New, Enhanced ACT has arrived… but not quite for everyone (yet)

Originally posted Jul 23, 2024. Updated March 28, 2025.

Enhanced ACT: Shorter Exam

Duration: The new Enhanced ACT is about 2 hours long (125 minutes), with 44 fewer questions compared to the previous version. There is now more time available per question. See a full breakdown in the table below.

Answer Choices on the Math section: Reduced from 5 answer choices to 4 answer choices.

Optional Science Test

• The Science Test will now be optional for the new digital ACT. Students can choose from these options:

• The ACT (core exam)

• The ACT plus Science

• The ACT plus Writing

• The ACT plus Science and Writing

The Composite score will now include only Reading, English, and Math, not Science.

Making the Test More Manageable

The ACT claims these changes aim to make the test more manageable for students.

Digital ACT Availability

The digital ACT is now available for online testing beginning in April 2025. However, due to varying regional availability, many students will still only have access to the traditional paper version. ACT claims that colleges will treat digital ACT scores as equivalent to paper-based scores. This means that no matter which format you choose, your score will be interpreted on the same 1–36 scale, and the college admission counselors shouldn’t factor the modality, online vs. paper, into the college admission’s decision. 

Paper ACT:  2-Hours or 3-Hours long?

• Spring 2025 Test Dates:

If you choose the paper version in the spring (e.g., April, June, July 2025), you'll still be taking the classic 3‑hour (175 minutes) exam. This version continues to include the Science section as part of your composite score.

• Fall Test Dates:

Beginning in September 2025, the paper exam will be updated to the new, shortened “enhanced” format—similar to the digital version (125 minutes). In this format, the exam is shorter with fewer questions, and the composite score is calculated only from English, Math, and Reading scores. The Science section will be optional and reported separately, just like the digital exam.

Timing & Questions Breakdown:  Traditional ACT vs. Enhanced  ACT 

				Traditional ACT	Enhanced ACT
Test	Number of Questions	Minutes per Test	Test	Number of Questions	Minutes per Test
English	75	45	English	50	35
Math	60	60	Math	45	50
Reading	40	35	Reading	36	40
Science	40	35	Science (Optional)	40	40
Writing (Optional)	1	40	Writing (Optional)	1	40

Traditional ACT average time per question: ~49 seconds

Core Enhanced ACT average time per question: ~57 seconds

Enhanced ACT Plus Science average time per question: ~58 seconds

Our Thoughts

With these changes, the ACT and SAT are becoming more similar in length and structure.

Over the past year, many of the students we have consulted with have opted to go with the SAT over the ACT primarily because the Digital SAT had been shorter than the ACT.  With this new shorter ACT, the exam length should be less of a consideration when deciding between the two exams. 

If you would like personalized guidance in best preparing your TRIO students for the SAT or ACT,  schedule a consult with one of our Expert Directors today.

Read the Original Post for Context

ACT Changes Coming Spring 2025

It was only a matter of time. The ACT is introducing some major changes starting in Spring 2025 in response to College Board's new Digital SAT. Here’s what you need to know:

Shorter Exam

• Starting Spring 2025: The ACT will have a shorter online version.

• Duration: The new ACT will be about 2 hours long, with 44 fewer questions compared to the current version.
  

Optional Science Test

• The Science Test will now be optional. Students can choose from these options:

• The ACT (core exam)

• The ACT plus Science

• The ACT plus Writing

• The ACT plus Science and Writing

• The Composite score will now include only Reading, English, and Math, not Science.
  

Paper vs. Online Versions

• The paper version of the ACT will still be available, but it’s unclear if these changes will apply to it.
  

Making the Test More Manageable

• The ACT claims these changes aim to make the test more manageable for students.
  

Our Thoughts

With these changes, the ACT and SAT are becoming more similar in length and structure.

Over the past year, many of the students we have consulted with have opted to go with the SAT over the ACT primarily because the Digital SAT had been shorter than the ACT.  With this new shorter ACT, the exam length should be less of a consideration when deciding between the two exams.

If you would like personalized guidance in best preparing your TRIO students for the SAT or ACT, schedule a consult with one of our Expert Directors today.