
What You Need to Know About the ACT Changes in 2025
- Posted by Kathleen
- Categories College Admissions, High School, SAT & ACT
- Date January 22, 2025
The ACT is evolving in 2025, introducing changes that aim to streamline the test-taking experience while maintaining its reliability and relevance for college admissions. These updates will affect both online and paper tests, starting in April 2025 for online testers and September 2025 for paper-based exams. Here’s a breakdown of the changes and how to adjust your preparation strategy.
Key Changes to the ACT Format
Shorter Test with Fewer Questions
The ACT will now have 44 fewer questions and a reduced test time, meaning students can complete the required sections in just 125 minutes (down from 195 minutes). This change allows more time per question, reducing the pressure during the test.
Optional Science Section
Students can choose whether to include the science section. The Composite score will now only include English, math, and reading, while the science score will be reported separately for those who opt to take it.
Simplified Math Questions
The math section has been updated to include fewer answer choices—four instead of five—making it slightly more approachable.

What’s Staying the Same
- Scoring Scale: The ACT Composite score will remain on a 1–36 scale.
- Content Areas: The knowledge and skills measured (e.g., algebra, reading comprehension) are unchanged.
- Superscoring: Students can still benefit from Superscoring, which combines the highest section scores across multiple test dates.
What Does This Mean for Test Prep?
Adjust Focus to Core Sections:
With the Composite score now based only on English, math, and reading, students should prioritize mastering these sections. Those planning to pursue STEM fields should also prepare for the optional science section.
Practice with New Timing:
The updated timing per question requires students to adapt their pacing. Practice tests will be available in early 2025 to help students prepare for the revised format.
Stay Flexible:
The optional science section offers flexibility, but it’s essential to know your college admissions goals. STEM-focused students should still plan to take the science section to provide a complete picture of their skills.
Use Current Resources:
Current ACT prep materials remain valuable since the types of questions and the content being tested haven’t changed. However, students should supplement their preparation with updated materials as they’re released.
Who Benefits from the Changes?
These enhancements make the ACT more accessible to diverse learners:
- Students with Test Anxiety: Shorter tests and more time per question can reduce stress.
- STEM and Non-STEM Students: By making the science section optional, students can tailor the test to their strengths and goals.
- All Students: The reduced length allows for more focused preparation and testing experiences.
Key Dates
- April 2025: Online ACT launches with the updated format.
- September 2025: Paper ACT introduces the new format.
At Mulholland Prep, our counselors and tutors are here to help you navigate these updates and ensure you feel confident and prepared. Stay tuned for updated prep resources and tailored strategies as the changes roll out, and don’t forget to take our free SAT-ACT Diagnostic.

About Our Tutors
At Mulholland Prep, our skilled tutors are passionate about helping students excel in every subject. Whether it’s mastering math concepts, improving reading comprehension, or boosting study skills, our team provides personalized support designed to meet each student’s unique needs. With a focus on building confidence and long-lasting academic success, our tutors are here to guide you every step of the way.
Ready to take your learning to the next level? Enroll today!
Kathleen is a manager at Mulholland Prep. Drawing on years of experience as an educator, she writes to provide accessible resources for students, parents, and other teachers.
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