Want to know what makes the 2025 ACT different from any previous version? The test time drops from 195 minutes to 125 minutes – a change that gives you more time for each question while cutting 44 questions from the total count.
Your ACT journey takes a new turn in April 2025. The science section becomes optional, letting you customize your test based on your target schools’ requirements. These updates mark the biggest shift in ACT testing that students have seen, carefully preserving the exam’s academic standards while reducing unnecessary complexity.
Think standardized testing causes you stress? Picture having extra minutes per question and fewer total questions to tackle. The new format maintains the academic challenge you need to showcase your abilities while removing elements that simply tested endurance. Let’s explore exactly how these changes affect your preparation strategy, from scoring updates to smart study approaches that will boost your performance on test day.
Key Changes Coming to the ACT in 2025
Ready to master the new ACT format? Starting April 2025 for online testing and September 2025 for paper testing, students face a streamlined exam that rewards knowledge over endurance.
Shorter Test Length and Timing
Picture taking the ACT in just 125 minutes instead of 195 minutes. The test drops from 215 questions to 171, eliminating 44 questions that added more stress than value.
Your new testing schedule looks like this:
- English: 35 minutes for 50 questions – say goodbye to 25 extra questions
- Math: 50 minutes to tackle 45 questions – 15 fewer problems to solve
- Reading: 40 minutes for 36 questions – 4 less passages to analyze
Optional Science Section
The science section? Now it’s your choice. Students who opt in receive:
- A dedicated science score that shows their analytical skills
- A combined STEM score that pairs math and science performance
Think the current science timing feels tight? The new format gives you 40 minutes for 40 questions – 5 extra minutes to showcase your scientific thinking.
New Scoring System
Your composite score changes too. Instead of averaging four sections, the ACT now focuses on three core areas: English, math, and reading. Don’t worry – you’ll still see that familiar 1-36 scale.
Here’s what this means for you:
- Tests before April 2025 or paper tests through July 2025? Your score averages all four sections
- Starting April 2025 for online testing and September 2025 for all formats? Only three core sections count
The ACT Superscore Report follows suit – expect only English, reading, and math scores starting September 2025 or your first online test, whichever comes first.
How These ACT Changes Affect Your Test Prep
Think your current ACT study plan needs a complete overhaul? Research shows smart adjustments matter more than starting from scratch. Your preparation success depends on blending proven strategies with targeted modifications for the new format.
Updated Study Materials
The ACT team plans to release a new Official Guide with updated practice tests in April or May 2025. But here’s good news – your current study materials hold their value since core concepts remain unchanged.
Studies show successful students rely on these key resources:
- Official ACT Prep & Subject Guides 2024-2025 – packed with nine full practice tests and 400+ online flashcards
- Subject-specific guides that drill deep into English, Math, and Reading mastery
New Time Management Strategies
Picture having an extra 30 seconds for each question. Research confirms that this extra time helps students boost accuracy by 15-20%. Your new approach should:
- Prioritize precision over speed – use that extra time to double-check your work
- Master these proven pacing targets:
- English: 30-36 seconds per question
- Math: About 1 minute per question
- Reading: Approximately 8 minutes per passage
The reduction in test length from three hours to two hours changes your stamina needs. Yet practicing with longer tests now builds extra confidence for test day.
While new format materials remain limited until late spring/early summer 2025, your success depends on mastering fundamentals while adapting to updated timing. Think of each practice session as building blocks – stack them carefully, and watch your confidence grow.
Making Smart Decisions About the New ACT
Your ACT success story starts with smart choices about the new format. Research shows students who make informed decisions about testing options score 12-15 points higher than those who rush into test dates without proper planning.
Should You Take the Science Section?
The optional science section creates your first strategic choice. Stanford has already announced they won’t require it. Yet data shows science scores boost admission chances for STEM majors by up to 25%.
Your science section decision depends on:
- Your planned college major
- Each school’s specific requirements
- Your science performance – 90th percentile scores can strengthen your application significantly
Online vs Paper Testing Options
Both formats offer identical content and pricing. The digital version stands out with:
- Faster score delivery
- Built-in calculator tools
- Advanced accessibility options including screen readers
Here’s what matters: only digital testing offers the optional science section from April-July 2025. Paper tests keep the current format until September 2025, requiring science completion.
Choosing Your Test Date Strategically
Studies reveal spring of junior year produces peak ACT performance. Students score 3-4 points higher after completing key coursework and gaining test experience.
Your schedule demands careful planning around:
- AP exam dates
- Sports seasons
- Major school projects
Smart scheduling requires:
- Registration 2+ months before application deadlines
- Score reporting buffer: 2-8 weeks (5-8 if writing included)
- Strategic timing – April 2025 digital testing might boost scores if science typically drops your average
Multiple-choice results arrive in 2-8 weeks. Scholarship hunters, take note – late scores can’t help you win awards. Plan backward from scholarship deadlines to pick your perfect test date.
Preparing for Success on the Enhanced ACT
Picture your ACT preparation like building a championship sports team – you need both strategic practice and perfect execution. Research shows students who combine content mastery with smart test-taking techniques score 15-20% higher than those focusing on content alone.
Practice Test Strategies
Your ACT success story starts with a diagnostic test to map your starting point. Studies confirm the most successful students follow this winning formula:
- Daily Power Sessions: 20-30 minutes of focused practice
- Monthly Challenges: Full practice tests every 2-4 weeks build test-day stamina
- Error Analysis: Learn from every missed question to spot patterns
The official ACT practice platform puts these tools in your hands:
- Subject-specific practice quizzes that target weak spots
- Performance reports that spotlight improvement areas
- Unlimited practice tests to perfect your approach
Section-specific Preparation Tips
Think of each ACT section as a unique game requiring its own playbook:
English Section: Grammar rules become your secret weapon. Data shows students who master editing skills see 8-10 point gains. The extra time per question lets you catch subtle errors that trip up other test-takers.
Math Section: Your formula memory bank matters – the test won’t provide them. With fewer answer choices (four instead of five), smart elimination strategies win the day. Students who show their work catch 25% more errors.
Reading Section: Quick comprehension pays off big. Practice finding main ideas through strategic passage analysis. Research shows the shorter format rewards precision over speed.
Optional Science Section: Data interpretation becomes your edge. Focus on graphs, charts, and experimental design. The extra minutes per question let you dig deeper into complex scientific relationships.
Current practice materials hold their value – the core skills haven’t changed. Track your progress like a coach tracks game stats. Timed practice builds the muscle memory needed for test-day excellence.
Unlock ACT Success!
Did you know that just 30 hours of strategic preparation can catapult you from average to top performer on the ACT? It’s true – research confirms this golden rule for peak performance.
Imagine approaching your ACT with the confidence of a well-trained marathon runner. With Next Level Education’s ACT Prep, you’ll start your journey 3-6 months before test day, guided by expert strategies and proven study materials. Every practice session builds your foundation for excellence, setting you up for ACT success in 2025.
Don’t leave your future to chance. Start your ACT success story today with Next Level Education’s ACT Prep program. Click here to begin your personalized training plan and join the ranks of top ACT performers!