Introducing the New ACT: What We Know So Far With Expert Opinions on the Shifting Undergraduate Landscape

Whether introducing the online test option internationally in 2022, pop-up testing centres during the pandemic or launching the Encourage Direct Admissions Program in 2023, the ACT has a history of changing the game. Keeping with the need of the hour and evolving test-taking styles of students, Janet Godwin, CEO of ACT, unveiled a series of transformations to the test during the ACT Enrollment Management Summit in July 2024. 

While this blog highlights the changes, the reasons behind them, their implementation, and future implications, we complement it with opinions from The Red Pen’s leadership, Dr. Kimberly Dixit and Namita Mehta. We even roped in founders of test-prep companies like LessonBoard, AP Guru, and EduFit to weigh in with their thoughts on this evolution. 

What are the changes in the new ACT 

The ACT changes, aimed at providing greater flexibility and a more manageable testing experience, are poised to significantly reshape how students prepare for and take the exam.  Janet Godwin, CEO of ACT, declared, “These enhancements are just the beginning,” as she introduced the following modifications: 

1) Shorter test length: 

One of the most significant updates to the ACT is the reduction in its overall length, with the test duration decreasing from three hours to two. This change is achieved by cutting the questions from 215 to 171. As a result, students will have 22 percent more time per question. This additional time allows test-takers to approach each question with greater care and consideration, ultimately enhancing their performance. 

Dr. Kimberly Wright Dixit, our Co-Founder and CEO, says, “Reducing the test length is a game-changer for students. This approach reduces the stress and anxiety associated with long exams. It allows students to demonstrate their true understanding and critical thinking skills, rather than just their ability to work quickly under pressure.” 

2) Optional Science Section:

One of the significant updates to the new ACT is making the science section optional. This change allows students to focus on their areas of strength, enabling them to showcase their abilities and improve their overall test performance. They can now choose from various test configurations based on their strengths and preferences:

• The base ACT: This configuration includes English, Math, and Reading
• The base ACT plus Writing: Students selecting this option must complete a writing section in addition to the English, Math, and Reading sections
• The base ACT plus Science: This combination incorporates a Science section alongside English, Math, and Reading
• The base ACT plus Writing and Science: Students selecting this option will complete the English, Math, Reading, Writing, and Science sections. 

“Historically, many students favoured the SAT over the ACT primarily because of the mandatory science section, often seen as daunting. Students who felt less confident in science leaned towards the SAT, which does not include a dedicated science section. With the optional science section, it will be interesting to see how many students now opt for the ACT (an achievement test) versus the SAT (an aptitude test),” says Namita Mehta, President of The Red Pen. 

3) Reading and English Sections 

The Reading and English sections will now include shorter passages and fewer questions. 44 questions have been removed from these sections. This change allows students more time to answer each question thoughtfully, enhancing overall performance and alleviating the pressure commonly associated with standardised tests. 

Punit Ahuja, Founder of LessonBoard, says, “The changes to the ACT’s Reading and English sections are a welcome improvement. Previously, students often struggled with the sheer volume of content, which diluted their focus and accuracy. The shorter passages and fewer questions will allow students to demonstrate their abilities more effectively, reducing fatigue and enhancing performance.”

4) Composite and Section scores 

The Composite score will now be calculated using the English, Reading, and Math sections, excluding the Science section unless the student opts for it. The scores will continue to be reported on the 1-36 scale. Students who take the optional Science section will receive a separate score and a STEM score combining the Math and Science sections.

Puneet Ahuja adds, “Adjusting the ACT Composite score to focus on English, Reading, and Math while making the Science section optional refines the assessment process. While it simplifies the test for students, it enables colleges to identify candidates with skills best suited to their programmes, especially with the new STEM score option.”

Why has ACT introduced these changes

1) Addressing declining scores and readiness:

According to CNN, last year, ACT reported that students’ average scores declined for the sixth year in a row. The class of 2023 had an average composite score of 19.5, a decrease from the 19.8 average of the 2022 graduating class. Additionally, approximately only 20.8 percent of students in 2023 met all four benchmarks in English, reading, math, and science, compared to 22.1 percent in 2022. By making the test more manageable and student-friendly, ACT aims to reverse this trend and better prepare students for success in college and their future careers.

Chirag Arya, Founder of AP Guru, says, “While AP Guru hasn’t seen declining ACT scores, the overall decline could be linked  to high-achieving students choosing the Digital SAT over the ACT compared to earlier.”

2) Introduction of the Digital SAT and return of standardised tests

The SAT made headlines in March 2023 by introducing its digital format for international students. Last year, approximately 1.9 million students chose to take the SAT, compared to around 1.386 million who opted for the ACT, showcasing a clear preference for the SAT among high school students. Adding to the shifting landscape, this year, several prestigious universities—including Dartmouth, MIT, Georgetown University, University of Texas, UT Austin, Yale, Brown, and Cornell—announced in early 2024 that they are reinstating standardised tests as an application requirement. With more colleges expected to follow this trend, the number of test-takers is expected to rise significantly. Given this context, we can assume that the ACT’s recent changes aim to position the test as a competitive option for students. By offering a more flexible and manageable testing experience, the ACT hopes to attract a broader range of test-takers in an increasingly dynamic and competitive standardised testing environment.

Chirag Arya adds, “Regarding SAT vs ACT prep, I’ve noticed a trend where more students seek SAT preparation than ACT. Typically, we get only about 13 percent of ACT students compared to our SAT students. The recent changes in the ACT format may level the playing field. It’ll be interesting to see how students perceive and adapt to these changes.” 

When will ACT implement these changes

The ACT has not yet announced the implementation of the changes for international test-takers. However, it is all set to roll out in two key phases. The first phase will introduce these changes in national online testing, starting in the spring of 2025. This initial rollout allows for a gradual adjustment period, giving students, educators, and test preparation companies time to adapt to the new format and features of the test.

Following the national online rollout, the second phase will commence in the spring of 2026, targeting school-day testing. This staggered implementation ensures that all students benefit from the enhanced structure regardless of when and where they take the test. However, ACT has yet to announce when they will implement these changes for international test-takers.

“The phased implementation of these changes highlights ACT’s commitment to a smooth and inclusive transition. This approach aims to provide US students with the most beneficial and equitable testing experience possible. I hope to see the same kind of commitment towards international students,” says Namita Mehta.

What are the future implications of the ACT changes

The upcoming changes to the ACT could significantly impact college admissions and student preparation and bring challenges. The reduction in the number of questions means each one now has a greater impact on the final score. Small mistakes could, therefore, have more significant consequences. Additionally, there are concerns about how colleges will view these changes and whether they will affect the perceived value of ACT scores. 

However, students seem to welcome these changes. A Grade 10 student in The Red Pen’s Undergraduate Preparation programme says, “The flexibility to choose whether to include the science section is a huge relief. It means I can concentrate on the subjects where I excel and present my best self to colleges.” Another added, “The new format makes me feel more confident about taking the ACT. With the reduced length and extra time per question, I can focus more on accuracy and less on racing against the clock.”

The New ACT vs The New Digital SAT: What we know so far 

The ACT’s recent changes mark a significant evolution in standardised testing, reflecting a commitment to meeting the evolving needs of students and educators. Whether applying to test-optional institutions or selective universities that still require standardised test scores, students will find the new ACT format more manageable and less stressful. Consider prepping for standardised tests early if you are applying to universities in the 2025-2026 admissions cycle. However, if you are wondering how to prepare for your standardised tests, please contact us, and we will guide you to our test-prep partners. Meanwhile, read our blog on the new Digital SAT and standardised testing in the US.