ACT Changes 2025: Shorter Test, Optional Science Section, and New Scoring | Summit

Prepare for the Enhanced ACT: Changes Begin April 2025.

Stay ahead—understand the updates and optimize your preparation.

The ACT is evolving with changes taking effect April 2025. Familiarize yourself with these updates to ensure your test preparation aligns with the new format.

ACT Enhancements at a Glance

The updated ACT is rolling out in phases:

  • April 2025: Online testing (limited availability)
  • September 2025: Paper and international testing

Key changes:

  • Shorter Test Duration: Total testing time reduced from 3 hours to about 2 hours.
  • Optional Science Section: Students may want to take it until colleges release updated policies.
  • Revised Scoring: Composite scores based only on English, Math, and Reading.
  • More Time per Question: Fewer questions overall means more time to answer each one.

Interested in Taking an Enhanced ACT Practice Test When It’s Available?

Join the Wait List

RESOURCES

Get Informed. Get Prepared.

Access expert insights to confidently navigate the 2025 ACT changes.

Webinar: The New ACT, Firsthand

Elite tutor and test prep expert Matthew Kiesner will break down these updates and share strategies to navigate the new format, adjust test prep plans, and understand the impact on college admissions.

  • Matthew Kiesner
  • April 29, 2025
  • 8:00pm ET
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The Enhanced ACT is Coming: What Students Need to Know

This one-page overview describes the upcoming ACT changes, including the shorter test duration, optional Science section, and revised scoring.

  • The Summit Team
  • March 18, 2025
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The Digital SAT vs The Enhanced ACT

Download our one-pager for a clear, side-by-side breakdown of both tests. See how they differ in timing, structure, scoring, and more.

  • The Summit Team
  • April 1, 2025
Get the Download

Inside the Enhanced ACT: A Test Prep Expert’s Firsthand Experience

Curious about the new Enhanced ACT? I took the computer-based version on April 5th and lived to tell the tale. From quirky interface features to surprising changes in difficulty and timing, here’s what students and families need to know.

  • Matthew Kiesner
  • April 8, 2025
Read More

The Enhanced ACT Explained: Changes, Challenges, and Expert Tips

With a shorter format, optional Science section, and revamped scoring, the “Enhanced ACT” promises a new testing experience. But is it better? We break down what’s new and how it impacts students.

  • The Summit Curriculum team
  • December 4, 2024
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picture of laptop being used to take the digital sat

The Digital ACT Comes Into Focus: What We Know Now

The digital ACT is coming, and we’re gaining clarity on the new format, content tweaks, and what it means for students. This article breaks down the latest updates to help you prepare for this exam’s evolution in 2025.

  • The Summit Curriculum Team
  • August 8, 2024
Read More

Looking for Personalized Guidance on How to Prepare for the New ACT?

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