In a significant shift aimed at increasing flexibility and accessibility, the ACT has announced several major changes set to take effect in the spring of 2025.
Here’s what you need to know about these upcoming changes on digital versions only:
The Science section will be optional.
Shorter Passages
Fewer Questions
Shorter Window for Testing
More Time Per Question
Composite Score Changes
The ACT, a cornerstone of college admissions in the United States, is evolving to meet modern educational needs. Responding to College Board’s digital SAT, the ACT has also gone digital. This strategic move aims to enhance the test-taking experience and potentially shorten the testing time. For now, these changes apply solely to the digital version, while the traditional paper test remains the same. Testers should know that the composite score will now become the average of Math, Reading and English. These sections will continue to be scored from 1-36.
ACT's announcement does not clarify if these changes might eventually apply to the paper test, nor does it provide insight into how colleges are reacting to the new digital version. This leaves applicants with uncertainties regarding the future format of the ACT and the potential implications for college admissions.
Despite these uncertainties, Williams Educational recommends staying the path and planning accordingly, regardless of this new update. This approach ensures that students remain prepared and adaptable to any future changes in the testing landscape.
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