ACT Changes Beginning in 2025
Starting in April 2025, the ACT will transition to a digital, computer-adaptive format, with the paper-and-pencil version available from September 2025. It’s important to note that the digital (linear) ACT is already available in Canada, but the new computer-adaptive format will be introduced in the US and internationally, including in Canada, in Spring 2025. Changes to the school-day ACT will begin in Spring 2026, though there is no school-day ACT in Canada as no province or school requires all its students to take these tests.
Notably, the Science section of the ACT will become optional starting in 2025, providing students with four different versions of the exam to choose from:
- ACT: Core subjects of English, Math, and Reading
- ACT + Science: Includes the optional Science section
- ACT + Writing: Includes the optional Essay
- ACT + Science and Writing: Includes both the optional Science and Essay
Timing and Length Changes
Along with the new formats, the ACT will see changes in the timing and length of sections:
- English: 35 minutes and 50 questions (10 minutes shorter and 25 fewer questions)
- Math: 45 minutes and 45 questions (15 minutes shorter and 15 fewer questions). Answer choices will decrease from 5 options to 4 options.
- Reading: 40 minutes and 36 questions (5 minutes longer and 4 fewer questions)
- Optional Science: 40 minutes and 40 questions (5 minutes longer)
These changes may influence your decision on whether the ACT or SAT is the best choice for you.