ACT Changes & Updates (Latest Year)

ACT changes have reshaped the traditional ACT prep strategies and score goals over the years. Few updates have been as structurally meaningful as the current ACT changes. These updates are supposed to improve the testing experience for students with more flexibility and a shorter format. The latest changes in ACT will not lower the standards but adjust how the ACT analyzes readiness for college-level work. 

As students these days are facing heavier academic loads, tighter schedules, and higher stress, ACT Inc. has redesigned the exam. The goal is to reduce preparation stress, but the predictive value remains the same. Understanding these changes helps students plan preparation timelines, section strategies, and score goals with clarity.

Overview of ACT Changes (2025 –2026)

The new ACT format has restructured both content and time. Take a look at the following table to understand the difference between the prior version and the current test.

These ACT Changes alter the test experience and ACT test prep strategy without changing the score’s meaning. 

Shorter Testing Time and Fewer Questions

One of the most noticeable ACT changes and updates is its reduced exam length. The latest ACT duration is two hours instead of three. Students wondering how long is the ACT test will notice that the updated format aims to reduce mental fatigue late in the exam, which is often noticed in reading and science performance. With fewer questions, students are less prone to rushed guessing, especially in math. It helps the students in focused preparation rather than endurance.

More Time Per Question

Another ACT change is the reduction in questions. This is the result of reduced time. Students now have more time per question. This ACT change adjustment is especially useful for students who think methodically. Those who read carefully, think logically, and have verified answers can perform better with such a change in ACT. Fast guessers gain no advantage. There will be fewer careless errors and stronger consistency across sections.

ACT Science Section Becomes Optional

The ACT science section has now become an optional one when it comes to the core composite score. This is one of the most discussed ACT changes, but it still requires nuance. This change doesn’t directly reduce the importance of ACT science. Still, several STEM-focused colleges continue to value science subscores. However, students applying to humanities, arts, or business programs now have flexibility. Taking science remains is a good idea if:

• A school recommends it.
• A student performs well in data analysis
• A STEM pathway is under consideration

Skipping science will only make sense if it does not work towards your application.

Change In Composite Score

The composite score now shows the scores from:

• English
• Math
• Reading

Science will no longer influence the composite unless reported separately. This ACT change update improves the score clarity and makes it easier to compare results using an ACT scores chart for clearer benchmarking. Colleges can now assess the basic academic readiness without conflating scientific reasoning with reading speed. Importantly, the 1–36 scale remains unchanged. A 30 still means a 30.

Reduced ACT Math Answer Choices From Five to Four

Math questions now have four options instead of five. This is one of those ACT changes that will directly improve statistical fairness. Five-choice questions increase random error without improving skill measurement. With four options:

• Guessing odds remain reasonable
• Distractors improve in quality
• Conceptual understanding matters more than elimination tricks

However, students shouldn’t expect an easier ACT math section, as there will only be a cleaner question design.

Shorter ACT Reading and English Passages

Reading and English passages are now shorter with much tighter question alignment. This change in ACT helps students who read actively rather than scan the long passages. Students get to engage with focused texts that test inference, structure, and tone. Instruction should now highlight the precision reading rather than speed skimming.

ACT Experimental Questions Integrated

The experimental questions are used to appear in separate sections. Now, they are included in the test. This change in ACT reflects the real assessment environment. Students will need to treat every question seriously and avoid trying to identify “non-scored” items. What hasn’t changed is the perspiration for the ACT. Students will need to prepare the way it’s supposed to be; it’s just the pressure that has been decreased.

How Should Students Adjust ACT Prep Strategy With These Changes?

These ACT changes mean students will have to work on their existing preparation strategy for the ACT.

Section Prioritization

Prioritize English, Math, and Reading early. These sections will play an important role in the composite score. 

Science Decision Planning

The science section is still important, but decide on it based on:

• Target colleges
• Past performance
• Time availability

Timing Practice

Practice with updated pacing. Old timing strategies no longer apply.

Score Interpretation

When preparing with experienced educators, learn about the composite versus section relevance clearly to avoid confusion.

At Ivy Learning and Prep, we now structure prep plans around student intent rather than a one-test-for-all approach. It aligns better with these changes.

Your success story begins with us!

We are here for you! Schedule a call with our consultant for personalized advice on achieving your learning goals

Register Now