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.

35
Minutes
50
Multi-Choice
6
Passages
(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.

50
Minutes
45
Multi-Choice
Break
10 Min

Find Meaning Fast

Answer questions that test your understanding, reasoning, and ability to analyze written texts.

40
Minutes
36
Multi-Choice
4
Passages
(9 questions each)

Think Like a Scientist

Interpret data, charts, and experiments—no memorization of science facts required.

40
Minutes
40
Multi-Choice
5
Passages
Break
5 Min

Make Your Case

Write a clear, well-structured essay that analyzes and compares multiple perspectives on an issue.

40
Minutes
1
Prompt
Total Time

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.

Core Test Only
With Science or Essay
With Science and Essay
Note: Doesn’t include break
Time Per Question:
English
42s
Math
67s
Reading
67s
Science (Optional)
60s
Scoring

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.

1-36
Score Range
Average of 3 section scores
One sheet of paper
+ Science (Optional)
One sheet of paper
+ Essay (Optional)

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.

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
ACT Test Date
Registration Deadline
July 12, 2025
*
June 28, 2025
^
September 6, 2025
*
August 1, 2025
^
October 18, 2025
*
September 12, 2025
^
December 13, 2025
*
November 7, 2025
^
February 14, 2026
*
January 9, 2026
^
April 11, 2026
*
March 6, 2026
^
June 13, 2026
*
May 8, 2026
^
July 11, 2026
*
June 5, 2026
^
*No test centers are scheduled in New York for the July test date.
^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?

A turquoise desktop
A red, open textbook

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

1600
Total Points
36
Total Points
2h 14m
Total Time
2h 5m
Total Time
32m
Reading & Writing Baseline
71 Sec / Question
40m
Reading
67 Sec / Question
1-36 Points
32m
Reading & Writing Adaptive
(Easier or Harder)
71 Sec / Question
200 - 800 Points
35m
English
42 Sec / Question
1-36 Points
35m
Math Baseline
95 Sec / Question
50m
Math
67 Sec / Question
1-36 Points
35m
Math Adaptive
(Easier or Harder)
95 Sec / Question
200 - 800 Points
40m
Science (Optional)
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.

An animated man walks while juggling 'A', 'B', 'C', 'D' balls

Upcoming Events

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Heading

(50% extended time)

Month DD, YYYY
0:00am - 0:00pm EDT
1234 Las Gallinas
San Francisco, CA 94960
Orange notification icon

Sorry! No events found near{location}

Try changing your location.

Orange error icon

Error

Let’s figure this out.
Try again or contact Applerouth.

Retry
Resources

Get Informed. Get Prepared.

Access expert insights to confidently navigate the 2025 ACT changes.

A girl smiles at her laptop, pencil in hand.

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.

Matthew Kiesner
April 29, 2025
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 Applerouth Team
Apr 1, 2025

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.

Questions? Need some advice? We're here to help.

A friendly woman wearing turquoise, smiling