The ACT is one of the standardized tests used for college applications in the U.S. It is based on high school curriculums and covers the following four subjects: English, reading, math and science. However, starting from April 2025, this test will experience some changes.
The test has always been on paper, but now, students will have the option to take it online starting in the spring of 2025. Generally, students will also be given more flexibility on how they would like to take the ACT.
“It does benefit certain students who kind of think a certain way, or who take an interest in testing a certain way,” College Counselor Mr. Na said.
Because students were starting to complain about certain parts of the tests, ACT made changes accordingly. For example, many students disliked the lengthiness of the test, so ACT decreased the number of questions and the total amount of testing time. However, the new test will not be too much easier than the current version. as a few complex questions will be added to maintain the test’s difficulty.
Students also reported the science and writing sections as challenging, so the option to not take those sections will become available. However, those who want to take the optional science section will still receive a STEM report, which is an important benefit for students wishing to pursue a major or career in STEM.
In order to provide flexibility, the ACT will be offered online and on paper which gives students a choice. They will be able to test with whichever style makes them feel more comfortable. Though, the paper version of the new ACT will not be released until September 2025.
The changes in the ACT test seem to be strategic as the appeal to students is a necessity in the long run. The new ACT test may be a business tactic as the SAT test has been doing better since COVID-19.
“I can’t help but…think anything other than they’re watching the SAT gain ground, and they know that it’s time for them to do it too,” College Counselor Mr. Evans said. “One of the things the ACT is saying in their shift to a digital test is you’ll get your results quicker also.”
Last year, when the SAT went digital, the waiting time for results was only 2-3 weeks, whereas the ACT, which was still on paper, took up to 3-4 weeks to receive results back. The faster test results may appeal to some, leaving the students with another option.
The new ACT test is now shorter than the SAT as it has been reduced from 195 minutes to 125 minutes. However, the ACT still has less time per question compared to the SAT.
The overall studying of the ACT has not drastically changed as students planning to take the ACT still have to prepare with good time management in mind in order to complete the test with accuracy. However, the difficulty of the questions may increase, causing more studying for certain questions.