Enhanced ACT
The new ACT (called the Enhanced ACT) was released for national testers in April 2025, with the previous version of the test (called the Classic ACT) slowly being phased out throughout Fall 2025. Schools will be able to administer the Enhanced ACT beginning in Spring 2026.
The ACT is Changing in 2025:Here’s What You Need to Know
As schools shift to ACT Enhanced, key changes may affect student performance and preparation.The test will feature fewer questions, more time per question, and reduced answer choices in Math, along with an “optional” Science section
(Illinois will still require for accountability).
What’s Changing on the ACT?
✅ A Shorter Test Length
44 fewer questions; 10 minutes less total testing time
✅ More Time per Question
19% more time per question overall
✅ Fewer Math Answer Choices
Four answer choices (was five)
✅ More English Context
English items will all feature question stems
✅ “Optional” Science Section
Illinois will continue requiring the science section for accountability purposes
✅ Adjusted Composite Score
– Composite score will still be 1-36, but will only include English, Mathematics, and Reading.
– Optional Science and Writing section scores will be reported separately.
What's Staying the Same?
✅ No Significant Change in Skills
– ACT claims the content is 95% unchanged
– CurrentACT test prep materials are still valuable
– Slight changes to the frequency with which certain types of questions appear
Although students have more time per question, the pace remains demanding, still requiring them to work efficiently. Additionally, with fewer total questions, each response carries more weight, leading to greater score fluctuations, particularly in Reading, where the standard error is high (+/- 2.7 points).
It’s essential to prepare students for this variability to prevent discouragement.
Academic Approach’s Recommendations for Schools:
Continue to Emphasize Foundational Skills:
Mastery of fundamental rhetoric, math, reading, and data analysis remains essential for success.
Coach Students on Variability:
Help students understand that score fluctuations are expected and not necessarily reflective of true ability.
Adapt Test-Taking Strategies:
With more time per question, students should focus on pacing and accuracy rather than just speed.
Unsure how to support your students through the ACT transition?
Schedule a free consultation with our School Programs team to explore customized solutions for your school.
How Academic Approach Equips Your Students for ACT Success
Customized Testing Pathways
We’ll help you decide which test to take and when.
Digital ACT Readiness
Students get hands-on experience with the digital ACT format, ensuring they’re confident and prepared on test day.
Measurable Score Gains
Partner schools have reported score improvements of several points, with many students achieving 5+ point gains.
Download Our Free Enhanced ACT eBook
What's Inside:
- Key Changes for Schools - How the Enhanced ACT affects student testing and accountability requirements
- Preparation Strategies - Expert recommendations for adapting curriculum and test-taking approaches
- Complete Testing Timeline - When Enhanced ACT becomes available for school day testing
- Student Impact Analysis - What educators need to know about score variability and performance changes
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