Upcoming Changes to the ACT Exam: A Comprehensive Guide

The ACT is a critical component for students aiming to attend college in the United States. With major changes to the ACT exam set to roll out in 2025, it’s crucial to understand what these changes entail, why they are necessary, and how they will impact students.

In this detailed guide, we’ll explore the upcoming changes to the ACT, discuss why these adjustments are being made, and explain how students can best prepare for the new format with the help of Matheaze Tutors.

The ACT’s upcoming changes are largely a response to feedback from both students and educators. Over the years, concerns have been raised about the test’s length, time constraints, and the relevance of certain sections, particularly the Science portion. By making the Science section optional and reducing the number of questions in each section, the ACT aims to make the test more manageable and less stressful for students​ (ACT)​ (Collegewise).

Aligning with Modern Educational Trends

Another reason for these changes is to align the ACT with modern educational trends, which emphasize critical thinking and problem-solving over rote memorization. The new format is designed to test students’ depth of knowledge and analytical skills, rather than just their ability to recall facts quickly​ (Collegewise).

Enhancing Accessibility and Fairness

The ACT is also striving to enhance accessibility and fairness with these changes. By offering multiple versions of the test (with or without Science and Writing), the ACT allows students to tailor the exam to their strengths and the requirements of the colleges they are applying to. This flexibility aims to level the playing field, giving all students a fair chance to succeed​ (Collegewise)​ (Ivy Tutors Network).

What Is Changing?

1. Optional Science Section

One of the most significant changes is that the Science section will become optional. This adjustment reduces the test duration from three hours to two hours for the core sections (English, Math, and Reading). Students who feel confident in their science skills can still opt to take this section, but it is no longer mandatory​ (ACT)​ (Collegewise).

2. Shorter Sections with Fewer Questions

The English, Math, and Reading sections will all have fewer questions, making the test shorter and less time-consuming:

• English: Reduced to 50 questions (from 75)
• Math: Reduced to 45 questions (from 60)
• Reading: Reduced to 36 questions (from 40)

Despite the reduction in the number of questions, students will have more time per question, which is intended to reduce stress and improve performance​ (Collegewise).

3. Multiple Test Versions

Students can choose from four different versions of the ACT:

• The ACT: Includes only the English, Math, and Reading sections.
• ACT Plus Science: Adds the optional Science section.
• ACT Plus Writing: Adds the optional Writing section.
• ACT Plus Science and Writing: Includes both the Science and Writing sections.

This allows students to customize their test experience based on their strengths and the college requirements they need to meet​ (Collegewise).

4. Digital and Paper-Based Options

The new ACT format will be available both digitally and on paper. The digital format, which will be rolled out first in April 2025, offers a more streamlined and flexible testing experience. The paper-based version will follow in September 2025, with both formats fully adopting the changes by spring 2026​ (ACT)​ (Ivy Tutors Network).

How Do These Changes Affect Me?

Impact on Test Preparation

For current high school students, especially those graduating in 2025 or later, these changes will impact how you prepare for the ACT. You’ll need to adapt your study strategies to focus more on the core sections of English, Math, and Reading, especially if you decide not to take the optional Science section. Additionally, with fewer questions and more time per question, practice exams will be crucial to getting used to the new pacing of the test​ (Collegewise).

College Admissions Implications

The ACT will continue to play a significant role in college admissions. However, the changes may affect how colleges interpret scores, particularly if you choose to skip the Science or Writing sections. It’s essential to research the requirements of the colleges you are interested in and plan your ACT strategy accordingly​ (Ivy Tutors Network).

More Options, More Flexibility

The introduction of multiple test versions allows you to play to your strengths. If you excel in science, including the Science section can enhance your college application. Conversely, if science isn’t your strong suit, you can focus on maximizing your scores in the English, Math, and Reading sections​ (Collegewise).

How to Prepare for the New ACT Format

Focus on Core Subjects

With the Science section becoming optional, it’s more important than ever to excel in the core subjects. English, Math, and Reading will be the primary determinants of your ACT score, so a strong foundation in these areas is crucial.

Leverage Official ACT Prep Resources

The official ACT prep materials, updated to reflect the new format, are invaluable. These resources include practice tests, study guides, and online tools that will help you become familiar with the revised structure and content of the ACT​ (ACT).

Consider the Benefits of Digital Testing

If you are comfortable with technology, the digital version of the ACT might be the best option for you. It offers a more streamlined testing experience and quicker score reporting, but make sure you practice with the digital interface beforehand to avoid any surprises on test day​ (Ivy Tutors Network).

How Matheaze Tutors Can Help You Succeed

Personalized Tutoring Tailored to the New ACT

At Matheaze Tutors, we understand the challenges that come with preparing for a standardized test, especially with the upcoming changes to the ACT. Our personalized tutoring programs are specifically designed to help you navigate these changes and achieve your best possible score. Here’s how we can help:

• Diagnostic Assessments: We begin with a diagnostic test to identify your strengths and weaknesses, allowing us to create a customized study plan that targets the areas where you need the most improvement.
• Targeted Practice Sessions: Our tutors provide practice sessions that mimic the new ACT format, focusing on the core sections and helping you get comfortable with the shorter, more focused test.
• Flexible Scheduling: We offer flexible tutoring sessions that fit into your schedule, whether you prefer in-person or online tutoring.
• Stress Management and Test-Taking Strategies: With the new format allowing more time per question, managing stress and time effectively is crucial. Our tutors provide strategies to help you stay calm and focused during the test.

Access to Up-to-Date Study Materials

Matheaze Tutors provides access to the latest study materials, including those updated to reflect the new ACT format. This ensures that you are studying the most relevant content, giving you a competitive edge.

Continuous Support from Start to Finish

From your first tutoring session to test day, Matheaze Tutors is with you every step of the way. We offer continuous support, answering any questions you have and adjusting your study plan as needed to ensure you are fully prepared.

Conclusion

The upcoming changes to the ACT are designed to improve the testing experience by offering more flexibility and reducing time pressure. Understanding these changes and preparing effectively will be crucial for success. With the personalized support from Matheaze Tutors, you can confidently navigate the new ACT format and achieve your college admissions goals.

For more information on how Matheaze Tutors can help you succeed on the ACT, visit Matheaze Tutors or contact us today.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Will Colleges Still Accept the ACT?

Yes, colleges will continue to accept the ACT as a part of the college admissions process. The test’s importance in the admissions process remains unchanged, and many institutions still require standardized test scores for applications, especially competitive schools​ (Ivy Tutors Network).

2. Should I Take the Optional Science Section?

Whether or not to take the optional Science section depends on your strengths and the requirements of the colleges to which you are applying. If you excel in science, taking the section could bolster your application. However, if science is not your strong suit, you may opt to focus on the core sections to maximize your score​ (Ivy Tutors Network).

3. How Will These Changes Affect My Scores?

The scoring scale for the ACT will remain the same, but with fewer questions, each one will carry more weight. This could potentially make it easier to achieve a higher score if you are well-prepared​ (Ivy Tutors Network).

4. What Resources Are Available for the New ACT Format?

The ACT organization will update their official prep materials to align with the new test format. Additionally, Matheaze Tutors offers personalized tutoring services that include up-to-date study materials and targeted practice sessions to help you succeed​ (ACT)​ (Ivy Tutors Network).