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ACT CHANGES IN 2025 (scroll down for general information about ACT and SAT testing)

ACT, Inc. has announced changes to be made in the test. Here is a summary of those changes, based on the limited information provided by ACT, Inc. The changes will start with the April 2025 test for examinees who choose to test online. The paper test will reflect the enhancements starting in September 2025. Schools and districts will have these options starting in spring 2026.

 

  • The April/June/July 2025 tests are as follows: online tests will be the new format; the paper tests will be the old format.

  • Beginning with the September 2025 test, ALL tests given will be given with the new formatted questions (see below).

  • Also commencing with the September 2025 test, students can take either the online or the paper version of test.

  • The new format will include fewer questions on most sections, time for each section will change, and the science section will no longer be considered for the composite scores. The Science subtest will be optional beginning in September 2025.

  • We do not yet know what the exact changes will look like other than the science is expected to become less an exercise in reading comprehension (answers found in the passage) and more science-content based.

  • We do not know if the questions that are removed from the test will tend to be the “easier” questions or the “more difficult” questions.

  • Although the Science portion of the test will be optional, a student should not automatically opt out of this portion of the test because it is not yet clear just yet how colleges will respond to the decision. It is thought that perhaps many technical/science-based degree programs will still require the science subscore to be submitted.

  • The bottom line is that ACT has not been as generous with the details about changes to the test, so it is not clear what the exact changes will look like for the new format to be rolled in full in September 2025.

2025 ACT Test changes chart.jpg

Here is the link to ACT.org that has all of the above specifics outlined.

Click here for a printable version of the above information information. 

Resources for ACT and SAT Preparation

Test Week Check List

 

During the week of the test

 

  • By now, you know what you know. Trying to “cram” is unlikely to help you learn new information, but could increase your test anxiety. If you want to study, review the summaries of information that you have already compiled during your test preparation. For example, you might want to make sure you know the important formulas for the math portion of the test.

  • Do not overschedule yourself this week with after-school activities.

  • Get a full night’s sleep every night this week if at all possible. Aim for at least 8 hours each night.

  • If you are not taking the test at your own school, make sure you know where you’re going. Don’t rely on an online mapping program the morning of the test. It might be good to drive the route one time before the test date.

 

Friday night

 

  • Do something relaxing and fun.

  • Lay out everything you need to bring with you:

    • Your admission ticket

    • Official photo ID

    • 3 or 4 sharpened No. 2 pencils with erasers

    • Charged calculator or calculator with new batteries

    • Watch

    • A drink and a small snack

  • Visualize success.  See yourself solving question after question.  Envision completing the last question, putting your pencil down, and closing the test booklet.  Let yourself feel the good feeling of a job well done.

  • Go to sleep at the same time you’ve been going to sleep all week. Otherwise, you’ll just toss and turn.  Don’t worry if you have trouble sleeping.  You’ll have plenty of adrenaline to keep your brain going during the test.

 

Morning of the test

 

  • Have a backup alarm – either another clock or a parent.

  • Eat a good breakfast.  Make sure to avoid heavy, fatty foods.

  • Do something easy that you enjoy (take a walk or listen to music).  You want to go into the test awake and upbeat.

 

At the test site

 

  • Arrive about fifteen minutes early to the test center to find your room and settle in.

  • Use the bathroom before you start the test.  You only have a few short breaks during the test; you don’t want to have to worry about a line at the restroom.

  • Find your seat and sit for a minute.  Continue to visualize yourself working successfully through the test, using all of the skills and strategies you’ve learned.

  • During breaks, stand up and walk around.  It helps you to stay focused.

  • Pace yourself and keep your eye on the clock.

  • If you start losing focus, try this concentration exercise: Every five questions, put down your pencil, stare at the ceiling, blink a few times, take several deep, slow breaths and then continue with the next five questions.

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