Big changes are underway for the ACT (American College Testing), which is offering the digital version of the test to a larger population of students. Plus, it is making “enhancements” to make the test more flexible and easier to manage.

“Continuing our legacy of innovation and guided by feedback from students, educators, and experts in K-12 and higher education, we are implementing two fundamental changes to the ACT test.” 

- Janet Godwin, CEO, ACT

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The two fundamental changes that Janet is talking about are flexibility to opt for science and a shorter test duration. 

The ACT has been available as a digital test for school-day and international testers since February 2024. Now, it’s being rolled out to more test takers to make the test more accessible.
The digital ACT changes, slated to roll out for national testing in April 2025 and school day testing in April 2026, include a shorter test duration, fewer questions, more time per question, an optional science section, and a revised composite scoring system. The ACT's decision to embrace digital testing reflects an understanding of student preference for digital testing. It’s also a response to losing significant market share to the SAT, which can only be taken online. 
In this article, we will explore the changes to the ACT exam in detail and their impact on students. We’ll also provide actionable strategies for tutors and families to deal with these changes. 

Understanding the Digital ACT Changes

The ACT has constantly been evolving during its 65-year history, including a major reformatting in 2016. The latest set of changes is aimed at reducing stress for students. Here's an overview:

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Let's understand  each of these changes in detail:

Choice between digital ACT and paper version

While the digital version of the ACT was always available, only select locations could access it. Now, the ACT has been opened up to more students- presumably to be at par with the SAT, which can only be taken online. 

Besides, students can choose to take the paper-and-pencil version if they’re more comfortable with it.

Shorter Test Duration

The reduction in test duration is a welcome change for many students who have found the traditional ACT to be a grueling and time-consuming experience. Currently, at three hours, the ACT has been reduced to one-third the duration, which translates to around two hours--depending on which version of the test you take. 

By shortening the test, the ACT aims to reduce student fatigue and distraction, leading to more accurate and representative scores. 

The required sections (English, reading, math) will take 2 hours and 5 minutes to complete.. If you choose to take the optional science section, the test will be 2 hours and 40 minutes long.

The test section options are:

• Core (English, reading, math)
• Core  + Science
• Core + Writing

Fewer Questions

44 fewer questions will appear on the exam.

The reading passages and the English section will be shorter, and there will be fewer questions per section.

While the total number of questions will be reduced, the content and skills assessed will remain the same. This means that students will need to be even more efficient and strategic in their approach to each question.

More Time Per Question

With fewer questions to answer in a shorter amount of time, students will have more time to devote to each question. This is particularly beneficial for students who struggle with time management, tend to get fatigued,  or feel compelled to rush through the test. It will also allow students to carefully consider each answer choice and avoid careless errors.

Optional Science Section

Like the writing section, the ACT has decided to make the science section optional. 

Previously, all students were required to take the science section, regardless of their interests or strengths. 

Now, students can choose whether to include the science section in their composite score, allowing them to focus on their areas of expertise and potentially improve their overall performance. It is recommended that students who want to major in science or a STEM field should choose this section.

Colleges can decide whether they will treat the science as required, recommended, or optional.

Revised Composite Score

The ACT composite score will now consist only of English, math, and reading scores. This change reflects the ACT's emphasis on these core academic skills, which are considered essential for success in college. 

Students who choose to take the science section will receive a separate section score, similar to the writing score, which can be used for informational purposes or to meet specific college requirements.

Scoring will continue to be done on a 1-36 scale with no changes to state-specific achievement standards or ACT benchmarks.

Math Answer Choices

The reduction in the number of answer choices in math questions from five to four may seem like a minor change, but it could have a significant impact on student performance. By eliminating one answer choice, the ACT is reducing the probability of guessing correctly, making it more important for students to have a solid understanding of the underlying mathematical concepts.

Linear Testing

Unlike the digital SAT, which uses section adaptive testing, the ACT will continue to be a linear test. All students have the chance to demonstrate their best selves throughout the test.

Impact of the Changes to the ACT Exam

Students, tutors, and families need to prepare, both mentally and physically, for the enhanced ACT. These are our recommendations:

Impact on Tutors

The ACT modifications present both challenges and opportunities for tutors. On the one hand, tutors will need to adapt their teaching strategies to align with the new test format and content. This may involve developing new lesson plans, practice materials, and assessment tools.
On the other hand, the changes also provide tutors with a chance to showcase their expertise and help students navigate the evolving focus of the ACT. 

By staying informed about the latest developments and developing innovative teaching methods, tutors can position themselves as valuable resources for students seeking to excel on the ACT.

