The Times They Are A’changin
ACT introduced two separate, big changes this year - a “Computer” version and an “Enhanced” version of the test.
Most Park City High School Students took the “Computer” version of the “Classic” test this past March. The test had the same questions and timing as the paper version of the test, hence dubbed “Classic.” Starting in April 2025, all Computer versions will be a different test – shorter, more time per question, and Science is optional. ACT calls the new version “Enhanced.”
Is anything the same? Yes!
ACT will continue to have a paper option
Its content remains largely the same
Scores will remain on the 1–36 scale and are comparable between old and new formats
The Writing (essay) test will continue to be optional
ACT will not use section adaptive testing like the SAT
So, what will be different?
Shorter test - 2 hours 5 minutes (without science) compared to 2 hours and 55 minutes
Fewer questions – 171 vs 215
Math questions will have 4 answer choices instead of 5
Science is optional
Composite score will be the average of English, reading, and math; the optional science score will be presented as a separate score
Final 20-minute “5th section” is removed; Experimental questions will be spread throughout the test; Students will not know if they are answering a scored or unscored question.
Our recommendation is to test on paper, with science, and without the writing.
Why paper?
If you are testing in June or July, the biggest advantage to testing on paper is that you will be taking the Classic test. There is a rich library of past Classic practice tests compared to only 4 published Enhanced practice tests. Four tests are not enough to rigorously prepare students.
Another advantage is that many students benefit from being able to mark up charts, math problems, and reading passages on paper. While the computer version has some ability to highlight passages, the tools do not work consistently.
As with any computer roll-out, there are always some growing pains. You can expect the first administrations of the computer version will have technical and administrative difficulties.
Scoring on the Enhanced version will likely be more punitive. With fewer questions and embedded experimental questions, there is less room for error. On the December 2024 English test, a student could get 4 incorrect answers on 75 questions and still score 35 – a near-perfect score. In the Enhanced test, only 40 of the 50 questions will count towards your score. For practice test 1 in the Official ACT Guide 2025-2036, 4 incorrect answers will score a 31.
Why science?
Taking the science test is the only safe choice at this point. Most colleges are still deciding what their position on science will be for the new test. Boston University recently announced that Science will be required, while most schools in Florida state it is “advisable,” and Utah - like most schools - hasn’t decided yet what their policy will be. You can look up school testing policies in this chart by Compass Education Group.
Even if colleges don’t require science, scholarship programs may. For example, the science section is currently a part of the composite score required by the Bright Futures Scholarship Program in Florida.
Why skip writing?
In 2021, the College Board discontinued the Optional Essay. Very few colleges require the essay, with West Point dropping the requirement this year.
Our recommendation is to test on paper, with science, and without the writing.
Do you still have questions?
We would be happy to discuss these changes as well as the SAT as a possible alternative for rising juniors. You can schedule a complimentary consultation with either Kelly or Sharman.