this remains to be seen. Stay tuned.

What are the upcoming ACT registration deadlines and test dates?

ACT Registration | ACT Testing Dates |The ACT Test

International College Counselors

For help with making decisions about the ACT and SAT, work with one of the expert advisors from International College Counselors. Contact us at 1-954-414-9986 or http://www.internationalcollegecounselors.com.