The ACT goes online (and shortens)

Just like the SAT did last year, the ACT is making changes for 2025. The test will be online (if you choose) and shorter in length (and possibly subjects)

Beginning in April of 2025, students will have the option to take the ACT online: they’re not taking away the paper tests, just adding the availability of online testing for those who prefer it.

In addition, the ACT is making the following changes to their sections (effective April for online testing and September for paper testing):

• English

  • New: 50 questions, 35 minutes

  • Old: 75 questions, 45 minutes

• Mathematics

  • New: 45 questions, 50 minutes

  • Old: 60 questions, 60 minutes

• Reading

  • New: 36 questions, 40 minutes

  • Old: 40 questions, 40 minutes

• Science

  • OPTIONAL - still 40 questions, 40 minutes

Scores will still range from 0-36, and the composite score will average the four (or three) subscores.

HOWEVER, as much as the ACT is changing (the option for online testing and making the Science section), it is NOT changing its content like the SAT did in 2024. The ACT will still use the same types of questions it has for the past few years and is not attempting to become adaptive (which the SAT sort of did).