Timeline of Changes to the ACT
The ACT has undergone its most significant redesign in decades. Here is a chronological overview of when each major change took effect and what to expect going forward.
The Traditional Format
For decades, the ACT consisted of four mandatory sections: English (75 questions, 45 min), Math (60 questions, 60 min), Reading (40 questions, 35 min), and Science (40 questions, 35 min). The Composite score was the average of all four sections. Writing was an optional fifth section. Math had 5 answer choices per question. Total testing time was approximately 2 hours 55 minutes for the four core sections.
Enhanced ACT Debuts for Online Test-Takers
The shorter Enhanced ACT format launched for students taking the National Saturday ACT online. Key changes effective immediately for online testers:
- Shorter test: English 50 questions (35 min), Math 45 questions (50 min), Reading 36 questions (40 min)
- Science became optional — no longer part of the Composite score
- Math answer choices reduced from 5 to 4
- More time per question across all sections
- Composite score now based on English, Math, and Reading only
Note: Paper test-takers continued with the classic format through this period.
All National Saturday Test-Takers Transition
The Enhanced ACT format became the standard for all national Saturday test administrations — both online and paper. From this date forward:
- All students take the shorter format regardless of testing medium
- Science is optional for everyone (40 questions, 40 min, $4 add-on)
- The Composite officially shifts to the 3-section average (English + Math + Reading)
- The ACT Superscore Report begins using the new core Composite format
- The dedicated experimental section is removed; field-test items are embedded in scored sections
State and District Testing Context
The Enhanced ACT format continues to expand into state-funded and district-mandated testing programs. Some states use the ACT as their official assessment for all juniors. The transition timeline for school-day testing may vary by state contract and district policy. Students taking the ACT through school-day programs should check with their school counselor about which format applies.
What Changed? Quick Summary
- Test length: Core ACT is now ~2 hours (125 minutes) instead of ~2 hours 55 minutes
- Question count: 131 core questions (was 215 across 4 mandatory sections)
- Time per question: 18–27% more time per question across all sections
- Science: Optional — does not affect Composite; produces standalone + STEM scores
- Writing: Remains optional — has been optional for years; reported separately
- Math: 4 answer choices instead of 5; 45 questions in 50 minutes
- Composite: Average of English, Math, and Reading only
- Experimental section: Removed; field-test items embedded in scored sections
Online vs. Paper Timeline
| Date | Online Testing | Paper Testing |
|---|---|---|
| Before April 2025 | Classic format | Classic format |
| April 2025 | Enhanced format (shorter, Science optional) | Classic format (unchanged) |
| September 2025 | Enhanced format | Enhanced format (fully transitioned) |
| Spring 2026 | Enhanced format standard; state/district rollout continues | |
The ACT Writing section (optional 40-minute essay) has been optional for years and remains optional under the Enhanced ACT. It is scored separately on a 2–12 scale and does not affect the Composite. Very few colleges require it — check with your target schools before adding it.