Big Changes Ahead for the ACT: What You Need to Know

ByAimee Heller
A photo illustrating International College Counselors guides readers through the upcoming changes to the ACT test, set to take effect in April 2025.

If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed by all the upcoming changes to the ACT, you’re not alone. With a new format rolling out, changes to super scoring, and the introduction of an “enhanced” digital test, it’s understandable that students, parents, and educators alike might be scratching their heads. Let’s break it all down.

What’s Changing?

The ACT is transitioning to a new digital format, with major changes taking effect starting in April 2025. Here’s what you need to know:

1) The Paper vs. Digital Dilemma

  • February 2025: Both paper and digital tests will be in the current format.
  • April, June, July 2025: Paper tests will remain in the current format, but digital tests will switch to the new enhanced format.
  • September 2025: Both paper and digital formats will align with the new test structure.

This means students who have been testing on paper can continue with the traditional test format on paper through July 2025, but starting in September, all ACT tests, whether paper or digital, will use the new format.

2) Super Scoring Changes

  • Super scoring means that ACT takes the highest section scores from multiple test attempts to create a new composite score.
  • As ACT announced in July 2024, the Science section will be optional starting with the digital format in April 2025. Accordingly, under the new enhanced digital format, Science will no longer be included in the composite score. If a student has taken the paper format before transitioning to the digital test, their super score calculation will change to exclude Science once they take the new digital test.
  • With or without Science, scoring will remain the same: each section ranges from 1-36, and the composite will be an average of those sections.

In simpler terms: If you stick to the paper test through July, your super score will include Science. Once you take the digital test, Science drops out of the calculation. This change adds a layer of complexity for students considering retesting under both formats.

3) A Shorter Test

The new ACT test will last just two hours, compared to three hours for the current test. The new test includes shorter passages on the reading and English sections and fewer questions in each section—44 fewer questions in all.

4) Enhanced accessibility.

The online option provides additional accessibility features, including support for screen reader users, text-to-speech functionality, magnifier, and answer masking.

5) Registration Updates

Registration for April, June, and July 2025 test dates is now open.

A Peek at the New Digital ACT

ACT released a sample version of the enhanced digital test, offering a sneak peek into its structure. There are timed and untimed versions that will give students a sense of the platform and question format.

What Does This Mean for Students?

  • Stick With What You Know: If you’ve been taking the paper format and are comfortable with it, consider staying with paper tests through July to maintain consistency and avoid super scoring surprises.
  • Plan Ahead: If you’re planning to test digitally after April 2025, prepare for the new format by reviewing these online sample questions.
  • Stay Informed: Colleges haven’t yet announced how they’ll handle these changes. Clients of International College Counselors should check with their advisor for updates on how institutions will evaluate the new format and super scoring changes.

What’s Next?

As the ACT evolves, staying ahead of the changes is crucial. Be sure to register early, prepare strategically, and stay tuned for more updates in the coming weeks. The landscape may be shifting, but with the right planning, students can navigate these changes with confidence.

INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE COUNSELORS

No matter where your family is in the college admissions process, International College Counselors can help you with every aspect, including honing the college list, fine-tuning college applications, writing admission essays, and managing college transfers. The expert team at International College Counselors includes former college admission officers, high school directors and counselors, and writing professionals with a combined 250+ years of experience, helping students and families successfully navigate the college application journey. For personalized guidance, contact International College Counselors at 954-414-9986 or email Marlene at [email protected].