The ACT, a cornerstone in college admissions testing, is poised for substantial changes come spring 2025. These updates promise to bring greater flexibility and reduced test fatigue, aligning the ACT more closely with student needs and contemporary education standards. This article will explore these pivotal changes, their implications for college admissions, and how they compare to the SAT, especially since its shift to a digital format.

Introduction to the New ACT Format

For decades, the ACT has been a comprehensive measure of high school achievement and college readiness, spanning English, Math, Reading, and Science. However, in response to evolving educational requirements and student feedback, ACT, Inc. has decided to implement significant changes by April 2025. These include making the Science section optional and shortening the overall test duration, which are among the most notable updates in the test’s history.

Detailed Changes to the ACT

1. Optional Science Section and Flexible Test Options: The transformation of the Science section from a compulsory to an optional part of the ACT is a strategic move to enhance test flexibility. This change allows students to tailor the test based on their strengths and academic interests. Beginning in 2025, students will have several options:

• ACT Core: This includes the essential sections of English, Math, and Reading.
• ACT with Science: Adds the Science section for those who want to demonstrate their proficiency in this area, particularly useful for STEM-oriented students.
• ACT with Writing: Includes the optional Writing section, often required by more selective colleges.
• ACT with Science and Writing: A comprehensive option that includes all sections, providing a full spectrum of a student’s capabilities.

2. Shortened Test Duration: The total time required to complete the ACT will be reduced, bringing the core test duration down to approximately two hours. This change addresses common concerns about test fatigue and helps maintain student focus and engagement throughout the examination.

3. Reduced Number of Questions: With fewer questions in the English, Reading, and Math sections, students will benefit from more time per question, potentially increasing their ability to perform well by reducing the rush often associated with standardized testing.

4. Streamlined Content and Structure: Efforts to make the test more accessible include shorter reading passages and more straightforward instructions, aiming to demystify the test-taking process and enhance student confidence.

Comparing the New ACT with the Digital SAT

Since the SAT transitioned to a digital format in 2023, it has attracted students with its shorter test duration and adaptive testing model. The digital SAT’s shift has set a new benchmark in standardized testing, prompting ACT, Inc. to revise their own format to stay competitive. The new changes to the ACT bring it closer in line with the SAT in terms of test length and flexibility, offering:

• Digital and Paper Options: Unlike the SAT that offers only digital testing, the ACT will continue to provide both digital and traditional paper formats, accommodating different student preferences and testing environments.
• Alignment with Educational Trends: Both tests now emphasize reduced stress and enhanced user experience, reflecting modern educational values and the realities of today’s students.
• Adaptive Testing vs. Static Format: One of the distinguishing features of the Digital SAT is its adaptive testing capability, which adjusts the difficulty of questions based on the test taker’s performance as they progress. This can lead to a more tailored and potentially fairer assessment of a student’s abilities. In contrast, the new ACT format, while streamlined and shorter, will maintain a static question set for all test takers, which may appeal to students who prefer a predictable testing experience.

• Technological Integration: The Digital SAT’s format leverages technology not only through its adaptive nature but also in how the test is administered and scored. This integration can lead to quicker results and potentially more accurate scoring. The ACT, offering both digital and paper options, provides traditional test takers with a familiar format while still catering to those who are comfortable with digital exams. This dual approach can be a decisive factor for students based on their access to technology and testing preferences.

• Impact on Test Preparation: The changes to the SAT and the new ACT will likely influence how students prepare for these exams. The Digital SAT’s adaptive nature might require a focus on broader concept mastery to prepare for varying levels of difficulty within the test, while the new ACT’s consistent format and reduced content scope might allow for more targeted preparation strategies. Students will need to consider these differences when choosing preparation resources and strategies.

Get in touch with our experts to know which test would be best suited for you.

Conclusion

The 2025 updates to the ACT are designed to make this critical college admissions test more adaptable and less daunting for students across the globe. By offering a more customizable testing experience and reducing overall test time, the ACT is set to remain a key player in college admissions. Understanding these changes will enable students to better prepare and optimize their approach to college readiness. As these updates are implemented, staying informed will be key to leveraging the new opportunities they present.

These modifications not only prepare students better but also keep pace with digital advancements in educational testing, reflecting a commitment to evolving with educational standards and student needs.