ACT - College Admissions
The New ACT is Here: Fewer questions, more time—but it still moves fast.
The ACT has entered a new phase. As of September 2025, the Enhanced ACT launches in digital and paper format, offering a shorter test with more time per question, and an optional Science section.
Only English, Math, and Reading will now count toward your Composite score. The Essay section remains optional, and most colleges don’t require it—but it’s always smart to check with your target schools. As for the Science section, while it’s now optional, we recommend taking it to keep all admissions doors open.
Format
The Enhanced ACT features fewer questions and more time per question, but it still moves quickly and requires sharp focus. You’ll tackle grammar and editing, algebra and geometry, and reading passages that span fiction to science. Optional sections for Science and Writing offer additional insights into your skills. And remember: there’s no penalty for guessing, so keep moving!
Polish Your Grammar
Edit and revise six passages for grammar, punctuation, and style.
(2 short, 4 long)
Put Your Problem-Solving to the Test
Tackle algebra, geometry, and more—questions get harder as you go, so pacing is key.
Find Meaning Fast
Answer questions that test your understanding, reasoning, and ability to analyze written texts.
(9 questions each)
Think Like a Scientist
Interpret data, charts, and experiments—no memorization of science facts required.
Make Your Case
Write a clear, well-structured essay that analyzes and compares multiple perspectives on an issue.
The Enhanced ACT takes about 2 hours and 5 minutes without the optional sections. Each optional section—Science and Writing (Essay)—adds 40 minutes, so you can customize your test based on your goals.
Students receive a Composite score (1–36) based on the average of their English, Math, and Reading scores. The optional Science section is also scored on a 1–36 scale, and the optional Essay is scored from 2–12. These optional sections are reported separately and do not factor into the Composite. Superscores now include only the required sections: English, Math, and Reading.
ACT Test and Registration Dates
The Enhanced ACT is offered 7 times a year—in September, October, December, February, April, June, and July. It’s a smart strategy to take the test more than once to shake off first-time nerves and take advantage of superscoring.
As you plan, consider your junior year schedule—sports, finals, AP exams—and aim to register for 2–3 test dates that work best for you. You’ll be glad you did when senior year rolls around and you can focus fully on college applications.
Please be sure to check the ACT website for the latest official updates.
^These are anticipated test dates. The official registration dates have not been announced and are estimated based on deadlines from past years. Please be sure to check with the College Board Website for updates.
Which test is right for you?


Digital SAT
Digital, Adaptive
More Time per Question
Short, Single-Question Reading Passages
Fewer Math Concepts, Complex Problems
Scores Back Within Days
ACT
Paper or Online, Fixed Format
Faster-Paced
Longer Reading Passages
More Math Concepts, Straightforward Problems
Scores Back in 2-3 Weeks
71 Sec / Question
67 Sec / Question
1-36 Points
(Easier or Harder)
71 Sec / Question
200 - 800 Points
42 Sec / Question
1-36 Points
95 Sec / Question
67 Sec / Question
1-36 Points
(Easier or Harder)
95 Sec / Question
200 - 800 Points
60 Sec / Question
1-36 Points
Take a Free Practice Test
Are you ready to take an online practice test? You’ll love how detailed our score reports are.

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Get Informed. Get Prepared.
Access expert insights to confidently navigate the 2025 ACT changes.

Webinar: Inside the New, Shorter ACT
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.

Download our one-pager for a clear, side-by-side breakdown of both tests. See how they differ in timing, structure, scoring, and more.
Note: This transition applies only to National Test Dates. Students testing through the ACT School Day Program this fall will still take the current 3-hour version.
Schedule an appointment with a Program Director.
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