Just as your college-bound students are navigating major academic transitions, the ACT has implemented significant structural changes. In response to feedback about test length and student discomfort with the Science section, the Enhanced ACT—launched online in April 2025 and applying to paper tests this September—makes the Science section optional.
This change presents new considerations for how schools counsel students and evaluate college readiness. Understanding the scoring implications helps educators guide strategic decision-making.
New Scoring Structure
Composite Score Calculation: The Enhanced ACT composite score (1-36) is calculated as a rounded average of English, Math, and Reading section scores only.
Optional Sections: When students opt into the Science section, that score appears separately and has no bearing on their composite score. Science scores cannot be cancelled independently—students must cancel the entire score report.
Similarly, the optional Writing (Essay) section receives a separate score with no composite impact.
Superscoring Changes: Students can superscore between Enhanced ACT and ACT Classic tests. However, Enhanced ACT superscores after September 2025 will only include English, Reading, and Math sections.
Impact on Student Performance Profiles
This three-section composite significantly shifts how student strengths are represented. With two language arts subjects forming the majority of the composite, students with stronger English and Reading performance will see these skills more prominently reflected than before. Students who traditionally excel in Math and Science may need to strategically opt into the Science section to demonstrate STEM readiness to universities.
Counseling Students on Science Section Decisions
Students should consider taking the Science section when they:
- Plan to pursue STEM fields (ACT’s recommendation)
- Demonstrate strong performance on Science practice tests
- Want to showcase analytical skills with scientific data and graphics
- Have adequate preparation time without compromising core section performance
Consider advising against the Science section when students:
- Face limited preparation time
- Need to focus energy on raising English, Math, and Reading scores
- Haven’t had opportunity to develop data interpretation strategies
Remember: The Science section assesses how students work with scientific data, graphics, and experimental conclusions—not science content knowledge.
College Admission Requirements
Currently, few schools have clarified their Enhanced ACT Science policies. Schools should:
- Monitor admission requirements for students’ target colleges
- Bookmark and regularly check admissions pages for updates
- Consider advising students to take the Science section at least once as a precautionary measure
- Help students develop mixed testing strategies if taking multiple ACTs
Strategic Priorities for Schools
Since college policies remain unclear, some students may choose to take the Science section for safety. However, focusing on English, Math, and Reading skills remains the top priority. When preparation time is limited or students need significant score improvements, concentrating energy on the three composite sections often proves more beneficial than pursuing a high Science score alongside a lower overall composite.
The decision to include the Science section should align with each student’s academic strengths, college goals, planned test dates, and target institutions. Schools can support students by providing clear information about these changes and helping them research specific college requirements.
Academic Approach continues monitoring college admission policy updates and offers specialized preparation for schools implementing Enhanced ACT strategies.
