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Why Is the ACT Test Changing?
The ACT amendments for the following year maintain the test pertinent in a changing education environment. Reasons for these updates include:- Modernisation: Switching from a traditional paper-based system to a wholly computer-based one.
- Improved Accessibility: The electronic medium is more convenient than a physical one, and more students, especially international students with disabilities, can request accommodations and access them promptly. Accommodations.
- Alignment with College Readiness: The changes are designed to more effectively evaluate abilities essential to do well in college and life.
- Competition with the SAT: With the change of the SAT to the digital format, the ACT updates seek to place it on the same podium as its rival.
How Is the ACT Exam Changing in 2025?
The ACT 2025 updates bring several significant changes to the test:
1. Transition to a Digital Format
- The ACT will become entirely computer-based, with the student completing the test on a computer, laptop or tablet device.
- Hearing, print and video communications, and hardcopies will be other methods when electronic media is unavailable.
2. Timing Adjustments
- Shorter Test Duration: To reduce patients’ distraction and fatigue, the length of the examination might be slightly shortened.
- Streamlined Breaks: If extra time is needed, breaks will be shifted to achieve a better testing environment.
3. Section Updates
- Science Section: Instead of simply labelling this section as an overview, understanding of and ability to apply the findings will be central to the content.
- Reading and Writing Integration: It is possible to have a single module for the reading and writing section to evaluate communication abilities effectively.
4. Adaptive Testing
- The ACT could implement an adaptive testing system that will give a set of questions that change depending on the responses by students.
What Will Stay the Same?
Despite the updates, several core aspects of the ACT will remain unchanged to maintain familiarity for students:
Scoring System: The ACT will nonetheless employ the composite score of between 1 and 36.
Core Content Areas: The test will still cover English, Mathematics, Reading, Science, and the optional writing section.
College Acceptance: In truth, the ACT remains one of the most recognised tests by colleges and universities around the globe.
- Preparation Tools: Current preparatory resources and approaches will remain relevant but more than just physical.
How Will the New ACT Compare to the Digital SAT?
The ACT 2025 changes bring it closer to the digital SAT in terms of format, but critical distinctions remain:
Format | Digital ACT will be available first and will be joined by paper starting in April 2025 | Now, the SAT is utterly digital, and starting in 2023, the test is administered on the computer. |
Adaptive Testing | In a computerised version of the ACT, the ACT will use the adaptive testing model, in which questions depend on the student’s previous responses. | The SAT testing method is multistage adaptive, which can adjust depending on the student’s performance. |
Science Section | The option for choice in the test structure means that the Science section of the test will be made optional. | The SAT has no Science section as a part of its structure. |
Test Duration | The test duration will be less than two hours, requiring more time per question. | The SAT was made to take only two hours and fourteen minutes, with more time given to each question. |
The ACT’s decision to retain the science section distinguishes it as the test of choice for STEM-focused students.
ACT Test Changes Timeline
Milestone | Date |
---|---|
Announcement of Changes | Early 2024 |
Pilot Testing of Digital ACT | Mid to Late 2024 |
Full Implementation | Early 2025 |
Updated Prep Materials Released | Late 2024 |
- Announcement of Changes: Later that same year, in July of 2024, ACT, Inc. revealed proposed changes to the ACT slated for implementation in the subsequent future of testing, such as increased brevity of the test, as well as the possibility of taking the test without having to write the Science portion of the test.
- Pilot Testing of Digital ACT: ACT piloted the new structure and digital format from mid to late 2024 to address identified technical concerns.
- Full Implementation of New Format: Students who take the ACT through the Internet starting April 2025 will be subjected to a new system that will reduce the test period and add versatility to the exam. Every student who sits exams on a Saturday will face these enhancements by September 2025.
- Updated Prep Materials Released: By early 2025, ACT will release new test preparatory materials, including a full-length practice test meant to prepare students for the new test impacts.
Should I Still Prepare for the ACT Science Section?
The science section in the ACT will require skills such as analysis, critical thinking, and reasoning. The competencies that students need for this section will lead to attributes that will be useful in STEM careers.
How to Prepare for the ACT Exam 2025?
In preparing for the updated ACT format for 2025, one has to accept one more change: preparation for the ACT online version. Here are some tips:
- Practice with Digital Tools: Getting acquainted with different kinds of test delivery platforms for other forms of digital testing is recommended.
- Focus on Core Skills: Enhance student’s reading, writing, calculation, solving, and scientific thinking abilities.
- Take Practice Tests: Regarding assessment, apply new tests, mimic digital delivery, and utilise adaptive testing.
- Seek Expert Guidance: Look for preparatory programs that prepare the students for the changes made to the ACT 2025.
FAQs on ACT Test Changes 2025
1. Is the ACT Test Changing?
Yes, the ACT is moving to an all-digital assessment in 2025 with changes to section content and time.
2. What Are the Changes to the ACT 2025?
Some considerations for a critical update are A digital format, adaptive testing, joint reading & writing sections, and a shorter test time.
4. Has the Format of the ACT Changed?
However, the ACT format will go fully digital and include, for instance, adaptive testing, but sections will still be maintained.
5. Should I Still Prepare for the ACT Science Section?
Absolutely. The science section will still be a part of the test; therefore, data analysis and decision-making will be central to it.
At Rostrum Education, we assist students individually to make them understand the changes the ACT made in 2025. Therefore, our expert tutors provide teaching methods for the revised exam format accompanied by online sample tests and comprehensive feedback. Send us a message today and become on your way to the ACT preparation program!
Author
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Yatharth is the co-founder of Rostrum education. He pursued a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Mathematics and Statistics from London School of Economics and Political Science. He has worked with leading educational consultancies in the UK to tutor students and assist them in university admissions.
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