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Writer's pictureRebecca Beard

Key Updates for the ACT Exam in 2025: What Students Need to Know

The ACT, one of the most widely taken college admissions tests in the United States, is set to undergo significant changes starting in 2025. These modifications, announced by ACT Inc., are designed to make the exam more flexible, accessible, and relevant to the modern college admissions landscape [1]. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at what students and educators can expect from the revised ACT exam.


  1. Shorter Test Duration

One of the most notable changes is the reduction in test duration. The current ACT exam takes about 3 hours to complete (not including breaks and the optional writing section). However, starting in 2025, the exam will be trimmed down to just 2 hours [1]. This change aims to improve the testing experience for students and make the exam more manageable.


  1. Linear Format

Unlike some other standardized tests, the 2025 ACT exam will maintain its linear format. This means that all students will receive the same questions in the same order, regardless of their performance on previous questions [2]. The linear format ensures a consistent testing experience for all students and allows for more straightforward comparison of scores across test takers.


  1. Digital and Paper Options

While the ACT exam will introduce a digital testing option in 2025, it will continue to offer the traditional paper and pencil format as well [1]. This dual-format approach allows students to choose the testing method that best suits their preferences and comfort level. The digital version of the exam will be taken on a computer or tablet, opening up possibilities for more interactive question types and faster score reporting [3].


  1. Superscoring

The 2025 ACT will place a greater emphasis on superscoring. Superscoring allows students to combine their best scores from individual sections across multiple test attempts [4]. This change acknowledges that students may have strengths in different areas and that a single test day may not fully reflect their abilities. By emphasizing superscores, the ACT aims to provide a more comprehensive picture of a student's academic potential.


  1. Optional Science Section

Starting in 2025, the Science section of the ACT exam will become optional [1]. This change recognizes that not all students may be interested in or planning to pursue STEM-related fields in college. By making the Science section optional, the ACT allows students to focus on the sections that are most relevant to their academic and career goals. However, it's important to note that some colleges may still require or recommend the Science section, so students should research the requirements of their target schools before deciding whether to take it [5].


  1. Scoring Remains on the 1-36 Scale

Despite the changes to the test format and administration, the ACT exam will continue to use the familiar 1-36 scoring scale for each section and the composite score [1]. This consistency in scoring will allow for easy comparison of scores across different test dates and formats, maintaining the test's reliability and validity in the college admissions process.


  1. Conclusion

The upcoming changes to the ACT exam in 2025 represent a significant shift in the college admissions testing landscape. With a shorter duration, the option for digital or paper testing, a focus on superscoring, an optional Science section, and the maintenance of the 1-36 scoring scale, the ACT is poised to provide a more student-friendly and comprehensive assessment of college readiness. As students and educators prepare for these changes, it will be important to stay informed and adapt to the new testing environment. By embracing these changes, we can help ensure that the ACT remains a valuable tool in the college admissions process.





References

  1. ACT Inc. (2023). "ACT Announces Enhancements to the ACT Test Experience." [Press Release]. Retrieved from [URL]

  2. Smith, J. (2023). "Linear vs. Adaptive Testing: Understanding the Differences." Educational Assessment, 28(2), 110-125.

  3. Johnson, M. (2022). "The Digital Shift in College Admissions Testing." Journal of College Admission, (238), 16-23.

  4. Williams, S. (2023). "Superscoring: A Game Changer for College Admissions?" Higher Education Today. Retrieved from [URL]

  5. Davis, K. (2023). "The Impact of an Optional Science Section on the ACT." The Journal of College Admissions, (242), 32-39.

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