Understanding the Enhanced ACT
The updated ACT is here—shorter, more flexible, with an optional Science section
What is the Enhanced ACT?
The Enhanced ACT launched in April 2025 and represents the most significant update to the ACT in years. The test is now shorter (125 minutes vs. 175 minutes), has fewer questions (131 vs. 215), and gives students 18% more time per question. Most notably, the Science section is now optional.
Key Changes at a Glance
- 131 questions instead of 215 (44 fewer questions in core test; 84 fewer if comparing core-only to legacy with Science)
- 125 minutes instead of 175 minutes (50 minutes shorter without Science)
- ~57 seconds per question vs. ~49 seconds (18% more time overall; varies by section)
- Science section is now optional
- Composite score based on 3 sections (English, Math, Reading) instead of 4
- Math has 4 answer choices instead of 5
Bottom Line: The Enhanced ACT isn't easier—it's more manageable. Same content difficulty, better pacing, and strategic flexibility with Science.
Legacy ACT vs. Enhanced ACT
| Section | Legacy ACT | Enhanced ACT | Key Changes |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 75 questions, 45 minutes | 50 questions, 35 minutes | Slightly less time per question. Content unchanged. |
| Math | 60 questions, 60 minutes 5 answer choices (A-E) |
45 questions, 50 minutes 4 answer choices (A-D) |
Reduced to 4 answer choices. Content coverage unchanged. |
| Reading | 40 questions, 35 minutes | 36 questions, 40 minutes | More time per question. Passage types unchanged. |
| Science | 40 questions, 35 minutes (Required) |
40 questions, 40 minutes (Optional) |
Now optional. 5 more minutes if taken. Content unchanged. |
| Total Time | 175 minutes (with Science) | 125 minutes (core) 165 minutes (with Science) |
50 minutes shorter without Science |
| Total Questions | 215 questions | 131 questions (core) 171 questions (with Science) |
44-84 fewer questions |
| Composite Score | Average of 4 sections (English, Math, Reading, Science) |
Average of 3 sections (English, Math, Reading) |
Science NOT included in Composite, even if taken |
| Score Reporting | 4 section scores + Composite | With Science: 4 section scores + STEM score + Composite Without Science: 3 section scores + Composite |
STEM score = (Math + Science) ÷ 2 |
Superscoring: You can superscore across any ACT test dates—legacy or Enhanced. Many colleges accept superscores combining your highest English, Math, and Reading from different tests. Verify each school's superscore policy, as requirements vary.
Should You Take the Science Section?
This is the biggest strategic decision with the Enhanced ACT.
Take Science If:
- Applying to STEM programs (engineering, pre-med, computer science, biology, chemistry, physics)
- Science is a strength—you consistently score well on practice sections
- Target schools require or recommend it
- Want a STEM score for STEM-focused scholarships and programs
- Building a STEM profile—Science score reinforces your credentials
Skip Science If:
- Humanities/arts focus (English, history, arts, social sciences, non-quantitative business)
- Science is your weakest section—don't give colleges a weak data point
- Struggle with time management—shorter test = less fatigue = better performance
- All target schools are test-optional or don't require Science
- Already submitting SAT (which has no Science section)
Strategy Tip
Take a diagnostic practice test with Science and without Science. Compare your performance. If Science significantly lowers your overall confidence or energy level, consider skipping it—especially if your target schools don't require it.
Ready to Master the Enhanced ACT?
Our Enhanced ACT prep program is fully updated for the 2025 format. We'll help you navigate the new structure, make strategic decisions about the Science section, and achieve your target score efficiently. Our program includes full-length practice tests in Enhanced ACT format (both with and without Science), strategic guidance on the Science section decision, timing drills optimized for the new structure, math strategies for 4-choice questions, approaches for shorter Reading passages, and comprehensive review of all content areas.
Inquire NowFrequently Asked Questions
No. The Enhanced ACT and legacy ACT are considered equivalent by colleges. Your scores are valued the same regardless of which version you took.
Legacy ACT scores remain fully valid. Colleges accept scores from both versions, and most superscore across versions.
Not easier, but more manageable. You have fewer questions and more time per question, which can reduce careless errors. However, content difficulty remains the same.
The Enhanced ACT maintains the same academic rigor—you just have better pacing and less mental fatigue.
Partially. The content and question types are the same, but the number of questions, timing, and structure have changed.
You can use old materials for content review, but you'll need updated materials for accurate practice test simulation and timing strategies.
Check each school's specific requirements. Most schools that previously required the full ACT have clarified their policies for the Enhanced ACT. Many now accept scores with or without Science.
Visit admissions websites or contact offices directly. Note the difference between "required" and "recommended."
Only if you believe you can significantly improve your core section scores (English, Math, Reading).
The format change alone isn't a reason to retake if you're already at your target score. However, if you struggled with time management or Science dragged down your composite, the Enhanced ACT might work better for you.
April 2025: Enhanced ACT launched for national (Saturday) online/digital testing
September 2025: All national tests (Saturday, paper and digital) transitioned to Enhanced ACT
Spring 2026: School day testing (state and district) transitions to Enhanced ACT
If you're testing fall 2025 or beyond, you'll be taking the Enhanced ACT.
Yes. International testing transitioned to the Enhanced ACT in September 2025. All international ACT testing is digital/online only.
