The ACT is Changing: What You Need to Know
Following the rollout of the New Digital SAT earlier this year, the ACT announced on July 15th that the ACT test will undergo a major overhaul starting in 2025. These adjustments are designed to streamline the test, make it more accessible, and improve the testing experience for students. Here’s a comprehensive look at what’s changing with the New ACT and what is staying the same.
Janet Godwin, CEO of ACT, shared her excitement about these changes at the ACT’s Enrollment Management Summit. She highlighted ACT’s ongoing commitment to evolving and meeting the needs of students and educators. From introducing school-day testing to offering online testing and developing programs like Encourage, ACT continues to innovate and provide valuable tools for college and career readiness.
What’s Changing?
Optional Science Section: The ACT science section will now be optional. This means that students can choose whether to take the ACT science section when they sit for the New ACT exam. Janet Godwin emphasized that this flexibility allows students to focus on their strengths and showcase their abilities in the best possible way. This change is likely to reduce anxiety for students who feel less confident in their science skills.
Shorter Test Duration: The new ACT will be shorter, both in terms of time and the number of questions. The core sections—ACT English, ACT Reading, and ACT Math—will take only two hours. There will also be 44 fewer total ACT questions on the exam. This change aims to reduce fatigue and stress for test-takers. As Godwin noted, this is designed to make the testing experience more manageable, enabling students to perform at their best without the fatigue that often accompanies longer exams.
Shorter ACT English and Reading Passages: To further reduce cognitive load, the English and reading sections will feature shorter passages. This change is intended to help students focus better and perform more efficiently on these sections.
More Time Per Question: The New ACT test format will provide students with more time to answer each question. This is expected to reduce the time pressure on students and improve their performance by allowing them to think through their answers more thoroughly.
What’s Staying the Same?
While there are many changes to the ACT test, several aspects will remain the same, preserving the test’s core structure and scoring system. At AJ Tutoring, this means we will be able to leverage our 20 years of experience coaching the ACT exam as we transition to preparing students for the new ACT test.
Scoring System: The scoring will continue on the 1–36 scale. Students will still receive a composite score, which is the average of their English, reading, and math scores, alongside individual section scores.
Paper and Online Testing Options: Students will still have the flexibility to choose between taking the test on paper or online. This flexibility, unlike the SAT, which requires students to take the test online, better accommodates different learning styles and student preferences.
Optional Writing Section: The ACT will continue to offer an optional writing section, allowing students who wish to demonstrate their writing skills to do so.
Timeline for the New ACT
Spring 2025: The new version of the ACT will start rolling out next spring, initially for students taking the online ACT on standard national test dates. This gradual introduction will help ensure a smooth transition and give students and educators time to adjust to the new format.
Spring 2026: By the spring of 2026, students taking the ACT during school-day testing will also encounter the new version of the test. This staggered rollout ensures that all students have ample time to prepare for the new format.
Proposed Benefits of the New ACT Format
Reduced Test Anxiety: By making the science section optional and shortening the overall test, the new ACT aims to reduce the stress and anxiety often associated with standardized testing. Students can tailor the test to their strengths, potentially leading to better overall performance.
Enhanced Focus and Comprehension: Shorter passages in the English and reading sections, coupled with more time per question, are designed to improve students’ focus and comprehension. These changes can lead to a more accurate reflection of students’ abilities.
Increased Accessibility and Flexibility: The ACT continues to cater to a wide range of student needs and preferences, with the option to take the test online or on paper. The online option, available at select locations starting in February 2025, further enhances accessibility.
Preparing for the New ACT
As these changes take effect, it’s important for students and parents to stay informed and adapt their preparation strategies. At AJ Tutoring, we’ve got your back and will monitor these changes and keep you informed.
In the meantime, here are some steps to help you get ready:
- Stay Updated: Keep an eye on official announcements from ACT and educational resources for the latest updates, and check AJ Tutoring’s blog regularly. This will help you ensure you have the most current information as you prepare.
- Practice with New Formats: Look for practice tests and materials that reflect the new format. AJ Tutoring will have materials for the new ACT test available soon. Familiarizing yourself with the shorter passages and additional time per question will help you feel more comfortable on test day.
- Focus on Strengths: With the option to skip the science section, students can focus on their stronger subjects. Tailor your study plan to maximize your performance in the core sections.
- Seek Tutoring Support: Consider working with an AJ Tutoring tutor or joining a study group to stay motivated and on track. Professional guidance can provide valuable insights and strategies tailored to the new format.
Conclusion
The changes to the ACT are likely to create a more student-friendly testing experience. Who doesn’t like a shorter test and more time per question? As we approach the rollout of the new ACT format, staying informed and adapting preparation strategies will be key to success. AJ Tutoring can help you navigate this transition. It is what we do.
At AJ Tutoring, we’re committed to helping students navigate these changes to the ACT. We will be closely monitoring the transition to the new format, updating our materials accordingly, and helping support students through this transition.
