ACT

What's Changing

• Reduced the number of questions overall (44 fewer)

• Reduced the test length. Students can receive their college-reportable Composite score after 125 minutes of testing, rather than up to 195.

• More time per question.

• Reduced the number of answer choices in math questions from five to four.

• Students can now choose to take the ACT National test with or without the science section. State and district customers will choose whether to include the science section with the ACT test for their students.

What's Not Changing

• The ACT scale will remain 1-36 with no changes to ACT benchmarks or state-specific achievement standards.

• Scores from tests taken prior to the rollout of the new Composite score will not change.

• Ability to predict success in first-year college credit-bearing courses will not change.

• Both paper-and-pencil course will continue to be available.

Class of 2026:

• It is imperative that the Class of 2026 approach these test changes as if they will not be affected by them; therefore, they should plan to complete their ACT testing by the July 12, 2025 test date in an effort to avoid any of the expected volatility of ACT scoring or shortage of ACT prep material that will lead into the September 2025 ACT. It is not that students cannot perform well on the September and October 2025 ACTs, but that their scores are vulnerable at the critical point of test score submissions for college applications. Therefore, students must be mindful in planning their testing timeline operating with the following national test dates:

  • April 5, 2025

  • June 14, 2025

  • July 12, 2025

• While the ACT will be offered in the new format in April, June, and July 2025, it will only be available if administered in a digital modality, with the only local test sites in Maple Heights or Massillon. It is not advisable for students to test in the digital modality without ample experience with digital ACT prep, which is in limited supply.  

• Helpful Links: 

  • ACT Enhancements Info

  • ACT Video on Enhancements

  • ACT Practice Test in the new format

Class of 2027 & Beyond:

• The Class of 2027 will have the choice to attempt the ACT in its current format until July 12, 2025. However, they should not feel compelled to try the current ACT; in fact, we would discourage early testing. We would recommend that they consider making a first attempt at the ACT on December 13, 2025. They will benefit in a variety of ways. They will have studied more of their curriculum, have access to more updated ACT practice materials, and can order the ACT Test Information Release for their own review. They will have ample time to retest in their junior year and into their senior year. We anticipate there may be increased availability of digital ACT testing and they can decide if they prefer to test in a paper or digital modality. Also, ACT will have released between 4-6 official practice ACT tests for their benefit.

• Links to share:

  • ACT Enhancements Info

  • ACT Video on Enhancements

  • ACT Practice Test in the new format