ACT Test Enhancements
The ACT Test is Evolving
Starting in April 2025, students who choose to test online will have more flexibility and choice, experience a shorter test, and get more time to respond to each question.
Beginning with the September 2025 test, all students testing on a Saturday, either online or on paper, will experience these benefits.
Schools and districts will have these options starting in spring 2026.
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April 2025
ACT National Online Only
September 2025
- ACT National Paper & International
- Updated Composite Score for All ACT Tests
Spring 2026
State & District Spring 2026 Testing
Student Feedback Aligned with Enhancements
What We Heard | How the ACT is Improving | What This Means for the Testing Experience |
---|---|---|
"The test is too long, I need more time!” |
|
A test that's more manageable so students can shine, while also maintaining the integrity and rigor of the ACT that colleges rely on and trust to aid in the admissions process and get students placed into the right courses. |
"The science section scares me." | Students can now choose to take the ACT with or without science. | More choice and more flexibility, allowing students to tailor their experience to fit their needs. This gives them more control over their testing experience. |
"I want to show off my science and math skills for my major." | The score report will include a science score and a STEM score if students choose to take the science section. | If a student is planning to take science courses in college, they still have the option of taking the ACT with science to showcase their skills and work toward their future goals. |
"I don't want to test on a computer. I still want paper." | The choice is still theirs! The ACT is available via paper/pencil or online. | Students can test the way they feel most comfortable and show off their best performance. Note: If choosing to test online, these enhancements will be made available beginning with the April 2025 ACT test. These enhancements to the test will take effect, regardless of testing mode, beginning with the September 2025 ACT test. |
Why are these enhancements happening?
ACT is committed to continuous improvement, alignment to assessment industry best practices, and innovation to make the ACT test primed for student success and college admission.
- ACT wants students to show up with their best self on test day, creating more opportunities for college admission, scholarships, and more.
- ACT wants students to have the flexibility and choice to determine how they will test.
- ACT wants students to demonstrate their true capabilities and potential, always.
- ACT wants students to tailor their testing experience to fit their future goals and highlight their strengths.
Learn more about the ACT test enhancements in this blog post from ACT CEO Janet Godwin. She writes about how ACT is evolving to meet the needs of our students by providing students with choice, flexibility, and accessibility. Get the scoop on what’s changing, what’s staying the same, and what that means for you.
What’s staying the same?
- The ACT is based on your high school curriculum.
- Scores give students the opportunity to qualify for scholarships.
- The ACT is an effective tool to help ensure students are placed in the right classes in college.
- The score scale will remain 1-36.
- Scores from tests taken prior to the rollout of the new Composite score will not change.
- The reliability and validity of the test that colleges and universities have trusted and relied on for the past 65 years.
- Students will still be able to choose between paper or online.