The ACT is undergoing a significant transformation in 2025 to improve the testing experience and better meet the requirements of students. Based on feedback from educators and students, these modifications seek to minimize stress and improve the efficiency with which college preparedness is assessed. Here's a thorough overview of what's new:
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Key Changes to the ACT Format in 2025
Shorter Testing Time
The total testing time for the test (excluding optional parts) will be reduced from 195 minutes to 125 minutes. This reduction will help students focus better on each question without feeling overwhelmed by the lengthy testing session.
Fewer Questions
In all sections, questions will come down from 215 to 171, hence saving time on every question for students. Here's a breakdown of the new format:
English: 50 questions (down from 75), 35 minutes
Math: 45 questions (down from 60), 50 minutes
Reading: 36 questions (down from 40), 40 minutes
Science (optional): It remains at 40 questions but will be reported separately.
Optional Science Section
The original mandatory Science section is no longer required. Students will have their own Science and STEM composite scores, measuring both Math and Science. The composite score will continue to contain the English, Math, and Reading results, thus providing much more flexibility.
Fewer Choices in Math Answer Options
The Math section will have four answer choices instead of five to streamline the decision-making process. This will help students concentrate more on problem-solving rather than getting bogged down by an extra option.
New ACT Format
The new ACT format will consist of five sections, as outlined below:
English: 50 questions, 35 minutes
Math: 45 questions, 50 minutes
Reading: 36 questions, 40 minutes
Science (Optional): 40 questions, 40 minutes
Writing (Optional): One task, 40 minutes
Students will be able to choose whether to take the optional sections (Science and Writing) when registering for the test, giving them more control over their testing experience.
Implementation Timeline
The new ACT will first be released digitally in April 2025. The paper version will become available this September. By Spring 2026, all school-day tests will have new features, so every student who takes the ACT will have a chance to experience this change.
Why These Changes Matter
The changes consider student and educator feedback. The new format is intended to reduce testing fatigue, allow more time per question for students, and offer a more flexible and less stressful testing experience. The ACT organization hopes to keep its assessment relevant and effective for college admissions while empowering students with greater control over their testing experience.
These changes will ensure that the ACT remains a strong assessment tool for determining college readiness while making the test less burdensome for students. This shorter, streamlined format will better meet the needs of today's students with the 2025 ACT.
Conclusion
The changes to the ACT provide a more straightforward, more manageable path to college admissions. With a shorter test duration, fewer questions, and optional sections, the new format ensures students can showcase their abilities without unnecessary stress. Preparing for the 2025 ACT? Stay updated with the latest developments to give yourself the best chance of success.
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