Heads Up: Big Changes Are Coming to the ACT in 2025!
If you’re planning to take the ACT, you might want to know about some major changes starting in September 2025 for international students. ACT is going digital! You’ll have the option to take the test on a computer (at a test center) instead of the classic paper version, which isn’t too surprising since the SAT went digital in 2023. But don’t worry—the ACT’s digital version is different from the SAT’s.
Here’s what you should know:
New Format, Fewer Questions
The digital ACT will have fewer questions—171 instead of the usual 215—which means you’ll get a bit more time per question. It’s all about making the test feel a bit less like a marathon. And don’t panic: the test itself isn’t getting harder, just shorter.
Mistakes Will Hit Harder
With fewer questions, each one counts more, so mistakes might have a bigger impact. But there’s also the potential for higher scores if you prepare carefully.
Science Section Becomes Optional
This might be the biggest change: the science section will be optional. If you don’t want to take it, it won’t count toward your overall score. This is good news for people who aren’t huge fans of science. But if you do want to show off your science skills, you can still opt in.
No Adaptive Testing
Unlike the SAT, which now changes question difficulty based on your answers (adaptive testing), the ACT’s digital test will stay fixed in difficulty. So, if you’re used to traditional paper tests, this might feel more familiar.
Built-In Tools for Accessibility
The digital format has some cool features that might make testing a bit easier. You can adjust the font size, highlight text, and even use a “line reader” to help keep your place. There’s also an online calculator. These are designed to make the test more accessible for everyone.
Digital and Paper Scores Are the Same
Whether you choose digital or paper, ACT says the scoring will be consistent. Both versions should also give you similar feedback about your strengths and areas to improve.
Practice Resources Coming Soon
The ACT will release new digital practice resources early in 2025, so you can get used to the online version before test day. If you’re taking the test soon and want to avoid last-minute changes, you might want to stick with the traditional paper test until you’re ready to make the switch.
Choose What Works for You
You’ll still be able to choose between digital and paper formats, so if you’re not into computer-based tests, don’t worry! Just make sure you sign up for the one you’re most comfortable with. There’s no price difference, either.
The big takeaway? The ACT is trying to make the test more manageable and flexible for you. So, start thinking about which format might suit you best and keep an eye out for practice resources early next year!