What is the ACT?

The ACT is a standardized test used by colleges and universities across the United States to assess high school students' readiness for college-level work. It evaluates proficiency in English, mathematics, reading, and, optionally, science and writing.

In April 2025, the ACT introduced significant enhancements to better align with students' needs and the evolving educational landscape. These changes aim to provide greater flexibility, reduce testing time, and offer more personalized assessment options.

ACT 2025 Structure

The updated ACT consists of three core sections, with an optional Science section and an optional Writing test. The total exam duration has been reduced from the previous 3 hours to approximately 2 hours and 5 minutes for the core sections, offering a more streamlined testing experience.

The sections are:

English: 50 questions, 35 minutes
Mathematics: 45 questions, 50 minutes
Reading: 36 questions, 40 minutes
Science (Optional): 40 questions, 40 minutes
Writing (Optional): 1 essay, 40 minutes

Test-takers can choose to take the ACT with or without the Science and Writing sections, allowing for greater flexibility based on individual strengths and college requirements.

ACT Section Breakdown

The table below outlines the structure of the ACT 2025, including time limits, number of questions, and optional components:

Section	Time Limit	Number of Questions	Optional
English	35 minutes	50	No
Mathematics	50 minutes	45	No
Reading	40 minutes	36	No
Science	40 minutes	40	Yes
Writing	40 minutes	1 essay	Yes

Note: The Science section is now optional, providing students the choice to include it based on their intended college programs and career paths.

ACT Scoring Breakdown

The Composite ACT Score is calculated based on the three core sections: English, Mathematics, and Reading. If a student opts to take the Science section, the score for this section is reported separately.

Score Component	Score Range	Impact on Composite Score
Composite Score	1 – 36	Average of core sections
English	1 – 36	Contributes to Composite
Mathematics	1 – 36	Contributes to Composite
Reading	1 – 36	Contributes to Composite
Science	1 – 36	Reported separately
Writing	2 – 12	Reported separately

Highest ACT Score

The highest possible ACT Composite score is 36. Competitive colleges and universities often look for scores in the 28+ range, with top-tier institutions expecting scores of 32 or higher.

Key Changes in the ACT 2025

Reduced Exam Time: The test now takes approximately 2 hours and 5 minutes for the core sections, down from the previous 3 hours.
Optional Science Section: Students can choose whether to include the Science section, allowing for a more tailored testing experience.
Scoring Adjustments: The Composite score now focuses on the core sections (English, Mathematics, and Reading), with the Science score reported separately.
More Time Per Question: The updated format provides students with more time to respond to each question, reducing test fatigue and enhancing performance.

How to Register for the ACT

To register for the ACT, visit the official ACT registration page. The ACT is available at approved test centers nationwide, with options for both online and paper-based testing.

Prepare for the ACT with Practice Questions

Achieving a high score on the ACT 2025 requires effective preparation and familiarity with the new exam format. Start practicing today with our comprehensive ACT question bank.