ACT Latest Updates and Changes 2025

Hey there, ACT trailblazers!

If you thought the ACT was set in stone, think again. As of April 2025 (online) and September 2025 (paper-and-pencil), the ACT has been slimmed down, fine-tuned, and made more flexible so you can focus your efforts where they matter most. So let's look at the latest updates of the ACT.

Rollout Timeline

• April 2025 (National Online): First administration of the enhanced ACT with optional Science.

• September 2025 (National Paper & International): All Saturday test-takers get the new shorter format and flexible Science option.

• Spring 2026 (State/District School-Day): Schools decide whether to offer Science; districts can even split core vs. Science/Writing over multiple days.

  
  

At-a-Glance Test Structure

Section	Total Items	Timing	Optional?
English	50	35 minutes	No
Mathematics	45	50 minutes	No
Reading	36	40 minutes	No
Science	40	40 minutes	Yes
Writing (Essay)	1 prompt	40 minutes	Yes

Core Composite: English + Math + Reading (131 items in 125 minutes).Add Science → 171 items in 165 minutes (plus breaks).Add Writing → +40 minutes in the same room.

Embedded Field-Test Items

No more separate “5th section”, now every section hides field-test items right alongside scored questions. Because you won’t know which ones count, be sure to answer every question.

Section	% Field-Test Items	Approx. Count
English	20%	~10 questions
Mathematics	9%	~4 questions
Reading	25%	~9 questions
Science	15%	~6 questions

Section-by-Section Content & Weightings

English (50 Qs, 35 min)

• Production of Writing: 38–43% → ~19–22 questions

• Knowledge of Language: 18–23% → ~9–12 questions

• Conventions of Standard English: 38–43% → ~19–22 questions(Field-test: 20% → 10 items) 

  
  

Mathematics (45 Qs, 50 min)

• Preparing for Higher Math: 80% → ~36 questions

  • Number & Quantity: 10–12% → ~4–5

  • Algebra: 17–20% → ~8–9

  • Functions: 17–20% → ~8–9

  • Geometry: 17–20% → ~8–9

  • Statistics & Probability: 12–15% → ~5–7

• Integrating Essential Skills: 20% → ~9 questions

• Modeling: cross-cuts above(Field-test: 9% → ~4 items) 

  
  

Reading (36 Qs, 40 min)

• Key Ideas & Details: 44–52% → ~16–19 questions

• Craft & Structure: 26–33% → ~9–12 questions

• Integration of Knowledge & Ideas: 19–26% → ~7–9 questions(Field-test: 25% → ~9 items) 

  
  

Science (40 Qs, 40 min; optional)

• Interpretation of Data: 36–47% → ~14–19 questions

• Scientific Investigation: 17–31% → ~7–12 questions

• Evaluation of Models, Inferences & Experimental Results: 22–36% → ~9–14 questions(Field-test: 15% → ~6 items) 

  
  

Writing (1 essay, 40 min; optional)

No changes here, still a single prompt essay evaluated on idea development, organization, and language use.

Composite Scoring Redefined

As of April 2025, your Composite score is the average of English, Math, and Reading only. Science (if taken) generates a separate STEM score, and Writing (if taken) generates an ELA score.

ACT Latest Updates : Your Prep Game Plan

1. Master the core triple (English, Math, Reading)—that’s your Composite.

2. Decide on Science based on your STEM ambitions; if you skip it, you’re out after Reading.

3. Lap up every practice opportunity—embed field-test items can’t hurt your score if you guess.

4. Drill topic weightings above to allocate study time where it counts most.

With the Enhanced ACT, less truly is more—so focus your power on fewer, higher-impact questions, and let the new format work to your advantage. Good luck out there!