Summary of Changes to the Enhanced ACT
The Enhanced ACT, launched in 2025, represents the most significant redesign in the test's history. This page covers every major change and what it means for students and families.
Before vs. Now
Classic ACT (Before 2025)
- 4 mandatory sections + optional Writing
- 215 questions across core sections
- ~2 hours 55 minutes of testing
- Composite = average of English, Math, Reading, Science
- Math: 60 questions, 5 answer choices
- Science: mandatory, counted toward Composite
- Dedicated experimental section (20 min)
Enhanced ACT (2025–2026)
- 3 core sections + optional Science + optional Writing
- 131 questions in core sections
- ~2 hours 5 minutes of core testing
- Composite = average of English, Math, Reading
- Math: 45 questions, 4 answer choices
- Science: optional, separate score + STEM composite
- No dedicated experimental section (field-test items embedded)
Section-by-Section Comparison
| Section | Classic Questions | Enhanced Questions | Classic Time | Enhanced Time | Time/Question Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| English | 75 | 50 | 45 min | 35 min | +17% (36s → 42s) |
| Math | 60 | 45 | 60 min | 50 min | +11% (60s → 67s) |
| Reading | 40 | 36 | 35 min | 40 min | +27% (53s → 67s) |
| Science (optional) | 40 (mandatory) | 40 (optional) | 35 min | 40 min | +15% (53s → 60s) |
| Core Total | 175 (scored) | 131 given (113 scored) | 140 min | 125 min | ~18% more overall |
Key Changes Explained
Shorter Test, More Time per Question
The Enhanced ACT core is about 2 hours and 5 minutes — roughly 50 minutes shorter than the classic format. Despite the shorter total time, students get significantly more time per question because the question count dropped more steeply than the time. Reading, for instance, went from about 53 seconds per question to 67 seconds — a 27% increase.
New Composite Scoring
The Composite score is now the average of three sections: English, Math, and Reading — each scored on the 1–36 scale. Science no longer counts toward the Composite. This means each core section carries more weight: a strong or weak score in any one section has a bigger impact on your Composite than before.
Math: 4 Answer Choices
Math questions now have 4 answer choices instead of 5. This simplifies the elimination process but means each question carries more weight in the score conversion, since there are only 45 questions compared to the previous 60. The content has also shifted slightly toward more advanced algebra, coordinate geometry, and trigonometry, with fewer basic arithmetic problems.
Embedded Field-Test Items
The classic ACT had a dedicated 20-minute experimental section. The Enhanced format eliminates this block. Instead, a small number of unscored field-test items are embedded within the scored sections (5 in English, 4 in Math, 9 in Reading, and approximately 6 in Science). Students cannot identify which items are field-test, so it's important to answer every question with full effort.
Not every question on the Enhanced ACT counts toward your score. Each section contains unscored field-test questions that are being evaluated for future tests. You cannot tell which questions are experimental, so answer every question with full effort.
English: 45 scored out of 50 total. Math: 41 scored out of 45 total. Reading: 27 scored out of 36 total. Core total: 113 scored out of 131 given.
Optional Sections
The Science section is 40 questions in 40 minutes, scored 1–36. It primarily tests data interpretation and scientific reasoning — not memorized facts. When taken, it produces a standalone Science score and a STEM composite (average of Math + Science). Students applying to engineering, pre-med, computer science, or other STEM programs should seriously consider taking it. The add-on cost is just $4. Always verify requirements with your target colleges.
The Writing section is a 40-minute argumentative essay scored 2–12. It does not affect the Composite score and is reported separately. Very few colleges currently require or recommend ACT Writing. Unless your specific target schools explicitly require it, taking the Writing section is generally unnecessary. The add-on cost is $25. Check each college's admissions testing policy before deciding.
What This Means for Students
Accuracy Over Speed
With fewer questions and more time, the Enhanced ACT rewards careful, accurate work rather than pure speed. Careless errors are more costly when each question represents a larger share of your score.
Check With Your Colleges
Colleges set their own policies on optional sections, superscoring across classic and enhanced formats, and score reporting. Always verify directly with each school you plan to apply to.
Prepare for the Right Format
Make sure your practice materials match the Enhanced ACT format — 4 math answer choices, shorter sections, updated content balance. Outdated prep materials may not reflect the current test.