Today, I learned directly from the ACT organization about their upcoming changes. I am excited about the impact of ACT's new blueprint on all the stakeholders.
Over 300 questions were asked by those who were in attendance, including questions regarding the reduction of answer choices, the integration of superscoring, whether updated practice materials will be available for students opting for paper-and-pencil formats, responses from colleges regarding the optional Science section, new ACT combo reports, and much more.
The good news is that the current materials reflect the same content as the enhanced blueprint, making them relevant for future preparation. Updated paper-and-pencil materials will be rolled out in late summer 2024, but the core content remains consistent. Starting in April, June, and July 2025, students will see these new updates implemented on test day.
The ACT® test will undergo major changes starting in April 2025. These enhancements will reduce test anxiety, offer students greater flexibility, and provide a more focused assessment experience. Here are a few highlights from today's webinar and how the new blueprint will impact students, educators, and families.
Key Changes to the ACT Test
Shorter Test, More Focus
The ACT will reduce the total number of questions by 44 across the English, Math, and Reading sections.
Students will now have more time per item, gaining an additional 10 seconds per question.
The testing time will decrease from three to just over two hours.
Optional Science Section
Students can choose to include or exclude the Science section, providing flexibility for those who may not need it for their college or career plans.
STEM-focused students can still take the Science section to showcase their strengths in this area.
New Composite Score
Starting September 2025, all testers will receive a restructured ACT Composite score based on English, Math, and Reading.
Additional sub-composites:
STEM Score: A combination of Science and Math.
ELA Score: An average of English, Reading, and Writing.
Online and Paper Options
National Test Dates will now include an online testing option starting April 2025.
Students taking the test online can complete English, Math, and Reading in one day, while Science and Writing can be taken separately during the testing window. Paper test-takers will follow a more traditional format, with the option to spread testing over two days.
Updated Content and Practices
English: Shorter passages and stems will be introduced, with new argumentative essay options.
Math: The number of answer choices will be reduced from five to four, simplifying the decision-making process for students.
These changes reflect ACT's commitment to responding to feedback from learners, educators, and higher education institutions. The updates aim to reduce test anxiety, enhance the quality of the assessment, and align better with students' needs.
Field Test Items Removed: The fifth section, previously used for field test items, has been eliminated for National Test Dates.
Faster Scoring: 80% of students receive scores within 10 business days.
Practice Materials: Updated resources are available online to help students prepare for these changes.
Implementation Timeline
Upcoming February 2025: States will decide whether to include the Science section on their state assessments.
April 2025: First National Online Testing with the option to include or exclude Science.
September 2025: All testers will receive the new composite score structure.
Spring 2026: Updated forms will roll out for ACT District and School Day Testing.
What Stays the Same
The paper testing option will remain available for students who prefer traditional formats.
Writing will continue to be optional, with updated prompts to reflect argumentative writing skills.
Final Thoughts
As these changes roll out, students, parents, counselors, and teachers will benefit from greater flexibility, reduced testing time, and enhanced scoring options. However, standardized testing will always remain a source of stress for students, no matter what. If you are concerned about which tests to take and when, please know that Williams Educational Consultants is here to plan and support your student throughout this decision. Helping You Choose Wisely, Always!
For more details and resources, visit the ACT's official website and start preparing for the future of college admissions testing.
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