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The ACT just underwent its most significant overhaul in history between 2025 and 2026. As a parent, understanding these shifts is key to helping your student decide when and how to test.

What are the major changes to the ACT in 2025-2026?
The test is becoming significantly shorter—dropping from 3 hours to roughly 2 hours—with 44 fewer questions. Students will also have roughly 22% more time per question, reducing the "race against the clock" feel.
Is the Science section still required?
No. Starting in September 2025 for all Saturday testing, the Science section is optional, much like the Writing section.
How is the "New" Composite Score calculated?
The composite score (1–36) will now be the average of only three sections: English, Math, and Reading. If your child takes the optional Science section, they will receive a separate Science score and a STEM score (average of Math and Science), but it won't affect their main composite.
Can my child choose between paper and digital?
Yes. Unlike the SAT, which is now digital-only, the ACT continues to offer both paper-and-pencil and online options.
Is the digital ACT "adaptive" like the SAT?
No. The ACT remains a linear test, meaning every student sees the same set of questions in the same order regardless of how they perform on earlier sections.
Has the Math section changed?
Yes. Math questions now have 4 answer choices instead of 5, bringing it in line with the other sections and slightly improving guessing odds.
Will "Superscoring" still work with the old and new versions?
Yes. ACT Superscoring will combine the best section scores from different test dates, even if one was the "legacy" version and one is the "enhanced" version.
Are there unscored "experimental" questions?
Yes. Instead of a separate 5th section, experimental questions are now embedded throughout the core sections. Students won't know which ones are unscored, so they must treat every question as if it counts.
How much does it cost now?
The core ACT (English, Math, Reading) is approximately $68. Adding Science typically adds $4, and Writing adds about $25.
How should they prepare?
With us at ACE Test Prep!!