Yes, the Science section is optional on the enhanced ACT. It has been optional for national online tests since April 2025 and for national paper tests since September 2025. Your composite score is now the average of English, Math, and Reading only. If you take Science, it is scored separately and is needed for your STEM score. Some colleges and scholarship programs may still ask for a Science score.
Test Ninjas Research · Updated October 12, 2026
The ACT has changed significantly, and the most notable change is that the science section is no longer mandatory. Since April 2025 for online test takers and September 2025 for paper-based exams, students choose whether to include the science section when they register. For school-day testing, which moved to the enhanced ACT in spring 2026, each state or district decides whether Science is given.
Optional Science Section
The science section's transition to optional status is a major shift in the ACT's approach. Students who choose to take the science section will:
Stay in the testing room after others are dismissed
Have a short break before beginning the science portion
Complete 40 questions in 40 minutes
This change provides flexibility for students while still maintaining the option for those who need it, particularly those planning to pursue STEM fields in college.
What This Means for Students
These changes offer several benefits:
More time per question across all sections
Shorter overall testing time (approximately 2 hours and 5 minutes for core sections)
Flexibility to choose whether the science section aligns with your college goals
Reduced study time requirements if opting out of the science section
Key benefit: Making the science section optional acknowledges that students are already stretched thin with demanding course loads, AP/IB classes, extracurriculars, and college applications. This flexibility allows strategic choices about where to focus limited study time.
This flexibility allows students to make strategic choices about where to focus their limited study time and mental resources, potentially leading to better performance on the sections that matter most for their academic goals. For many students, having one less mandatory standardized test section could provide much-needed relief in their already overwhelming schedules.
Should You Take the Science Section?
We recommend students be strategic about whether they take the science section. Consider taking the science section if you:
Plan to major in a STEM field
Want to demonstrate your scientific analysis skills to colleges
Need a STEM score for specific college programs
Have strong science and math skills that could boost your overall standardized testing profile
Important: If you do choose to take the science section, be sure to allocate enough time to study for it. A low science score can negatively impact your overall testing profile and STEM score, even if you perform well on other sections.
How Will Scoring Work?
The ACT will maintain its 1-36 scoring scale, but with important changes:
Score Component
Details
Composite Score
Calculated using only English, Math, and Reading
Science Score
Reported separately on the 1-36 scale when taken
STEM Score
Generated using Math and Science (if taken)
Previous Scores
Remain valid; legacy section scores still count toward your superscore
Superscoring
Uses your best English, Math, and Reading scores; Science is not included
Implementation Timeline
Date
Change
Early 2025
New practice materials and full-length practice tests available
April 2025
Changes begin for national online test-takers in the U.S.
September 2025
Paper-based and international tests adopt the new format; every ACT composite now uses English, Math, and Reading
Spring 2026
State and district school-day testing adopts the new format; each state or district decides whether to give Science
For the most up-to-date information about these changes, visit the ACT Enhancements page.
Science became optional in April 2025 for national online tests in the U.S. and in September 2025 for paper and international tests. State and district school-day testing moved to the enhanced ACT in spring 2026, and each state or district decides whether to give Science.
Since September 2025, every ACT composite score is the average of English, Math, and Reading. Online tests switched first, in April 2025. Science scores are reported separately when taken and contribute to a STEM score.
Consider taking the Science section if you plan to major in a STEM field, want to demonstrate scientific analysis skills, need a STEM score for specific programs, or have strong science skills that could enhance your profile.
For most non-STEM programs, skipping Science will not hurt your applications since the composite score no longer includes it. However, STEM-focused programs may prefer or recommend a Science score. ACT leaves that decision to each college, so check the requirements for every school and scholarship on your list.