The Enhanced ACT: What’s Changed and What You Need to Know 

The SAT is not the only test that was recently rebooted. The ACT is undergoing some changes we believe you should know, even if you’re not planning on taking the test. Let’s debrief the changes, aka the Enhanced ACT, and what they mean for you.

Overall Changes–Fewer, but More Challenging Questions

The Enhanced ACT will have a reduced number of questions, shortened test time, more time per question, reduced answer choices (from 5 to 4), and an optional science section. 

While there will be fewer questions, the questions students receive will have more weight. This means that the old tactic of skipping the most difficult questions is not going to safeguard you. Preliminary studies show that the Enhanced ACT has more analytical, longer questions. Generally speaking, this takes a larger toll on low-scoring students. To combat this, we recommend heavily studying English, Math, and Reading fundamentals. Here is the breakdown: 

English: Shorter passages, less focus on idioms, more focus on the expression of ideas and clarity of language (usually found in the form of editing)

Math: fewer questions on precalculus, more focus on Algebra I & II, Geometry, and Statistics and Probability, only four answer choices (down from five)

Reading: nine questions per passage instead of 10

Science: remains similar, but optional 

Optional Science Section (But Choose to Opt In) 

The science section is optional. For the online format, the science section has been optional since April 2025. These changes will apply to the paper tests in September 2025. However, just because it’s optional does not mean you should not take it. 

We strongly encourage students to take the science portion of the exam, even if Harvard and Yale do not require them. For reference, Universities like Boston University require all ACT subsection scores to be submitted, whereas for universities like Brown and Columbia, the science section is optional. 

Superscore Policy 

Beginning September 2025, ACT Superscores will only include English, Math, and Reading. Science will not be calculated in superscores. However, even if science is optional, we recommend you submit your science score, especially if you excel in science. 

Digital vs Paper Version (Choose the Paper Version—It’s More Reliable)

The ACT digital version is now more readily available for students, but many have noted technical glitches like unsavable features and malfunctioning calculators. 

Enhanced ACT Full Transition Fall 205 

Since the ACT will not have paper test changes until September 2025, students may encounter two versions of the test. The Enhanced ACT will be implemented during digital and weekend tests. During school-day testing, students may encounter either the original ACT or the Enhanced test. Generally speaking, if you are taking the digital version, you will take the Enhanced version. 

Key Takeaways

• Overall Changes:
  • English: Shorter passages, less focus on idioms, more focus on the expression of ideas and clarity of language (usually found in the form of editing)
  • Math: fewer questions on precalculus, more focus on Algebra I & II, Geometry, and Statistics and Probability, only four answer choices (down from five)
  • Reading: nine questions per passage instead of 10
  • Science: remains similar, but optional 
• The Enhanced ACT is rolling out. Students who take the digital version are already taking the Enhanced ACT. Students who take the paper version will take the Enhanced ACT in Fall 2025.
• We recommend the paper version over the digital version since there are fewer system errors. 
• The science section is optional, but we recommend students take it because not all schools have officially stated whether they require the science section.