Impact on Students

The ACT changes will have a direct impact on students preparing for the exam. Students will need to adjust their study habits, test-taking strategies, and overall approach to the ACT. The shorter test duration, fewer questions, and more time per question may require students to develop greater efficiency and focus.
The optional science section also presents students with a strategic decision. They will need to carefully consider their strengths and weaknesses, as well as the requirements of their target colleges, to determine whether to include the science section in their composite score.

Actionable Strategies for Tutors

To effectively guide students through the digital ACT changes, tutors can implement the following strategies:

1. Familiarize Yourself with the New Format

Stay up-to-date on the latest ACT changes, including the new test format, question difficulty levels, and time per question.

2. Revise Your Teaching Strategy 

Adapt your lesson plans and teaching materials to align with the new ACT format. This may involve creating new practice questions, sample tests, and assessment tools.

3. Emphasize Time Management

Help students develop effective time management strategies for the ACT. Even though there will be fewer questions, the ACT has not provided any information yet on whether the difficulty level of the questions will increase. 

Teach students how to allocate their time wisely, pace themselves throughout the test, and avoid getting bogged down by difficult questions.

4. Focus on Core Skills

Reinforce students' understanding of the core academic skills assessed on the ACT. This includes English, math, and reading comprehension.

5. Offer Personalized Guidance

Provide students with individualized support and guidance based on their strengths, weaknesses, and goals. This may involve tailoring your teaching approach to meet each student's specific needs.

6. Incorporate Technology

Leverage technology to enhance your tutoring sessions. This may include using online resources, interactive software, and virtual practice tests administered via a platform like EdisonOS. It also allows you to offer personalized learning plans, practice questions, and feedback to help students improve their scores.

7. Mock Exams

Simulate the real test environment for your students. This can help students get used to the pressure and time constraints of the actual ACT exam.

8. Provide Feedback

Give your students timely and constructive feedback on their performance. This can help them identify areas for improvement and track their progress over time.

Practical Tips for Students and Parents

To help students succeed on the ACT, families can implement the following tips:

1. Start Preparing Early

Encourage students to begin preparing for the ACT early on during their high school. This will give them enough time to master the material and develop effective test-taking strategies.

2. Create a Study Plan

Develop a realistic and comprehensive study plan, which includes specific goals, timelines, and resources.

3. Utilize Practice ACT Tests

Encourage students to take practice tests regularly. This will help them become familiar with the test format, identify their strengths and weaknesses, and track their progress over time.

4. Seek ACT Tutoring Support

Consider hiring a qualified tutor to provide students with personalized guidance and support. A good tutor can help students learn the concepts, develop effective test-taking strategies, and build confidence.

5. Stay Informed About Digital ACT changes

Visit the ACT website frequently to learn about any changes to the format of the test. This will help you guide students effectively and make informed decisions about their test preparation.

6. Encourage students to focus on their strengths

Students should decide whether to include the science section based on their strengths, college requirements, and overall goals. If they want to pursue science courses in college, they should take the optional science section.

EdisonOS: Digital ACT Practice Platform 

The new ACT format, intended to modernize standardized testing for college admissions, is bound to overwhelm students at first. Although the scoring pattern remains the same, the difference in question difficulty and time per question may affect how a student attempts the test.

To enable them to take the test to the best of their abilities, you can offer updated, personalized mock tests in real-world environments via EdisonOS. You can also share detailed performance reports with parents to demonstrate how your battle-tested teaching methodologies are helping their children learn better.

To receive a walkthrough of how this works, book a demo to know more.

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FAQs 

Q: When will the ACT changes take effect?
A: The changes will take effect in phases, starting in April 2025 for students taking the ACT online and September 2025 for all students testing on a Saturday.

Q: Will the ACT continue to offer a paper-based version of the test?
A: Yes, the ACT will continue to offer a paper-based version of the test.

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Q: Will the ACT continue to offer accommodations for students with disabilities?

A: Yes, the ACT will continue to offer accommodations for students with disabilities.

Q: How will the ACT changes affect my college applications?

A: Colleges will be aware of the ACT changes and will take them into consideration when evaluating your application. It is important to report your scores accurately and provide any additional information that may be relevant.

Q: How will the optional science section affect my college applications?

A: Colleges will have different policies regarding the optional science section. Some colleges may require or recommend that you take the science section, while others may not consider it at all. It is important to check with your target colleges to determine their specific policies.

Q: Will the ACT continue to be scored on a scale of 1-36?

A: Yes, the ACT will continue to be scored on a scale of 1-36.

Q: Will the ACT continue to be used for college admissions and scholarship decisions?

A: Yes, the ACT will continue to be used for college admissions and scholarship decisions.

Q: How can I stay informed about the latest ACT changes?

A: You can stay informed about the latest ACT changes by visiting the ACT website, subscribing to the ACT newsletter, and following the ACT on social media.

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