What changed on the ACT in 2025?
Updated November 3, 2026 · facts checked against College Board and ACT sources listed below
Short answer
Since 2025 the ACT is shorter and Science is optional. The core test is English (50 questions, 35 minutes), Math (45 questions, 50 minutes) and Reading (36 questions, 40 minutes): 131 questions in about 2 hours 5 minutes, and the Composite is the average of those three. Science (40 questions, 40 minutes) and Writing are optional add-ons; Science is reported separately and feeds a STEM score.
Section by section
- English: 50 questions in 35 minutes.
- Math: 45 questions in 50 minutes, now with four answer choices instead of five; a calculator is allowed on the whole section.
- Reading: 36 questions in 40 minutes.
- Science (optional): 40 questions in 40 minutes. If taken, it is reported on its own and combined with Math into a STEM score.
- Writing (optional): the essay, scored separately.
When the changes started
The enhanced format began with online testing in spring 2025 and became standard for paper testing on national test dates from September 2025. Each section still includes a few unscored field-test questions.
What it means for you
- The Composite (1–36) now reflects English, Math and Reading only.
- Superscores for the enhanced ACT combine your best English, Math and Reading across test dates; Science is not part of it.
- If you are aiming at engineering, science or other STEM programs, check whether those programs want to see a Science score before deciding to skip it.
Common questions
How long is the ACT now?
About 2 hours 5 minutes for English, Math and Reading. Optional Science adds 40 minutes and the optional Writing essay adds 40 more.
Is ACT Science still required?
No. Since 2025 it is optional and not included in the Composite score. Some STEM programs may still value it.
How is the ACT Composite calculated now?
It is the average of your English, Math and Reading scores (each 1–36), rounded to a whole number.
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Sources
Policies and formats change; confirm details on collegeboard.org or act.org before you register.