The ACT Has Changed.
Here's What You Need to Know.
The Enhanced ACT is shorter, Science is optional, and your Composite score is now based on three sections. Get the facts before you register.
What Is the Enhanced ACT?
Starting in 2025, the ACT underwent its most significant redesign in decades.
Shorter Test
The core ACT is now about 2 hours — down from nearly 3. Fewer questions, more time per item. Not all questions are scored — some are unscored field-test questions embedded throughout each section.
Science Is Optional
Science no longer counts toward your Composite. It's a separate, optional 40-minute section — recommended for STEM applicants.
New Composite Scoring
Your Composite is now the average of English, Math, and Reading. Three sections, not four.
Writing Still Optional
The ACT Writing essay remains an optional add-on. Very few colleges require it — check with your target schools.
Math: 4 Answer Choices
Math questions now have 4 answer choices instead of 5, with 45 questions in 50 minutes.
More Time per Question
Students get roughly 18–27% more time per question across all sections compared to the classic ACT.
Should You Take Optional Science or Writing?
Strongly recommended if you're applying to STEM programs, engineering schools, or pre-med tracks. Your Science score produces a STEM composite (average of Math + Science) that can strengthen a technical application. Always verify with your target colleges.
Generally not recommended unless your target colleges specifically require or strongly prefer it. Most institutions no longer require the ACT essay. Check directly with each school before adding it to your registration.
Explore the Guide
Timeline of Changes
See when each change took effect — from the April 2025 online rollout to the September 2025 paper transition.
View Timeline →Summary of Changes
A complete breakdown of what's different in the Enhanced ACT — before vs. now tables, scoring, and structure.
Read Summary →Current ACT Overview
The current section-by-section breakdown: question counts, time limits, scoring, and format.
See Overview →ACT FAQs
80+ answers about registration, scoring, superscoring, test day, accommodations, and more.
Browse FAQs →ACT Test Prep
Editorially ranked test-prep resources to help you prepare effectively for the Enhanced ACT.
See Recommendations →Blog & Guides
In-depth articles on ACT strategy, registration tips, and whether to take optional sections.
Read Articles →EnhancedACT.org is an independently operated informational website. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by ACT, ACT Education Corp., or act.org. For official information and registration, visit www.act.org.