The ACT is rolling out its most significant changes in decades with the introduction of the Enhanced ACT in 2025. This new format features a shorter test, optional Science section, and new digital testing options.
The ACT is rolling out its most significant changes in decades with the introduction of the Enhanced ACT in 2025. This new format – often called the Enhanced ACT 2025 – features a shorter test (around 2 hours instead of ~3 hours), an optional Science section, and new digital testing options.
These changes aim to make the exam more student-friendly and competitive in the modern testing landscape. In this guide, we break down Enhanced ACT vs Traditional ACT differences and provide strategies to help you succeed under the new format.
The traditional ACT ran about 3 hours (plus breaks), whereas the Enhanced ACT's core test time is approximately 2 hours and 5 minutes. That is a reduction of 75 minutes from the old format. The new format gives about 22% more time per question than before, helping reduce the frantic pace that challenged students for decades.
The classic ACT had 215 questions (including Science), whereas the Enhanced ACT's core has 131 questions (50 English, 45 Math, 36 Reading). Even if you add the optional Science section (40 questions), the new test maxes out at 171 questions – 44 fewer questions than the old 215.
| Feature | Traditional ACT | Enhanced ACT (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Time | ~3 hours | ~2 hours 5 min (core) |
| Core Questions | 215 | 131 |
| Science | Required (40 Q) | Optional (40 Q) |
| Math Choices | 5 per question | 4 per question |
| Composite Basis | 4 sections | 3 sections (E/M/R) |
| Format | Paper only | Paper + Digital |
| Time per Question | ~52 sec avg | ~64 sec avg (+22%) |
In the traditional ACT, Science was a required fourth section. Now, the Science section is optional – much like the ACT's Writing essay has long been optional. If you opt out of Science, your Composite score will be calculated solely from English, Math, and Reading. Even if you choose to take Science, its score will not be included in your main Composite (though it will still count toward a separate STEM score alongside Math).
While the traditional ACT was predominantly pencil-and-paper, the Enhanced ACT is available in both digital and paper formats nationwide. Unlike the SAT's adaptive digital test, the ACT's digital version remains a linear test – all students get the same questions, just delivered on-screen.
The Math section now has 4 answer choices instead of 5. This aligns Math with the other sections and slightly improves your odds if you have to guess – a 25% chance per question instead of 20%. The Math section itself is 45 questions in 50 minutes, giving you about 1 minute 7 seconds per math question on average.
The Enhanced ACT features shorter reading passages. Reading still includes four passages, but each now has 9 questions (down from 10), and you get 40 minutes for 36 questions (previously 35 minutes for 40 questions). The English section (now 50 questions in 35 minutes) has 25 fewer questions than before.
The ACT scoring scale remains 1–36 for each section, and the Enhanced ACT will continue to offer superscoring. Because the Composite is now based on three sections instead of four, the rounding changes slightly. ACT still superscores across test dates, even mixing old and new formats in the transition.
The move to an Enhanced ACT comes in response to evolving student needs and competition in college admissions testing. The SAT's latest digital version is about 2 hours and 14 minutes with 98 questions, a much leaner experience than the old 3+ hour ACT.
By 2024, the SAT bounced back to nearly 2 million test-takers, while the ACT's numbers fell to around 1.4 million – its lowest in over a decade. The feedback was clear: a shorter, less exhausting test is preferable for many.
According to ACT officials, the goals of the 2025 changes include improving the student experience, increasing flexibility, and modernizing the exam. A shorter test with more time per question means less fatigue and stress for test-takers. Optional sections mean students have more control to play to their strengths.
The Enhanced ACT covers the same subject areas as the traditional ACT – English grammar and rhetoric, Math topics from algebra through precalculus, Reading comprehension passages, and Science reasoning passages. The question types and style are largely the same as before.
The scoring system is also consistent: each section is still scored 1–36, the Composite is still on a 36-point scale. The Writing (Essay) section remains optional and unchanged in format. Whether you take the test on paper or on a computer, the content and timing are the same. The Enhanced ACT is not adaptive.
Practice with full-length 2-hour exams to build your concentration. Simulate real conditions (timed sections back-to-back) to get used to the pacing and only one break mid-test.
You get more time for each question on average. Use this extra time to read carefully and double-check. Accuracy is more important than ever since each question carries more weight.
With Science now optional, the core three sections are the star of your Composite score. Make sure your prep heavily focuses on English, Math, and Reading.
Research your colleges' requirements. If science data analysis is not your strength or you simply want a shorter test, opting out can reduce stress. If you are aiming for STEM programs, a strong Science score can still enhance your profile.
With only 4 choices per math question, use process of elimination aggressively. Knocking out one or two wrong answers gives you a much higher chance if you need to guess.
Passages are a bit shorter. Practice reading slightly shorter articles and immediately summarizing main ideas. You have 40 minutes for 4 passages, so aim for about 8–9 minutes per passage.
If you plan to take the digital ACT, practice in that format. Use ACT's official digital practice test or online prep resources to get used to scrolling passages and using on-screen tools.
The ACT has integrated experimental (unscored) questions into each section. You will not know which questions these are. Treat every question as if it matters. There is still no guessing penalty, so answer every question.
ACT released a new Official ACT Prep Guide (2024-2025 edition) with practice tests reflecting the enhanced format. Third-party prep companies are also updating their question banks.