For students preparing for the ACT in 2025, big changes are on the horizon! The test is becoming shorter, more flexible, and slightly easier to manage—but what does that mean for your college admissions strategy? If you’re in the Malvern or Philadelphia, PA area, INTO PREP is here to help you navigate these changes and maximize your ACT score!
What’s Staying the Same?
✅ Scoring: The ACT will still be graded on a 1-36 scale.
✅ Validity of Past Scores: If you took the ACT before 2025, your score remains valid.
✅ Writing Section: The optional essay is still available, though most colleges do not require it.
✅ Test Content: The ACT will continue to assess English, Math, Reading, and Science, but with a revised format.
What’s Changing?
A Shorter, More Manageable Test
The test is being shortened by 70 minutes, reducing the total number of questions from 215 to 171.
Students will have more time per question, making the test feel less rushed.
The Math section will now provide four answer choices instead of five, slightly increasing the chance of selecting the correct answer.
The Science Section is Becoming Optional
Paper test takers still need to complete the Science section.
Online test takers (April, June, and July 2025) can choose to skip Science.
By September 2025, both online and paper test takers will have the option to opt out of Science.
More Flexibility in Test Format
Students can now take the ACT online or on paper.
Online testing must still be done at an official ACT test center—it cannot be taken at home.
What This Means for College Admissions
While some colleges have test-optional policies, a strong ACT score can still boost your application, especially if your GPA isn’t as high as you’d like. Superscoring remains in place, so colleges can consider your highest section scores from multiple test dates.
Important Dates to Remember:
April 2025 – New format launches, and online testers can skip Science.
September 2025 – Science section becomes optional for all test takers.
Spring 2026 – New format applies to school-day ACT testing.
How INTO PREP Can Help You Ace the ACT
At INTO PREP, we specialize in SAT and ACT test prep for students in Malvern and Philadelphia, PA. With proven strategies, expert instructors, and personalized study plans, we’ll help you easily adapt to the new ACT format and maximize your score!
Contact us today to learn how we can help you succeed on the ACT in 2025 and beyond!