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.
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:
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.
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.
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 |
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.
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.
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.
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